As we all know, there really is no shortage of artists in the vast field of electronic music, especially in the German capitol of Techno that is Berlin. They come and go with trends and seasons, build their hypes, and eventually vanish into the social medial void our postmodern times have created. However, there are those ones which stand out, which stay stuck in the eyes and ears of the public, which play and produce themselves in the collective memory of our community. Tham is one of those. As resident and face of underground public favourites like SYNOID, Revier Südost, and Lebendig, in just a few years the young artist has proven that he’s one to stay, to watch and to listen to. Growing up on the dancefloors of Berlin – figuratively speaking – Tham’s artistic vision hails from and is always directed back to that very place which represents the crux of the matter of our entire subculture. His interpretation of Techno, his musical vision, lives on his drive to set people in motion. Pounding bass drums, complex grooves, and aggressive synth lines lashing through the crowd, taking their hypnotic effect. This is what Tham provides. Music ex machina, coming out of nowhere, binding the eyes, ears, and bodies of his audience to the floor, to the very present, sticking to their brains, billowing through their minds for hours, long after they’ve left the club.

The Berlin-raised DJ talks to 6AM and reflects on his journey from the city’s nightlife to becoming a techno artist, influenced by old-school trance, and his experiences as a SYNOID resident, with future aspirations of global tours and exciting upcoming projects.

 

Could you share with us how your journey into electronic music began? What sparked your interest in techno specifically

Growing up in Berlin I was guided by the cities nightlife, so naturally I started experiencing tons of events and partys and ended up in the famous techno scene here. Once there, I really wanted to be part of it and contribute. 

Who were the first artists that you were really into as a techno fan yourself?

In the first years getting into techno I really digged Truncate and his CLR podcast. Such a steady tunnel of a vibe - on a good soundsystem it felt like unstoppable music - I loved that. 

What would you say are your musical influences currently, and how do you incorporate these influences into your techno productions?

Nowadays I am very much influenced by oldschool trance and the modern interpretation of it. As I come from a more wave/ebm and industrial background it feels this sound can get really close to what I did before, but with much higher energy level! 
It feels like a great way to build a hybrid genre between my early work and the modern harder sound. And it’s amazing how much freedom we have right now music-wise to combine whole genres like that! 

At what point did you decide that DJing would be your life career? Was there a milestone moment when you thought, "this is it!"?

When I was 14 I knew I never wanted to be stuck in a normal 9 to 5 job. So I’d say I made it happen so far - not like I’m working less than in a normal office job, I think more likely it's the opposite. But I’m very happy with how it’s going! 

Coming up in a city like Berlin can be both a blessing and a curse, as competition in the city is fierce although the opportunities potentially plentiful compared to other cities and scenes. I often talk with many DJs who ponder about whether they should move to Berlin to pursue their career

 

Do you have any advice for anyone who may be considering this move, based on your experiences navigating the Berlin nightlife scene?

For sure the competition is bigger, but you have much more like-minded people around you as well. People who can inspire you, guide you and you can share your vision with yourself. Sharing your passion this way is a wonderful way of motivation. Furthermore you will have many more opportunities in big cities. So If you really want to be performing as artists It is very helpful to live in one of the bigger cities in Europe. 

Not necessarily Berlin, but I think you can find yourself in similar situations in Amsterdam, Paris, London or Madrid as well. But living in Berlin is also quite fun.

Being a SYNOID resident has, I believe, been an incredible highlight of your career. What does it mean to be a SYNOID resident to you and what would you say have been some highlights of your residency?

This was definitely a great early push in my career to make me play regularly, shape my sound and prove myself alongside big artists at that time - I’ll always be thankful for that for sure! 
My highlights were definitely all the long closing sets they allowed me to play and the all night longs on first of May! 

 

What are 3 things you learned as a DJ and industry member as a resident of an institution such as SYNOID?

As a DJ and producer, you've toured extensively around the globe. What are some memorable moments or experiences from your tours that have left a lasting impression on you?

There are definitely many memorable moments - but for me since I played for a while already in Georgia, the Tbilisi crowd is surprising me everytime again. Such energy and passion is rarely matched around the globe! Also for me with Khidi and Bassiani you find some of the best venues in the world in this small country - that is just amazing! 

Techno is constantly evolving. How do you stay innovative and relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape?

Many artists have a pre-show ritual or routine to get into the right headspace before performing. Do you have any rituals or practices that help you prepare for a live set?

Einstein said, Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So yeah, I think for me it’s important to stay always moving, evolving and ever-changing myself - I enjoy a broad spectrum of electronic music. Hard techno, trance, raw techno, House, Disco… So why would I not try to find my way thru all this. 

Before a show I’m usually quite chill by now, I stopped drinking alcohol - so maybe I’ll have a cig and let’s go. 

The underground techno scene has a strong sense of community. How important is it for you to connect with your fans and fellow artists, and what role do you see yourself playing in nurturing this community?

This is what a scene is made off in my opinion, I love to connect to the like-minded people I meet around the nightlife. How else would we share our passion, vision and fun nights? 

Freddy K once called himself a techno activist - I think that’s a great wording for someone who really gives a lot to contribute to the scene in many ways. As I organized events, I have a label, I produce music, I play music - so I’d see myself in a similar way. 

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future of your career in techno music? 

Keep going, as I love what I’m doing, I still want to be playing in 10-20 years all over the world!

Any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly excited about?

This year I became a resident DJ of the Georgian collective Innergated -  which makes me play in one of my favourite venues Khidi on a more regular basis - that’s something I’m really excited about, also I work on a huge release with them for the end of summer! 

Also I’m super excited to go back to China and Australia this year.

Are there any U.S. dates on the horizon for you?

Currently I’m working on the Visa application and can’t wait to get the opportunity to play in the US! That’s a big goal of mine and I’m very excited to make it work!  

 

Let's chat a little bit about your life outside of techno. What other hobbies or interests do you have?

As music is my full time job at this point to unwind I mostly go to treat myself with sports like Basketball and gym, where I also love to go to sauna. Also meeting friends and enjoying the Berlin lifestyle. 

 

What does a typical weekday look for you?

On a typical weekday I’d get up around 8, make coffee and walk our small dog Johnny. After that I’d start producing music and digging new tracks until 2PM, cook lunch and tidy up a bit. Maybe go back to work 1-2h and then going to the gym and meet some friends after to have maybe little afterwork drink or some nice food or just be at home with my girlfriend and Johnny to chill on couch. 

 

What is your favorite food? And do you cook yourself?

Hard to say as I like a lot of stuff - but I think my favourite is Hummus and yes, I do cook myself - Hummus is pretty easy to make also! 

 

What are three things you MUST bring with you every time you travel?

My laptop, phone and headphones! It’s quite tough to travel completely without the distractions these devices can give you.

 

Is there a specific country you hope to visit someday, whether via touring or otherwise?

Japan for touring and the countryside or Patagonia in Chile for vacation and enjoying the countryside! As I live in a big city I mostly crave calm and nature. 

 

How about a specific party, club or festival on your bucket list... is there a specific place you'd love to perform at some day?

This year I had the chance to play for Awakenings the first time and I hope very much to be back next year for that! Besides that, there are some really cool festivals I wanna play - especially Timewarp in Germany is one of them. With its whole history and great reputation for me it is one festival that stands out a lot!

Connect with THAM: Soundcloud | Instagram | Resident Advisor | Facebook