We Know The Feeling: Tom Havens (Beatport Denver)

We Know The Feeling: Tom Havens (Beatport Denver)

2 August, 2010 | 10.16AM

• Written by: Sean Lewis
• Filed under: Music News: we know the feeling

If you’re unaware of the geographical layout of the US, Denver, Colorado is a little to the west, but pretty much smack dab in the middle of the landmass. It’s an unlikely place to be the Mecca of digital dance music, but it’s home base for Beatport. Ask any one of the neighboring states about the best dance music scene within 500 miles (805 kilometers) and they’ll have to admit that Denver’s attitude rivals that of the most bustling music metropolises. 

It was this attitude that just a few years ago forged Beatport in the fires of Denver’s loins. It takes nothing short of an obsession with music to keep this machine powered. Even when most of us leave the premises, our obsessions don’t punch out or take a lunch break. For most of us, music is a passion, and that is precisely why “We Know The Feeling”.

This second installment of “We Know The Feeling” is brought to you from Beatport Left, and we focus our microscope on staffer Tom Havens—a charming young chap with a cheerful attitude and a devastating obsession with dance music.

Welcome to public exposure, Tom! Tell us, where did you grow up?

Right here in Denver, Colorado.

What was the first album you purchased?

The first record I ever owned was Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’.

When and how did you get into electronic music?

A little over 11 years ago, when I was taken to a large outdoor party during the summer of ‘99. I had never heard music like that before. I didn’t even know what to call it. All I wanted to do was hear more!

Have your tastes evolved since then?

Yes they have, a lot! Working for Beatport has given me the chance to learn so much about so many genres. I find something great in all genres of dance music.

What’s the best thing about living in Denver?

Beatport and the weather.

What do you do here at Beatport and how long have you been with the company?

I am a content manager for the Americas. I have been with Beatport for over just over five years now.

In layman’s terms, what does that mean?

In the shortest term possible, I connect all the dots with the music and labels to get everything online for purchase.

What would you say is the biggest impact you’ve made here at Beatport?

Possibly finding Deadmau5. He was just starting out on Play Digital back then and his sound was groundbreaking! I predicted his first #1 and the rest is history from there.

Do you produce or perform?

Yes, both! I have been going under the DJ name Sir Thomas for 10 years now. I have been getting more into production over the last three years.

What’s your production set up like?

I like to dabble with a lot of different software. Cubase, Ableton, and Logic. Ableton has been getting used more as my sequencer lately.

Preferred method of mixing?

I love using CDs— so easy to travel with! I also did just start playing with Traktor Scratch Pro at home.

Can you tell us more about where you’ve performed in the past? Do you have any upcoming releases or appearances?

I have pretty much covered all of North and Central America, all the way from Toronto and Montreal to Panama and El Salvador. I have some East Coast and Central American dates coming up. Working with Paul Anthony and ZXX, I did a remix of Dresden & Johnston’s ‘Redhead’, which just came out on Problem Child Rekords. And I’m working on a monster new original track called ‘Intoxicated At First’ with my new production duo, Durty Ducks. Keep your eyes open for that one!

Top three producers or DJs?

Producers are ever-changing in this world, and I have so many favorites. My top three DJs would be Sasha, Funkagenda, and Dubfire.

Top three tracks you’ve heard in the past three months?

Ben LB, ‘Olympics’ [Definitive Recordings]

Moguai, ‘Oyster’ (Michael Woods Remix) [mau5trap]

Hatiras, ‘Spaced Invader’ (Olivier Giacomotto Remix) [Hatrax Records]

Lightning Round

Old School or New School?

Old school.

What would you do for a Klondike bar?

Stand in place and hop on one foot!

Complete these sentences:
I’ll never forget the time I ____

...played a tag-team set with my boy Seb Fontaine.

I hope to forget about the time I ___

I already forgot it!

If I could be a ____, I would be a _____ because _____

If I could be a superhero, I would be a superhero because that would just be awesome to be able to fly.

I would rather _____, than listen to ______

I would rather be sunburned, than listen to happy hardcore!

Good show! Thanks Tom.

Thank you! Does this mean I can take my lunch break now?

Sir Thomas aka Tom Havens’ Beatport Top 10

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