Name(s): Thomas Datt Krakowiak

Age(s): 20

From: Brooklyn, Ny, USA

Describe your sound to those who are not familiar with your work
There’s so much I can say and so much I shouldn’t really… I’m not sure how to describe it. Its definitely not your typical European style. Whether it’s your typical Dutch or UK formula, I don’t think I really sound too much like those guys. It’s definitely uplifting, emotional and driving for those crazy dancers. I love pads so my tracks are typically packed with them.

What producers have inspired you and why?
I think mostly Paul van Dyk and Tiesto. Back in the day they were making some great music, they still are don’t mind me, but I believe it was better back then. I loved Tiesto’s remixes, which were very emotional. Paul van Dyk just had this thing, with Dj’ing and winning the crowd, and especially his style of music. It wasn’t your fluffy happy trance that Ferry has given us. It was more of a solid thing.

You are a producer who is just breaking into the scene and making a great name for yourself- has it been a difficult journey?
Its been very difficult, it still is I might add. There is a lot of people that love what I do, and there is a lot that hate it or just hate me for that matter. It is easier to get stuff released when you do remixes. As you can see I am still having a hard time getting 2v2 out on a label. I feel as if I have to release that first before I make any new originals.

What advice would you give to anyone embarking on the path to become a music producer?
Most likely to do what you want. Don’t listen to what anyone tells you to do. Unless of course it’s some record label hehe! But seriously, don’t pay attention to anyone telling you how your music should sound. Structure or style, as long as you believe in yourself and you know its good enough to be out there, go with it.

Your tunes are now finding their way into the record boxes of the top Djs in the world, how does this feel? It feels great, it was like this huge accomplishment to finally have the big names play my stuff. I am always curious to know how new crowds and fans alike will react to my music. But its not that many that are playing my stuff, so I would like more to jump on the Thomas Datt train hehe

What production are you most proud of to date and why?
I would like to say the North Pole remix I did. Because it was like a step up for me as it is, and I changed my style just a little bit for the better (I believe). But I think I will have to say 2v2. That is like my baby and I need to see it grow into something bigger, which like I said is not happening (yet?)

Describe your creative process- how do you set about writing a track?
It depends really. Whether or not it’s a remix or an original track. Usually when it’s a remix I will try to see what the midi content or samples from the remix will sound like. Then I probably go either with making the pads melodies or starting off with the beats. I love beats in case you haven’t noticed. Sometimes they are subtle and other times they are intense. I like to mess around with loops, cutting them up and stuff. Then comes the synth work where I make some nice patterns and efx. In the end I just put everything together.

And finally, where does Thomas Datt see himself in five years time?
Hmmm, good question. I believe that in 5 years I will be making some of the best music that I am capable of making. I hope to be a pretty well known DJ by then so I can be on my way to becoming like PvD, even if there is only one. Also I think I would like to have Thomas Datt J empire, meaning a nice record label that delivers the goods. That’s of course if labels are still around.

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