Tommy Four Seven will play two dates in Australia this month.
Since he first emerged in the late '00s, Tommy Four Seven has struck up a firm partnership with Frankfurt techno institution CLR. His DJ sets largely reflect the kind of the steely and relentless productions both he and CLR are responsible for, so Australian audiences will likely see the young producer trade in the same tough and rugged sound he takes to clubs like Berghain, Cocoon and Ministry Of Sound.
Just two dates have been locked in, the first of which will take place in Melbourne on September 16th at Brown Alley courtesy of Smalltown. From there, he'll head north for a slot at the Defqon. 1 Festival in Western Sydney, where he's the sole international techno act amongst a lineup of hardcore and gabber names.
We caught up with Tommy Four Seven to chat about his recent tour, Berlin and modular synths.You've been touring a lot since you released your album in March. Have any gigs stood out in particular?
Yes, it's been pretty full on, and I've been playing many debuts. The start of the tour will always stand out—I played three countries in three days (the cities were LA, Montreal and Medellin) with just a couple of hours of sleep.
Do you see yourself getting to work on another album any time soon? What are your plans for the winter?
Primate was a huge learning curve, and I already hear so many holes, which makes my eager to write the second. I'm looking forward to the winter. It's such a great time to be locked in the studio. I have a few projects I'd like to tie up, which involve more than just myself, but no info to release as of yet.
When did you make the move to Berlin? Does the city still inspire you in the same way it did when you first arrived?
I moved to Berlin in January 2009. There's always a calm yet electric atmosphere, which I love. Over time, the city has brought new inspiration. Of course nothing will compare to the first 24 hours spent in Berghain, but I take inspirations from many other situations I find myself in and, of course, meeting new people.
Last time we spoke to you, you told us that you were thinking of buying some modular synths. Have there been any new additions to your studio?
No additions just yet, but something from Analogue Systems would be pretty tasty. I've been playing with my friend's System 3 and I really like the infinite range of sounds you're able to get out of it.
Are you working on any remixes at the moment?
I've just finished working on remixes for a new artist on Terence Fixmer's label Planet Rouge, and a also remix for Perc taken from his massive album, Wicker & Steel. They should be dropping in September or October.
Finally, could you please tell us how you built the kick on "Ratu"? Six months after its release, it's still a monster.
Thanks. The kick is simply a hell of a lot sounds stacked up and bastardised with FX.
Tickets to Tommy Four Seven's Melbourne appearance are available via RA Tickets.