In 2013, Thomas Brückner, also known as Tomcraft, released 20 Years, a collection of music released on NITRON Music, a division of Sony Music Entertainment Germany GmbH. The album is filled with 18 songs and takes the listener on a journey of chest pounding techno and trance music. He showcased a lot of talent on the album, too, featuring names like Sister Bliss, Lioness, and the legendary Samuel L. Jackson. I bet you didn’t know Big Jack was a fan of dance music! It took me a long time to find this album, but it was on repeat for two maybe three years. (And yes, I am listening to 20 Years while posting this interview!)
Going back a few more years, in 2003, he released a hit single “Loneliness” that has over 13 million streams on Spotify and has been reworked and remixed dozens of time. Heck, the Benny Benassi remix is approaching 3 million streams. A few weeks ago, another remix was released. This time from Hardwell and DJs from Mars. The single dropped on November 3 and already has over 2.2 million streams.
When this single dropped, I was asked to do an interview with Tomcraft. Are you kidding me?! I’ve been following this guy for years, and bet I’ve listened to 20 Years 100 times or more. While preparing for this interview, I did some digging, found a lot of tracks I’d never heard before, and fell in love again with his sound. He’s been doing this for a long time, starting as a DJ in Munich in 1992, and has shaped a sound that keeps me coming back. And while I don’t usually get starstruck, this interview was special for me. This gave me an opportunity to spend some time with and to learn more about such an iconic DJ. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Tomcraft.
Thanks for being here, man. We have a lot to talk about today, but your album 20 Years is one of my favorite albums of all time. Can you tell me more about that album, those 18 songs, and all the people you collaborated with on that release?
Thanks for having me and it’s a pleasure to answer your questions!
The 20 Years album, thank you! That was a big task for us. On the one hand, we wanted to present the best of 20 years – also in a new version – but on the other hand, we also wanted to create new tracks with great collaborations. All the collaborations were incredibly exciting. Not only for us, means Eniac and me, but also for the other artists involved. It was a great pleasure and a lot of fun to work with all these artists. I can’t go into detail about some of these stories, but that’s what makes it so interesting or mysterious… I love this shit!
You released “Loneliness” back in 2002. Hardwell and DJs from Mars got their hands on it and released a remix a few weeks ago. What did you think of this remix? The song just keeps getting better!
When it was clear that we were working together on “Loneliness” in 2023, I gave the DJs from Mars free hand. It’s never easy to be involved in a big success yourself. So, I gave the original samples to the Mars boys. The result was very, very cool. When Hardwell then made his contribution, I was very pleased.
What is the process when someone wants to remix a song you’ve released? Do they contact you first, or send you the remix when they’re finished? What if you don’t like it!
I met the DJs from Mars at a festival in Estonia and we’ve been in contact ever since. They asked me if they could play a “Loneliness” mashup. I don’t even remember what they mixed, but it was an idea of the currently released version. When the Mars boys then played with Hardwell at Tomorrowland, the third act in the group was bagged – and then it took its course. We always decided everything together, which makes it not always easier, but all of us were fine with the result.
Where did the idea for “Loneliness” come from? Who wrote the lyrics and who sang the vocals on the original release?
The real story of how it came about is very private. Eniac was in bad shape and found this vocal by Andrea Martin (much slower) on an old soul record. After that, everything happened very quickly in the studio and after one night the track was written.
A lot of people have reworked “Loneliness” including Benny Benassi, Pink Panda, and Mark Roma. Nothing beats the Radio Cut, but do you have a favorite remix?
To be honest, I like our original radio cut best. It was like this: we had already recorded the club mix and now it was the turn of the radio version. Using electro beats has always been our passion. A funny coincidence in the studio led to an opportunity with the piano melody – that’s the story behind it and I still love it.
The video for “Loneliness” has over 16 million YouTube views. Tell me more about the video and what that sort of exposure means to you as an artist.
I think every artist wants to present their music visually. I grew up in the 80s and experienced the hype with this new way of presenting music. That’s why I really enjoyed all my videos. This video was special because my wife was pregnant with our first child and was also on set – with a huge belly.
Where did the name Tomcraft come from? Your name IS Thomas, but perhaps there’s a story you can tell!
When I started DJing in 1992, the look in all the clubs was very industrial. Hoovers on the back were quite normal on the dance floor. Nuclear power was also often used as a techno sign. In German this is called “atomkraft” – so here we go!
“Loneliness” is out now on NITRON Music, Sony Music Germany’s dance imprint. Tell me more about that label and your experience working with different labels over the years.
This is the first time I have worked with NITRON. Everything was more than professional and very well planned. I haven’t experienced that with all labels.
You have released a lot of singles, but not many albums. Why is that? And are you working on anything to keep on the edge of our seat in the New Year?
To record an album you need a concept, an idea, to do something special. That requires a lot of patience and time. Just putting a lot of releases on it is not an album. If you’re going to do it, do it properly… Everything at its time!
There will be new releases in 2024. The first will be “That Beat” on Magik Muzik in January. More will follow soon and I’m looking forward to partying new music with you!
What headphones are on your head? I’ve asked that question hundreds of times… Maybe I should compile a list to see what the most used headphones are!
I use the Pioneer DJ headphones – unbelievably good sound, very loud, and closes well on the ears.
Who inspires you? And what are you listening to when not working on your next banger or performing in nightclubs across the globe?
There are no limits. Films, fun evenings with friends, but mainly music, of course. I just listen to everything. I switch off what I don’t like. So, there’s a very wide range of music styles, which is almost impossible to listen to completely – but I’m working on it!
It doesn’t hurt to ask. But I’ve always wanted to collaborate with a DJ. If an opportunity ever presents itself, and you need a guy… Just let me know!
We will see, you never know!
It seems like every DJ has a podcast. Have you ever thought of producing your own show?
Of course, I’ve already done that too. You can listen to a lot of it on SoundCloud. But to be honest, I prefer to be in front of the crowd to inspire people with my passion for music and make them dance.
Tell me more about your relationship with English DJ/Producer Tim Healey.
He has become a good friend to my whole family. We’ve often been on holiday together (mostly in the snow) and keep in touch. We just decided to visit him in England this week… So we arranged it 2 days ago – funny that you asked that!
The DJ Mag Top 100 just dropped. Happy to see David Guetta on top. As a DJ, do you care about that list? Are you out there trying to get mentioned or do you care? FYI, you are HIGH on my list!
The important thing is that when a DJ plays, the audience goes wild. It doesn’t really matter what position he’s in on that night in a club or festival. But I’m very pleased that I play a role for you.
Tell me more about Great Stuff Recordings.
I parted ways with Great Stuff in 2013 and we sold the company. It was a mega time with lots of successes, incredible fun with lots of artists – just a great time.
We’ve talked about a lot today. But what else can you tell me about Tomcraft?
I’m a very nice guy in my private life – says my wife!
What’s next for Tomcraft? Hoping for a tour that brings you to Southern California!
There are many releases on several labels. I’m looking forward to each one and I’m continuing to produce. California was worth the visit every time. I hope to see you there soon.
Thanks again, man. I really appreciate you doing this. It’s been fun! In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a great start into 2024 – But don’t forget to watch the best film for Christmas – The Goonies!
For more information about Tomcraft, go to:
Wikipedia | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | SoundCloud | Twitter
