Interview: Germany’s Eddie Thoneick

Interview: Germany’s Eddie Thoneick

2 May, 2009 | 11.20AM

• Written by: morphius_303
• Filed under: Music News: eddie thoneick, steve angello, tonik rcrdngs

As one of Germany’s biggest house music producers, Eddie Thoneick has seemingly done it all.

From 1993 to 1998 Thoneick was a resident DJ at Neuss’ infamous club Tribehouse where he played alongside some of the biggest jocks in the business. For a while he was also resident DJ at Essen’s Flamingo-Club before it was shut down.

In 2006, Eddie Thoneick’s name went global with the international success of his Kurd Maverick collaboration ‘Love Sensation’, and his 2007 cover of C&C Music Factory’s classic ‘Deeper Love’ became one of Cr2 Records’ biggest ever releases.

Last year, Thoneick launched his own label Tonik Rcrdngs and the label’s newest release ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ is quickly becoming a 2009 house anthem thanks to the memorable vocals of Michael Feiner (who sang on Axwell’s 2001 hit ‘Together’).

But remarkably for a producer who has caused such a fuss in the house world, he still yet to commit full time to his passion and spends three days a week pulling people’s teeth out as a dentist.

We decided it was time to find out more about Eddie Thoneick so we grabbed a coffee with him in Germany.

How would you describe your sound at the moment?

It’s hard to describe the style I produce. As I mix up urban vibes with classical house and modern sounds, without rolling on the electro wave.

Your upcoming single ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ features the voice of Michael Feiner - how did you two meet? What was it that drew you to his sound?

I always loved Michael´s Voice. I heard him the first time on Axwell´s track ‘Together’ back in 2001. But nobody really knew who this vocalist was.

I think I found out at the end of last year who this guy was and I needed to touch base for a track that I was working on.

There was a really good connection between us from the start because we are both musically educated and had the same kind of vibe. The first demo Michael sent me was the final ‘Don´t Let Me Down’ vocal.

You’re career really took off with the single ‘Love Sensation’. Did you realise it would turn into a defining moment when you first made it?

No I didn´t. I hoped of course and was really glad it did then. It directly took me one step higher and the track was the key to the contacts I have now.

I met all the important house DJs and producers like Axwell, David Guetta, Bob Sinclar, Roger Sanchez just to name a few and all the important labels. From that day, my network was connected and it makes my work easier now!

Your DJ sets are very energetic and creative - can you tell us a little bit more about what you get up to behind the wheels of steel?

As I’m a technical guy, always heading for more skills and upfront effects units was clear to me as I needed to present the audience with something more that just fade-in/fade-out mixing.

I needed the setup of three CDJs and a DJM800 mixer to get all my skills working. Then I work in a lot of loops, acapellas and FX. I think that’s something that makes my sets interesting for ears and eyes.

Considering you’re a technical guy and an accomplished producer, has the concept of doing a live set ever wandered into your mind?

Yes it has, and this is actually something I’m working on now. But I need to find the time to do it, as I´m also working three days a week as a dentist.

Are there plans for an album?

Not till now, but I’ll have a think about it next year. It´s too early at this stage.

OK, how about your label then? What can we expect to come out on it in the coming months?

The key idea of buidling this brand was that I wanted to find a homebase where I can work with friends I´ve recently done productions with and the producers I like.

A base from where I can start my productions and license them around the globe. I’m working closely with my good friend Francesco Diaz, who is in charge of licensing management and I’m doing all A&R things here.

I think it´s a perfect tool to start working with my favourite producers on collaborations.

Talking of collaborations, who would you ideally like to work with in the future?

I would like to get some things started with some pop vocalists which is something I´m already working on.

Is your studio style suited to collaborations? What’s your set up like?

I can give you some information, but I´ll keep some of it secret. I use the new Cubase 5, which is the must-have tool for me.

Synthesizer wise, I use the whole Arturia Collection, Korg, Predator, D-cam and some old skool synths from Waldorf.

These synth give me the basis of my sounds, but the key to the unique sounds come from additional plug in effects. I use a lot of plug ins that are normaly made for rock and alternative music like guitar and bass amps.

The tightness comes from the compressors I use.

What are your summer plans?

We’re about to plan some tours for Australia, Spain and Germany. There will also be a lot of productions coming out in during that time.

• (1) Comments
• (2498) Views
• Check out Eddie Thoneick on Beatport