Tom Middleton's Cosmology

by Cyclone Wehner

One of the most prolific figures in the UK house scene, Tom Middleton has put out records under any number of different aliases since the turn of the decade. The former graphic design student has been involved with such projects as Reload, Global Communication (aka Amba) and The Jedi Knights. And there are yet others. Along the way Middleton has collaborated with Aphex Twin, Matthew Herbert and Mark Pritchard. Tom just recently signed a six album deal with Island Blue. Under the name Cosmos, he has enjoyed a massive hit in the UK with the balearic "Summer In Space", a favourite with Pete Tong. Later this year he will start a residency at the cult Nottingham club, The Bomb. And there is also another big London slot in the pipelines. And so, it's all systems go for Tom.

CW: Early on in your career you collaborated with Aphex Twin, aka Richard James. Is he as eccentric as his media profile suggests?

TM: "Richard is a very intelligent guy, and knows how to wind up the media without them knowing. His eccentricity stems from his genius. Respect to the man!"

CW: To what extent does your early classical training influence your production?

TM: "An overall appreciation of the rudiments of music theory and the science of sound; rhythm; melody; harmony; dynamics; drama and the synergy between a group of performers."

CW: Which do you prefer: DJing, playing live or producing?

TM: "I guess playing live is the most fulfilling, because reactions are instant, similar to DJing but the next level up. It's about an energy exchange between humans in a space and of being 'in the moment.' Definitely the most spontaneous of the three."

CW: Every DJ has some kind of philosophy about what a DJ is. What is yours?

TM: "To inspire positivity, uplift the spirit and 'edu-tain' using any sonic medium or format from past, present or future. Sharing the feeling! ... I love the energy in a club when you play deep, sexy grooves. I love hypnotising people and intoxicating them with sublime grooves and I love to turn people on with frequencies. I also like watching women going for the bass and men going for the women. Dancing is vertical sex, anyway."

CW: What do you feel is your definitive piece of work?

TM: "It hasn't been created yet. The majority of my work has the desired effect on people so I'm happy with all of it, really."

CW: Do you have a favourite remix you've completed?

TM: "Some are perhaps more timeless than others but that is the only real variable ... Nav Katze, Sensorama, Fluke, Azymuth. The Lamb remix is a fave. The latest remix we've done for Leftfield is absolutely rockin'!"

CW: Do you see colours in your music?

TM: "A plethora."

CW: What's been happening for you on the production front this year?

TM: "A mix compilation [A Jedi's Night Out - Mixmag Live 27]. The Cosmos Project [a mixture of contemporary tempo formats all with soul and sometimes with vocals], Amba [sensual soundtracks to life]. Plus Underworld, Leftfield, Incognito and Supercollider remixes and possible U2, Pulp and Stereo MC's over the next few months."

CW: What's up with your label venture, E3?

TM: "E3 is the third and latest incarnation of the Tom-Mark Evolution imprint. Universal Language and Heard are no more. Purveying quality timeless music from the likes of Max 404, Circulation [Josh, aka DJ IZ from San Francisco, USA] and other more unknown artists."

CW: George Lucas stopped you from using the alias 'Jedi Knights.' What went down exactly?

TM: "Our remix of Depeche Mode was about to be released in the US when Lucas Films' attorneys basically saw the words 'Jedi Knights' and said 'No!'. Until we hear from the man himself, we are still Jedi Knights!"

CW: Would you agree to have your music used for (1) a TV commercial (2) couture fashion parade (3) political campaign (4) postmodern ballet (5) Hollywood blockbuster?

TM: "Yes to all of them, because music is for sharing and as far as I'm concerned the more people who hear it the better."

CW: Are there any musical styles you can't tolerate?

TM: "I don't like two dimensional disposable bubble gum pop trance and boy-girl bands."

CW: Who is pushing the envelope for you in the '99?

TM: "Hefner, Modaji, Jimpster, Ian O'Brien, Si Begg, Supercollider, Shur-i-ken."

CW: What do you imagine life will be like in the 21st century?

TM: "As we speed towards 2012, the 'real' Millennium ... more of the following: consumer choices, instant karma, sunspots and solar flares causing crazy weather. And hopefully a 'thought to sound' converter."