Tommy Knocker - Drum and Bass Producer Interview

May 2003

Interview with drum and bass producer Tommy Knocker.

Tommy Knocker

How old are you?

Mid to late 20's, if you know what I mean?

How did you get into the drum and bass scene?

I was big into the house scene back in the day but slowly switched to drum and bass because of the energy that the Jungle raves generate.

What did you do before you started djing/producing music?

I was a bass player.

What are your musical influences?

Mainly funk, house, disco and soul. Really anything with a vibe and something that makes you sit up and take notice and also tunes that make you shake your ass.

What software / equipment do you use to produce your music?

G4 Mac running Logic also everything sound wise is sampled I've hardly ever made a tune using keyboards.

How long do you spend in the studio a week (on average)?

As long as possible, but usually 5 days a week.

Do you currently produce any other music except for drum and bass?

Yes, there will be a few different styles on my album.

I was big into the house scene back in the day but slowly switched to drum and bass because of the energy that the Jungle raves generate.
Tommy Knocker

I understand you are working on an album due to drop either late this year or early next year, anything you can tell us about this project?

This is really exciting for me because I'm really happy with my style at the moment and I know exactly what it's going to sound like. I'm gonna make sure its going to be all killer tunes, no fillers! At the moment we are trying to bring in some named vocalists (can't tell you who till its in the bag) but put it this way you'll know who they are. This is my chance to take things to the next level and also try to get noticed more from within the scene.

I've recently read that you are also producing music for the Defunked label, how did this signing come about?

I love the label and really wanted to do something for them so I got together with Jon Love Jon and made some tracks for them under the name Junior Cartel, we also have some stuff coming out on Renegade Recordings as well.

What recent releases on the drum and bass scene are you rating at the moment?

All the Soul:R stuff is wicked and the new Marky XRS stuff is cool but now more than ever there is a lot of new talent out there making wicked music so the competition is real hot, but that's why the scene is so healthy right now because we are trying to keep the big boys on their toes.

Which other producers / artists would you most like to work with?

Jocelyn Brown would be cool or any proper house diva that's been there seen it and done it.

Do you have a favourite tune of all time?

Honestly I don't really have one, too many to mention.

Is there any one tune you would really like to remix?

Some classic Michael Jackson would be nice, why can you hook that up for me?!

How often do you get out clubbing?

Not as much as I'd like.

Do you have a favourite event or club night?

It has to be Swerve on a Wednesday and Movement on a Thursday.

Do you have any other interests or pastimes outside the music scene?

I love football. I'm a season ticket holder at Portsmouth so big up to the champions!