Tom Novy

FFN, IMD, Toolroom, Kosmo, Ultra

2008.03.17 ::: Words by Andrew Reid

Six million stories and two side to a medal. There's a lot to tell. You just can't be mad at him: champagne, nipple slips and frenzy belong to every music event. Still, Tom Novy seems to attract them in a very special way. No wonder, after all he is one of the few exceptionally gifted artists in the music scene.

Worldwide chart successes and appearances in the best clubs of the world have been part of his career as well as his activities as VJ or radio host.

Tom Novy was born on the 10th of March 1970. He released his first record "I House You" in 1995 and directly entered the top 10 of the Germand Dance Charts. Only one year later he gained international reputation with his single "Superstar", which climbed on position 15 in the Media-Control Charts in Germany and onto top positions in 18 other countries. 1998 was the year of "I Rock", which became not only a chartbreaker but a real House anthem. "I Rock" stayed over 10 weeks in the Media-Control Charts and even 20 weeks in the Airplay-Top-100.

His Single "Pumpin" reached #19 of the UK Charts in June 2000. In the same year, Tom Novy became the first ever German artist to mix the "Ministry of Sound Annual" Compilation. His 2001 released debut album "My Definition" (Top 30 - Media Control) and featured the opener track "Welcome to the Race" (official Mercedes-Benz formula 1 Nurburgring Track) with singer Lima Ben-Jannett.

His single "Lovin U" in 2004 became a worldwide success, also in South Africa, where Tom took the top 10 by storm. Back in Germany, "Take It" featuring Lima became the most aired Dance tune in German radio and made it into the top 20.

"Your Body" featuring singer Mike Marshall entered top 10 of the UK sales charts in December 2005 and went top 15 in 20 other countries.

Tom's excellent music taste is also appreciated by many other bands and musicians. By now Tom has remixed and produced for 10CC, Backstreet Boys, DJ Thomilla, Eric Morillo, Jimmy Sommerville, Joachim Deutschland, Sander Kleinenberg, Snap, Stefan Remmler (Trio), Ludacris, Marianne Rosenberg, Mousse T., Moonbootica and Sonique, to name but a few.

Furthermore, Tom Novy hosted several tv-shows, among them "Dance Floor Charts", "Streetlife", "Battle of DJ's" and "Nightlife" on MTV, as well as the "Mac Chart-Show" (2004) on Pro 7.

Moreover, Tom continues to mix a weekly radio show on FFN and has already been hosting a show for Radio Energy Munich since 1999. Additionally, he will put his hands on the popular Energy Mastermix - broadcasted on all Energy frequencies.

Nocturnal: How did you first come in contact with electronic music? Was there a pinnacle moment that made you realize you HAD to do this for a career?
Tom: It was summer of 1989 in Ibiza when i saw Lil Louis and Adamski play at Amnesia. I was sure this kind of music was gonna change the world and I wanted to be a part of it.

Nocturnal: You produce in a wide variety of genres. Where do you feel your sound is headed and what do you think is poised to be the next big thing in electronic music?
Tom: Of course you have to develop yourself as an artist. My style is difficult to describe. I still do the poppier house records but i have also released lots of underground stuff lately. I have made a conscious decision to step away from the more commercial aspect of my music and get back to real house music.

Nocturnal: Your latest mix CD is half of the new "Toolroom Knights" comp alongside Wally Lopez. What should people expect when they pick it up? Why the darker than expected sound of your tracklisting?
Tom: I wanted to get a lot more darker! I don’t think that it's too dark though? There are some lovely vocals in the mix as well. I really wanted to reflect the type of music I'm playin today. I hate it if people put me in a certain music box and leave me there.

Nocturnal: What other releases and/or remixes should we be expecting from you in the near future?
Tom: There is a project called Novy & Bahil out soon and a Novy & Ismae-ae one. One is quite deep whist the other has more of a progressive sound. Both singles are coming soon on Kosmo Records. I’ve done also some Remixes for Whelan, Paul Harris and Snap in the last few days. I also have a fantastic new single featuring Abigail Bailey called ‘Runaway’. This is my best follow up I’ve ever done. Trust me, you will love this track.

Nocturnal: What's your current studio set-up? Are you strictly software, or does hardware still play a role in your productions?
Tom: Most of the stuff is software but we still have some really good old keyboards we use sometimes.

Nocturnal: In your opinion what other producers out there are really pushing boundaries or making a big impact on our scene?
Tom: Well it's difficult to say. There are a lot of good guys out there but the one that impressed me the most last year was Dubfire. The way he reinvented himself being an outstanding artist is just genius.

Nocturnal: You're also an annual fixture at Space in Ibiza. What's it like playing at one of the most famous venues in the world?
Tom: Space has become my second home over the last few years. I really feel part of it. To be there all summer and get this vibe and this atmosphere is the best thing that can happen to a DJ I think. You will have to come to Ibiza and party with me there.

Nocturnal: You also have a weekly radio show on Radio NRG. Tell us about it and where can people tune in?
Tom: The mix show is on Radio NRG in Germany and on 13 other Stations all over the world. We can reach about 30 million people every weekend and we get a lot of feedback. Check out my website and find out what stations.

Nocturnal: You've also hosted a variety of TV shows in the past. Is television work something you're looking to expand more into in the future?
Tom: Doing TV was good fun. Especialy for MTV. I;m now working on new concepts for shows and visuals too. There could be something coming up in the near future.

Nocturnal: Any plans for WMC 2008?
Tom: Having Fun and promoting my single “Runaway” – I am also DJing at Subliminal, MN2S & Azuli.

Nocturnal: Lastly here are some quick shots:
Nocturnal: CD, Vinyl, or MP3?
Tom: Everything with music on it is good.
Nocturnal: What's more likely... vinyl making a comeback or a non-trance DJ being rated #1 in the DJ Mag poll?
Tom: I don't care.
Nocturnal: Favourite travel destination for vacation?
Tom: Ibiza.
Nocturnal: Favourite travel destination for performing?
Tom: Ibiza.
Nocturnal: Favourite venue in the world?
Tom: Space.
Nocturnal: Most indispensable item you travel with?
Tom: My laptop.
Nocturnal: Most indispensable piece of studio kit?
Tom: My coffee machine ;).
Nocturnal: If you weren't a DJ, you'd be a?
Tom: CLOWN!

::: Related Links

::: www.tomnovy.com

::: www.myspace.com/tomnovy

::: www.toolroomrecords.com

::: Essential WMC