Project Description
Interview with
SLEEPY TOM
by Vicky Hebbs
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Emerging on the dance circuit in 2013, Sleepy Tom rose to prominence with
anthems on the likes of Fools Gold and Mad Decent. Having broken the crowded
EDM scene, Sleepy Tom sets to dip into the pool of pop. With a fresh new sound, he
releases Move feat. Sophia Black from his forthcoming EP The Times.
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How did you first get into music? When did it become a serious concern?
I started playing guitar when I was around 10 and began writing songs shortly after. Spent most of high school playing in bands—highlights included attempting to cover Iron Maiden and Metallica. Near the end of high school I got into electronic music and was making very, very rough tracks on GarageBand and Reason.
I then started to grasp the cultures of remixes around university time which I really fell in love with. I think it was a natural progression for me, from listening to Radiohead early in high school, to then getting into dance music.
What kind of music did you grow up on? What artists inspired you and which do you still look to now for ideas?
I enjoyed listening to a lot of groups like Justice, MSTRKRFT, & Crystal Castles and Radiohead had a massive influence on me and my music going forward. There’s so many that inspire me nowadays, but people like Mark Ronson, Tame Impala, Neon Indian have been inspirational lately!
Can you share the origins or inspiration for your new EP, The Times?
Well I’ve been locked up in my studio for the last year or so. Been working with close friends and picking up the guitar again. I think it was more inspired by what I’ve listened to in the last few years— like those mentioned above. It’ll feature a few great artists which I won’t name quite yet. Hopefully it will show a wide range of what I can do as a producer and songwriter!
The new single, Move ft. Sophia Black, is super infectious. What was it like to make the track with Sophia?
I started it with my friend Parker Bossley, and worked on it for a couple months before sending it to Sophia. She’s based in LA, so we worked on it over email. She flipped the lyrics around to make it her own and really brought a uniqueness to it that I loved and respected. Very happy with the finished product on this one and it was awesome to have Sophia involved.
I love the saxophone on the track! How do you navigate blending genres and sounds to inevitably produce a tight dance track?
Thanks! I brought in this killer Saxophone player, Steve Hilliam, who did a solo on the break.
I think, as a producer, you’re always trying to get the most out of each song. Every song can be produced to sound unique or trendy or indie or pop etc. — but it’s important to me for a song to have a lush soundscape and for the drums to punch. I think it’s more exciting to push songs into an undefined genre, but it’s not an intentional choice.
How will this EP be a move away from some of the other music you have produced in the past?
The production on this one is definitely a better fit for pop music. Moving away from the club tracks has allowed me to enjoy collaborating with different artists and friends, regardless of if it’s fit for my project or theirs. I got a bit tired of just making music tailored for the club. That being said, now that I’ve had time away from that I’m itching to make dance music again!
Your tune with Diplo, Be Right There, was a huge success a few years ago. What impact did the success of that track have on your career as a music producer?
Yeah it grew to be quite successful, which I’m very thankful for. I don’t think I knew how to wrangle all of the opportunities that were coming my way, but I’m confident I could handle it better now.
It’s given me the luxury of time, to work on lots of music and get better as a producer.
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If someone had never listened to Sleepy Tom before, what song of yours would you recommend if they could only listen to one?
“Pusher”with Anna Lunoe. That song was a turning point for me and is probably still my favorite.
What dance music did you listen to growing up?
Not much until the end of high school really. But then it was Justice, MSTRKRFT, Crystal Castles, Boys Noize.
How has your music taste or listening habits changed since then?
I’m much more open to all types of music now. I think I’ve always enjoyed a wide range of music, but I’m less closed off and opinionated now. I think Spotify has helped too. Their algorithm worked!
What’s next for you? Will you be touring the new EP?
I think a little bit. Nothing planned yet, but I’m dying to get back to touring. For now I’m just working on the next one and doing studio upgrades.
What do you like to do when you are not touring or recording music?
I enjoy keeping fit, swimming etc. I also enjoy cooking new meals too and keeping track of the NBA season. Right now I’m spending a lot of time Craigslist shopping for new gear.
If you could pick absolutely anyone to bring on tour with you, whom would you pick and why? (Dead or Alive)
My girlfriend… I know that’s corny but she’s the best and a very fun person to travel with—considering touring is 75% being on planes and in transit.. she makes that bearable.
What are your major goals or milestones for the future?
I want to record an album in the next year or 2! There’s some more work to be done before then, but I’ve always wanted to. I think play on every continent?? Except maybe Antarctica..
Open a cafe/restaurant. Build a big studio!
Finally, this is a paragraph dedicated to some quick discovery. Really corny, but for the fans, can you tell me your favorite album, artist, movie, place, drink, meal and person (living or dead) and some brief reasons why? Answer some or all please?
Album – In Rainbows-Radiohead — I think this came out at the perfect time for me to be able to grasp it and have the time to fully immerse myself in it. It definitely shaped my musical taste and productions.
Artist – Vince Staples— love how smart and outspoken he is. Big Fish Theory is in my top albums of all time I think. But he’s just so dope.
Movie – Lucky Number Slevin— look it up. It’s not a masterpiece but has something special about it to me.
Place – London UK— I think I’d like to live there one day, even though I got robbed last time I was there.
Drink – Most Gin Cocktails— Gimlets, white lady, gin margarita?? Whatever man it’s good
Meal – Coconut Curry— my mom cooked a lot of veggie curries growing up so I think it’s a comfort food for me.
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