Music Production Courses

It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to be responsible for promoting one of London’s coolest parties. Since the birth of Holic in 2007, at what was once The End’s AKA Bar, to a current slot at Cafe 1001 in the heart of Brick Lane, Tomoki Tamura has consistently pushed beyond the grain and brought his baby up into a fine contester for one of London’s niftiest shindigs. But a party wouldn’t be the shit without a solid line up, and Tomoki Tamura sure knows how to programme. Past guests have included legends such as Ben Sims, A Guy Called Gerald, Raudive, Argy and even 303 acid don, DJ Pierre, but Tomoki likes to keep Holic equally in touch with the local scene by pulling like-minded promoters and friends with a flare for working the crowd. All in all, it’s a family approach that is just one of the secrets behind the party’s ongoing success and Tomoki’s respect on the circuit as the missing link between Japan and London’s forward thinking dance culture.

Tell us about how Holic came to be.

I started Holic at AKA (The End) in 2007. When I saw that venue for the first time, I liked it a lot and thought it would fit my night 100%. I asked to my mate Stuart Patterson, who is one of London’s most respected DJs, to introduce that venue to me. Since then I have met lots of great people from their management. We have been very happy to work with them.

The Holic parties have been going strong for some time now. How far do you feel Holic has come, and how do you feel about the current stage it is at?

I feel Holic’s background is proper old school house music from London and New York. We always respect legendary DJs and invite them to play, while at the same time, checking out fresh DJs and artists. We have a good balance for Holic – history and trend. Holic is looking to do new things in 2011!

Having been promoting parties for so long, you must have seen trends in 4/4 dance music come and go, time and time again. Are current trends in music important to you, and what would you deem to be the current flavour?

To be honest I am not very into trends in music. If you look at our DJ bookings, you can understand it. We choose artists based on quality rather than trends. Easy percussive minimal house has been big for a few years, and now I am sure people are getting tired of it, same as I am. The sound has moved to more vocal and melodic, or serious tech stuff.

Further to this, do you think it is important for a night to stay loyal to its original music policy or evolve with the trends?

Definitely both. Pick the right trends for your original music policy.

You’ve obviously landed a lot of DJ slots at other parties off of the success of Holic. Could you tell us more about main avenues of promotion as a DJ and producer.

It is very important to have your own party which helps a lot to support your original character. Too many DJs are in london, and you need to be the only one. I think I can say the same for producers too, make your own character sound.

How would you compare dance music culture in London and Japan?

It is very different. London has got a huge market – everybody goes to parties in the night. In Japan, only people who love music and partying come to party. As you have lots of choice for the night life, there are lots of amusements which open 24 hours.

Japan has got original Japanese dance music which is quite big now, although I’m not feeling it. It’s pop music basically, which I guess only works for Japan. But we have lots of great underground artists as well who have never played in the EU as it’s just too far! We should bring more over here.

What is your favourite country you’ve had the honour of playing in so far?

I like to play at some of the great parties in London. People are feeling the bass over here. Also, some of the open air parties and beach parties around the EU are good. Japan is wicked too. The people there really concentrate on watching you play!

With the combined success of Holic and your vastly growing discography on various established labels, how far would you say Point Blank has contributed to your success in your music career so far?

It has made me think more seriously about the music business side of things! The tutors have also got huge knowledge; more so than the bigger producers and DJs.

Could you offer any words of wisdom to our other students who are looking to get onto the DJ/club promoter circuit?

Party a lot!

What is in store for yourself and Holic in the coming months?

Holic is doing an NYE party at a huge space in Brick Lane. It will be like around 3000 people capacity with a quality underground line up. I am very excited about this happening!

Exclusive Point Blank Mix by Tomoki Tamura

Tomoki Tamura Links

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Dates

Dec

4 @ East Village,London
11 @ Lost, London
17 @ Cargo, London
18 @ The Rhythm Factory
31 @ HOLIC NYE