Thomas Vahe - [Groovetrackers.com]

Thomas Vahe - [DJ]

Toegevoegd door Paul Bergenh. op Vrijdag 16 Juli 2004

Biografie:

Thomas Vahe Name: Thomas Vahé
Day of birth: 18-08-1982
Residence: The Hague
Study: Business Mathematics
Start dj-ing: August 2000
Music Choice: Techno, House, Electro, Off-Beat Techno, Minimal Techno Breakbeat, New Electronics
Style of dj-ing Wild three decks mixing:
Ideal set-up Three technics and an Allen&Heath xone 62 mixer

DJ-ing and music.
Truly inspiring to me is a DJ with the ability to transform the technique of mixing into a precision craft; an excellent selection of records of course is helpful. The power of manipulation however is most important. I try to accomplish this by putting the three decks principle to use.
This principle ensures a more explosive and danceable set and enables me to enrich a performance with much needed variety.
Records which normally would be considered to complicated for dancing can now be played using an extra deck by combining them with more mainstream records. The speed or intensity of a set is also greatly emphasized by a third deck. The variety of a set can find its source in mixing at a high pace which in turn can make for either a fast built up or release of tension.
Some well known DJ’s who paved the way in mixing more complicated techno in an impressive manner are among others Jeff Mills, Claude Young, Dave Clark and James Ruskin.

The selection of records I use for a set are quite varied in style. With the help of a third deck I often use “minimal techno” as a base : records produced by for example Jeff Mills, Ricardo Villalobos, Surgeon, Robert Hood, Plastikman, Carl Craig and Steve Bug. Furthermore I really enjoy using “percussive techno”, which lends itself perfectly for the use of fadertricks. Percussive elements in a set also increase “danseability”. Percussive records by Deetron, Samuel Sessions, Ben Sims are used frequently in my sets but well produced records by lesser known artists can be found as well.
Exaggeration and fast changes in mood and atmosphere are two elements which I consider to be very important in a set. Using records by for example Jeff Mills, James Ruskin, Robert Hood, Claude Young, Damon Wild and Steve Stoll it is possible to reach a state of total paranoia extremely fast; when this state has reached its peak I will mix records to convey an opposite mood and atmosphere within a matter of minutes: usually calm records which are pleasant for both listening and dancing, records produced by Ocatave One, Kenny Larkin, Joel Mull, Heiko Laux, and others. With proper timing and an ear for precise dynamics this way of DJ-ing ensures an energetic experience for the audience.

Producing
I produce music in two categories: “tools” and “listening/dance” records.
Records produced for the “tools” category are especially aimed for use with three decks. Typically the music on these records is very monotonous and should not be played without mixing them. These records usually convey one very recognizable mood; this can differ from cheerful to frantic or even melancholic. These “tools” only proof their worth when combined with other records. Often I produce “tool” records with just strings which can be used to add depth to base records.
The other category of records, the “listening” or “dance” records are tracks with much more variety and different dimensions. The records can be played on their own but I always prefer to manipulate them. When producing a “dance” track I make sure there is still room for manipulation and experimentation.

History
The first attempt I took at mixing music was when I was about eleven years old. I just pressed play simultaneously on two separate cassette players with two different trance-techno tapes. The result obviously was nothing short of disastrous, but at least back then I was already thinking about the possibilities of combining music! My preoccupation with skating and the whole skating-lifestyle however was more important to me at that time.
It was not until much later in life I came in contact with mixing once again: a good friend of mine got involved with mixing hip hop and was practicing his “scratching” techniques whenever I was over at his place. I enjoyed his way of DJ-ing but eventually became more interested in the possibilities of combining more lengthy tracks. One student in my high school class was mixing techno and when I gave it a try myself using his records I was completely captivated. One week later I bought by first record: “The Man with the Redface” by Laurent Garnier, one month later I was the proud owner of two turntables and a still simple mixer. After hearing Jeff Mills on “I Love Techno 2000” I knew mixing techno was my calling as well and one month later a third turntable made its way into my room and my life!

For dj Thomas Vahé the freedom to mix whatever he likes and most important whenever he likes is the main reason for the use of three decks. The three decks "principle" is therefore a big part of the mixing style and sound of Thomas Vahé. Expect to hear a dynamic mix of techno, house and electronics.