[INTERVIEW] Exclusive Interview with Paul Thomas

Check out our exclusive interview with Talented DJ/Producer Paul Thomas, who has taken some time out of his busy schedule to speak with us.

1. Hello Paul, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm from Birmingham in the UK, I'm a resident for Godskitchen and GlobalGathering, and I work with labels such as Toolroom, Spinnin', Funk Farm and Doorn. I've also got a lot of love of Japanese food.
 
2. How and where did your interest for house music start?

In the mid-late 90's I guess. My home city of Birmingham had a lot of original and inspiring clubbing brands back then, such as Miss Moneypennys, S.L.A.G., Wobble, plus the harder side of the spectrum like Sundissential and Godskitchen. I used to go and see DJ's like Judge Jules, Scott Bond and DJ Taucher at my first 'proper' club, Republic at Bakers, which was completely different and fresh in contrast to the commercial clubs I'd been used to.  
 
3. What was the first record you bought?
My first dance 12" was Altantic Ocean 'Waterfall'

4. Which production software do you use and why?
I'm still a Logic fan, even though most people are switching to Ableton. It took me so long to get my head around Logic, that I will feel cheated if I ever leave it!

5. How would you describe your sound?

Progressive house I guess, although progressive seems to have changed completely in the past couple of years!
 
6. If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would you choose and why?

Whenever I get asked this question, I always say someone different to the previous time, and my mood and sound changes all the time! Right now I'd probably say Eric Prydz. 
 
7. Who are your favourite artists in the scene right now?

There's so many unsung heroes out there, such as Jon Kong & Chris Aidy, Lay & Browne, Max Freegrant... The Beatport progressive chart seems to be overloaded with people making either Dutch or Swedish club house. Scratch the surface and you'll find some amazing producers making some really great underground stuff. Guy Mantzur, David Granha, Cid Inc, Jerome Isma-Ae, Funkagenda... I'm loving everything these guys are doing too.
 
8. What are your top 5 tracks at the moment?
Guy Mantzur 'Mediterranean Blue' 

Paul Thomas & Alex Di Stefano 'The Shining'

Paul Thomas & Weekend Heroes 'Morena'

Nathan C 'Shmoke The Pancake'

Fix8 'The Infirmary' (Funkagenda remix)

9. What was your musical highlight of 2011?

Festival wise probably GlobalGathering in Minsk, Belarus. That was just insane this year. Although GlobalGathering St. Petersburg, Russia ran it close! If I had to pick a club show, it would be Mass in Seoul, Korea. Koreans are probably the most up for it clubbers ever! Also, getting my first Beatport overall top 10 with Ultraviolet was a great achievement. I had no idea the track would be so big.
 
10. What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you on your travels?

Probably getting arrested in Ukraine a few years ago. That was a bizarre experience! Don't ask....

11. What’s your biggest fear?

Snakes! I fricking HATE snakes. With a passion. 
 
12. If you weren’t a DJ/producer, what would you be?
I have absolutely no idea! I like to cook, and spent a bit of time cooking in a friends restaurant, so maybe a chef.

13. Finally what can we expect from you in 2012?

Lots of new music! I've got new tracks signed to Toolroom, Spinnin', Diffused, Garuda and others. There's some cool collaborations on the way with people like Funkagenda, Kim Fai, Alex Di Stefano and Jerome Isma-Ae. I'm also heading to my first Miami WMC in March, doing a whole week of parties, and this year will also see my first full North America tour. And the launch of my 'Ultraviolet' podcast. Can't forget that!

Keep up to date with Paul using the links below.

djpaulthomas.com