One Two Three It's Paul Thomas

Hello Paul, Thank you for taking time out to do this interview with us. It is a huge pleasure.

How are you doing, it was recently turkey day in the US what are you thankful for?

I’m thankful for being able to do something I truly enjoy as a job. Not many people get to travel the world and party for a living! It’s a privileged position to be in.

1.     This is a staple TIE question, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear South Africa?

I would have to say the World Cup, which probably sounds terrible when there are so many wonderful places in the country, but as I haven’t been yet I can’t picture any places! England were terrible in that world cup too, so it doesn’t bring back the best memories either! Haha

2.     We not sure if you are aware of this but there is a porn star, a cricketer, a figure skater and many other people with the name Paul Thomas do you think that this somewhat dilutes your brand, why did you choose to use your real name and not an alias?

Haha, yeah I did know that. There’s also a florist and a boxing referee. I’ve also encountered a commercial DJ here in the UK with the same name, which has been a little confusing! When I chose my DJ name, there wasn’t such an emphasis on brand culture like there is now – everything was just about the music. And also most DJs seemed to use their own name.

3.     Everyone all grow up with ideas of what we want to be when we older, Have you always wanted to be a DJ/ Producer and what was it about electronic music that attracted you to the scene?

Actually when I was a kid I wanted to be a footballer – except I was rubbish! Fascinating fact for you - I was with Rene Amesz in Russia recently, and he told me he used to play professional football in the top Dutch football league! How amazing is that! A professional footballer and DJ in the same life. Anyway, I got drawn in to electronic music by going to underground clubs in my hometown of Birmingham. I loved the fact I didn’t know any of the music that was being played, completely different to the commercial clubs I was used to going to, and I also liked the friendly culture that went with the scene. The more I went, the more I looked out the music that was being played until I started working in one of the record shops where I was searching for the music I loved.

4.     We read somewhere that if you weren’t in music you would be a chef, so what dish would you use to describe your sound?

Haha, what a difficult question! I couldn’t select one dish, I’d have to have around 10 different courses as my music has such a wide range – how’s that! :)

5.     The industry is very cut throat with new Djs and producers popping up like weeds. What are some of the challenges you faced in your career as an artist?

I think we are stuck in the biggest challenge right now as artists, as music has become so one dimensional and also quite regressive, that most labels and clubs only seem to want a diluted sound. I’m hoping that producers can express themselves again in the future and people break out of the current big room house trend.

6.     There is an abundance of record labels out there, you are about to launch your own record label Ultraviolet Music on Monday 2nd December why the decision to start your own record label?

I made the decision because I wanted a home for my own music and also for the artists who I’ve been supporting heavily, who might not necessarily get noticed by one of the bigger labels. I will still work with labels such as Toolroom, as it’s still important to keep that affiliation with bigger brands, but this way I also get to produce and release whatever music I like.

For more on Ultraviolet Music click here

7.     Every record label has a signature sound that it represents it, what sound or message are you hoping to portray with Ultraviolet music?

I just want to release good, underground music from friends and colleagues I love and support. There hasn’t really been any other ethos to it. I have never stuck to playing or making one particular sound, and the label will also reflect that, too.

8.     What criteria needs to be meet by aspiring producer hoping to have their tracks signed to Ultraviolet music?

Just be original with your music. Don’t copy latest trends, have your own mind and don’t be afraid to take chances or be expressive. I listen to every demo I am sent and there are so many unheard of, fresh sounding artists out there that are so good at what they do. These artists will always have a home on my label.

9.     We have dubbed 2013 ‘s sound as farty farty same same, What are your predictions for 2014’s sound?

Hahaha, that is the best description I’ve ever heard for a sound, and you are also spot on with it! I have a feeling things are going to shift underground and also a bit more fun will be brought back into the house scene. I really miss the days of Subliminal, Defected when they were a little more accessible, Erick Morillo, Roger Sanchez in their hey day… but I can hear that fun coming back into the UK house scene and with producers like My Digital Enemy and Prok & Fitch doing so well, I can see it flourishing.

10.  Djing is something everyone can learn but producing is way trickier. You have no musical training, do you remember the first time you sat down to producer a record, and how did the record turn out?

Haha, yes I do remember, but I’m not sure I have the bollocks to tell you. I am close friends with Funkagenda, and my first record was a collaboration with him, which was a hard house version of a classic track. I am not going to tell you what it is, as I’m almost sick in my own mouth at the thought of it…

11.  It appears to be a trend with UK DJs to get tattoo’s do you have any and would you consider getting a sleeve?

Haha! I love that your questions are so spot on! Yes, it is a trend it seems, but no, I won’t be getting one. I’ve never thought of anything that would mean so much to me that I would want it tattoo’d on myself. I think to have one it would need to be really personal – not a shitty tribal thing that has absolutely no meaning. Quite funny actually, I once has a dream I had someone’s face tatto’d onto my face. That was weird…

12.  Which words or phrases do you overuse?

My girlfriend will tell you I use ‘no worries’ & ‘to be honest’ all the time, much to her annoyance! I also quite like the word cunt, which gets used a lot when I’m driving my car.

13.   Christmas is around the corner what are you hoping to find in your Christmas sock?

A new studio mac would be nice as mine decided to give up last week!

14.  Lastly, can fans expect a label launch party / label tours, and what’s next for Paul Thomas?

We have the first label launch party happening in my hometown of Birmingham on 7^th December. Then we are taking it to Asia in January and then to Ministry of Sound in London in February. After that, who knows! I’m still working with other labels and collaborations, too. There’s a new single coming with one of the real legends of the scene, and someone who I’ve looked up to since I first got into electronic music. I know that is a bit vague and slightly teasing, but he’s sworn me to secrecy so I can’t say anything yet!

Last Messages for fans?

I really hope you enjoy what I put out on the label. It will be a music lovers label, and I know there’s a lot of you out there :)

Thank you so much for doing this interview with us. We hope to see you playing in South Africa soon