The Man Behind “Pallaroid”: 10 Questions with Thomas Newson
Few have seen the climb to success that Dutch 19-year-old Thomas Newson has experienced during the last six months. He jumped from being a relatively unknown name to become a household name amongst fans of big-room house all over the world. The track that brought him to the summit of the dance music world was called “Pallaroid,” and it has since received over 160 plays from the biggest DJs all around the globe. The incredibly busy DJ/producer sat down with us for 10 questions about his inspirations, his favorite moment in his career so far, and how he thinks the future will pan out for him. Enjoy this 10 question interview with the Dutch rising star!
1. What artist or song first got you familiarised with dance music?
I don’t really have someone who got me familiarised. I don’t even remember when it first started. I think it’s a wave of young producers like me who just grow up with it. The dance genre has been here for so many years, it’s something we grow up with, especially in The Netherlands.
2. What is the hardest part of your life as a producer and DJ?
Haha that’s an easy one. The early mornings after a gig are the worst.
3. Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your musical career?
So many, I love watching the scene as what it is doing and where it is going. It don’t follow anybody but rather try to come up with my own sound and vision on this. I’m trying to do all sorts of sounds that varies between a hitting club sound and a radio friendly dance sound.
4. The “Pallaroid” teaser video described feedback from Hardwell on the track. How did this contact inspire you in your production process?
Having his support on this track as well as my other tracks is great! He’s capable of changing the game and I respect him very much. His opinion on the Pallaroid track helped me to get it the way it now is.
5. As a young producer, how does it feel to be a role model to young, aspiring producers?
It’s great, of course! It’s awesome to see so many young producers following me and I love interacting with them on my Twitter and Facebook.
6. How would you compare the creative process between “Pallaroid” and your upcoming release “Don’t Hold Us”?
It’s no news that these two tracks are completely different from each other. Whenever I produce something I want it to sound completely different from the things I’ve already did. When I produced ‘Don’t Hold Us’ it didn’t have a vocal yet. An A&R from Armada Music came to my studio and told me it would sound amazing with the right vocals on it. Angelika Vee wrote and recorded the vocals, which I truly love! The track is coming out on February the 24th on Beatport and March 10th on iTunes.
7. How did you first get in touch with the guys at New World Sound, and how did “Flute” come together?
It started with some chatting on Facebook. We were sending over snippets to each other. They came up with an idea for Flute and we then finished it together.
8. What has been our favorite moment as either a DJ or producer?
There are so many favourite moments! And they keep lining up. For instance, seeing Hardwell play “Pallaroid” for the first time at Tomorrowland was something amazing. But then playing my first international gig was something incredible as well. I love traveling because it gets me so much inspiration.
9. If you could take the stage at any venue, in a back-to-back set with any DJ, who would it be, and why?
That would be either Tomorrowland in Belgium or Ultra Music Festival in Miami with my friend Martin Garrix or Hardwell. They both have so much energy on stage just like myself.
10. What tracks will we hear from you in the near future?
So, most important is my next release on Zouk Recordings, by Armada Music, ‘Don’t Hold Us’. It’s set for release on Beatport for the 24th of February and will be coming to iTunes on the 10th of March. It’s getting remixed as we speak which I’m hyped about as well! My remix for Mystery Skulls – Ghost recently got released on Warner Music. It’s no secret that I’ve been spending studio time with Jordy Dazz and Bassjackers as you could read on my Twitter and Facebook. There’s so much stuff coming this year, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
As you can tell, 2014 is going to be kind to Thomas Newson. Check out some of his tracks below, and be sure to grab “Don’t Hold Us” on Beatport today!
