That Discovery Thomas Penton - Exclusive Interview with Arkatec

2014 is on track to become the introductory breakout year for ARKATEC. Also known to some as Thomas Penton, this new moniker allows him to focus his creative talents to produce a new direction in electronic music. Being one to always create & design from the ground up, this new philosophy allowed for the foundation to ARKATEC. His music is described as dark and energetic but yet deep at times, while cross merging styles from progressive house to techno. As a veteran to electronic music, this producer has been releasing various projects since 1992. During this time his releases have reached acclaimed success and support from the industries leaders. But recently finding himself bored of todays monotonous sound and not challenged in the creative process, thus giving him the inspiration to create a blueprint for something new and different...this is ARKATEC.

Hello  Thomas and welcome to Think in Electronic, thank you for taking time out to do this interview with us.

How are you doing and what was your first record you bought? Hi and thanks for having me. The first vinyls I bought were mostly German & U.K. trance. Mostly from labels like Harthouse, E.Q., and Fax +49/69 in the mid 90's.


• What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear South Africa? Sadly, I've never visited there. But Cape Town and Johannesburg always come to mind. Hope to visit there one day.

• Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and what attracted you to music specifically dance music, have you always wanted a career in music? 26 years ago I got into hiphop, bought my first pair of  turntables, formed our band and started recording in studios, having my first record deal when I was only 15. Shortly after, I began purchasing studio samplers and I attended a university for music production & business. But then in the early 90's I was introduced to House music. I knew immediately it was time for change. So I started producing electronic works, and in the mid 90's I had my first techno/trance records released shortly after.

• You go by the name of ARKATEC can you give us a little insight in to the name? For the past 20 years I've produced under my name of Thomas Penton. But recently I've become bored of todays EDM sound. I admit, I've followed the trends like most, but I'm just tired of it. So I wanted to start something fresh for myself, going back to my roots but with a modern sound. So I started my new moniker Arkatec, giving me a chance to start fresh again. I feel it's designed to be more focused on progressive combined with techno.

• What is your interpretation of the word music and how would you describe your music? Music is art of course and then entertainment. But I feel todays electronic sound has become too monotonous. Not only do most top charting songs all sound the same but many rush to be superstars, not taking the time to learn the craft of really making music. So I would describe the Arkatec sound to be a modern progressive house merged with techno and trance elements. While it still maintains power & energy, but without having too many commercial elements.

• What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town? Do you remember the first gig you ever attended? Going to small venues or warehouse parties in Miami. Seeing the crowd react so positive to electronic music was an uplift for me. Then we wanted to extend our horizons, so we took many road trips to other events throughout the state anything just to hear new sounds.

• Producing and DJing are very different when producing where do you draw your inspiration from and when Djing how do you plan your sets? I honestly enjoy producing much more. I love my craft, creating a composition of musical art, starting with just an empty pallet. For DJ performances, I do extensive planning, usually 7-14 days of work. I mostly DJ mix in key, as well I edit every song I play to fit in the mix correctly. I take lots of advance planning for a DJ performance; I don't just show up and play random songs like many. I feel the DJ set should represent the artist performing it, and that artist is known for a specific style so the set should represent that.

• Who are some producer/musicians you look up to and why? Also whom would you like to work with? Many years ago I was heavily influenced by Klaus Schulze, Pete Namlook, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, and Jean Michel Jarre to name a few. But my influences currently today are always changing, recently I'm liking Christian Cambas, Alex di Stefano, Yuji Ono, Matan Caspi. Any one of these artists I would love to work with.

• We believe every artist has a message they are trying to portray to the world through their works. What message are you trying to send out through your music? As every song portrays a different feeling or emotion, I hope most of my music gives off the feelings of power & euphoria. As well at times it may express a more darker or groovier side.

• What was your favorite music five years ago? 10 years ago? How have your musical tastes changed? Definitely 10 years or more ago I was more into Trance and dark Progressive. Then progressing into tribal and then electro styles. But regardless of style, it's again always been about the energy in the music I've made and as well enjoyed. During my personal time though, I don't listen to electronic music, I prefer classic rock and 80's mostly.

• They say a person’s music library is the window to their soul so what genres and gems make up your music library…..Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, ACDC and some cheesy 80's stuff. I don't listen to electronic music in my personal free time.

• If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be and why? Possibly an Egyptian King, like Ramses III. Just to experience life in those times would be an extreme ride.

• Where would you like to see yourself in the next 5 years and what can we expect from you in the upcoming year? I have many upcoming Arkatec projects scheduled to be released this year. As well, we're now arranging various tours for later in the year. So I can just hope within 5 years or so I'm still alive & in control of my future producing music.

• Any last messages for fans? Educate yourself about the music you enjoy, learn deeper about the artists and styles they represent.  There's so much more out there to be enjoyed, so don't follow the trends as easily. As well, I hope many will enjoy my new projects. Please keep informed by subscribing to arkatecmusic.com | facebook.com/arkatecmusic | soundcloud.com/arkatec

Thank you so much for doing this interview with us ;) Thanks again for having me!