Exclusive: Five Minutes with TC

Drum n Bass legend TC has had some massive successes in the last few years as a major force within the genre. We recently caught up with him and discussed influential albums, studio setup, and much more!

Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
I have been up all night working on a new recording system for the next album.

To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
quite simply its DnB

What are the 5 most influential albums that have influenced you the most?

So many albums that have influenced me from so many genres but the 5 most influential albums for me have to be:

Dillinja – Cybotron
Ed Rush and Optical – Wormhole
Roni Size – New Forms
Pendulum – Hold Your Colour
The Prodigy – Experience

Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?

Really feeling the sounds of Spy, Ed Rush and Optical, Noisia, John B, Leaf, Voltage, Heist, Jaydan, Macky G, Andy C, Netsky, Metrik, Camo & Krooked, DJ Sin(Estonia), L33, Logistics, London Electricity, Drumsound and Bassline Smith, Marky, Shock One, Loadstar, Calyx and Teebee, Culture Shock, Cyantific, Wilkinson, North Base, Phase, Ivy Lab, Alex Perez and many many more cause they all make sick drum and bass!!

Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?

I try and keep it real, thats my only rule in the studio.

I have a lot of analogue outboard gear and try and use everything I have on every tune I make. My studio is like a mad scientist lab sometimes. I go in that for sure!

What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?

It changes all the time. But instead of getting caught up in the latest trend its best to stick with what you do and just make what you are feeling I think, For me its more about wanting to just be true to myself so that when I have to play shows I have people who actually give a damn what I’m about.

Where do you gather song writing inspiration?

Everywhere and anywhere, I just pick it up from the universe.

Take us through your songwriting process.

It could be an idea from 5 years ago mixed with something I made last week with a tonne of over-dubs and a piece of a vocal I did for fun one time. Some tunes on unleash the wolves are 4-5 years old and have been getting play in various DJ sets from my friends around the world, I have slightly changed them for the album to make them fit the vibe but they are basically the same tunes.

Are there any particular steps you take when put music together?

So so many crazy big shows around the world to mention! EDC Las Vegas, Hollywood Palladium and NYE in LA and all the Bassrush shows are always SICK! I love heading out to Australia and New Zealand, All of the European festival and club shows are blessed!
Only been to Japan one time but really want to go back and South America is a tough market for DNB DJs like me right now but I used to hit, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Venezuela, really hoping to go back tho sometime. So much love for the world of DNB!!

What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?

I always find some way to enjoy a night even if its quiet for whatever reason, Im gonna do what I do in front of 5 or 5000, sometimes the smaller venues are more fun.

And the worst?

I always find some way to enjoy a night even if its quiet for whatever reason, Im gonna do what I do in front of 5 or 5000, sometimes the smaller venues are more fun.

Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?

One of my dreams is coming true this summer as I am off to Shambhala. I have heard good things 🙂 That PK sound!!

If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, who would it be?

Someone who is super nice!

Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

I have a new album out July 8th called “”Unleash The Wolves”” pre order link is here.

Thanks to all the TC fans out there!!