Kompakt’s Tobias Thomas talks c/o Pop in Cologne

Kompakt’s Tobias Thomas talks c/o Pop in Cologne

21 August, 2008 | 7.35PM

• Written by: Lee Smith
• Filed under: Music News:

It feels like the dust has finally settled after last weekend’s c/o Pop festival in Cologne, the city’s 5-day mix of conferences and parties that mixes business with pleasure in finest local style.

We caught up with acclaimed Kompakt DJ Tobias Thomas, who works closely with the festival to put together the event line-up, to find out how this year’s c/o Pop went.

You’ve been involved with the festival from day one, but you’ve had a larger role than ever this year. Tell us a bit about what you do for c/o Pop.

I am involved in certain elements of the programming, either suggesting artists or making sure that the ones we have are in the right places.

I’m also the guy that makes sure the artists we have are treated properly – making sure they’re not left to walk from the airport or something!

How has it gone this year, from your point of view?

It’s been smoother than ever.

Last year we had some problems with people picking up tickets and stuff, but we’ve sorted it out and we’ve sold more tickets than ever before.

We are only a small festival, and a pretty small city, but we try and add some special little touches, like ‘beauty points’, to make our festival special.

I think it’s working.

What have been your highlights, personally?

The Westcafe afternoon party [which also featured Ada, Popnoname and others] was at this really nice venue – but it’s only nice if the sun is shining!

Luckily we had no rain in the end.

Also, the Vladislav Delay performance of his live score to the film ‘I Hired A Contract Killer’.

It took me eight months to arrange, so I was really happy it went without any technical problems.

His soundtrack was subtle – rather than make it obvious when there was a happy scene or something, it was a very low shift in the mood – something more artistic.

I also was lucky to catch the exclusive premier of the new film starring [Bpitch control producer] Paul Kalkbrenner.

He’s not a professional actor, but I think he did very well.

He has this really cool, native Berlin accent – I think what you guys call a ‘geezer’.

A few of lines were so nice, I really liked to hear him speak them.

You’re also crazy about soccer – to the extent that you organise a 5-a side tournament as part of the festival each year. How do you feel about your team’s chances this year?

Put it this way – if we win, I will be afterpartying until Tuesday!

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You can check out Tobias’ tour schedule on his myspace page here.

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