Tom Campbell – More than meets the ear!

The likes of Q-Bar resident DJ Tom Campbell can not go un-noticed.

During his time as a DJ, Tom has not only developed and shared his characteristic musical style but also built up a legion of supporters that just keep coming back for more.

The growing Campbell legacy from the time spent behind the ‘decks’ has lead to the foundation of his own record label ‘White City Records’ as well as a passion for producing his own music. 

Who is Tom Campbell?

Tom Campbell and quality trance are synonymous within the Melbourne club scene. While he is renowned for his work within the dj booth, what was to be found within his studio was more than could have been imagined.

Where/when did Tom get started?..

While traveling through the UK in 1997, Tom was sucked into the world of Turntablism. He walked into DMC records one day and saw that legendary Australian dj Anthony Pappa was running the dj course. Anthony taught Tom and by the sounds of things, taught him damm well.

So how did things happen for you back here in Australia?

When Tom arrived back in Melbourne in 1998, he spun his first records at Q bar, Toorak Rd. This was his welcome back party and he rocked the place so much that the next week he was offered a residency that he still holds…

Tom, was now in full scale flight of his dj adventure and quickly gained recognition around Melbourne for playing quality tunes at great venues. Redhead was his next big residency that he held until its ultimate demise in 1999. 

Out of the booth and into the Studio…..

More importantly, Tom has been studing and moving into the production side of the electronic music world and after 3 years is very much ready to explode.

Tom did sound music production courses at Revolver and also studied both basic and advanced levels of Logic Audio, a software based music production center available on either PC or Mac.

The Gear!

Tom’s studio, is powered by a Mac G3, which defiantly seems to be the platform of computer system to be on if you are writing music…. The ease of using a Mac based operating system as opposed to a PC in my opinion is uncomparable… Unless of course you are a PC wizard and you know how to hook it up properly for your needs. The Mac components are also all the same brand, so you know they are compatible! The downside of Mac’s are that they are expensive… very expensive.

Midi Controller keyboard (this is the keyboard you use to play the notes and sounds from the Nord and Roland synths).

Where is the Music taking Tom?

Tom is now concentrating on the studio, in order to set himself up for a career rather than just a hobby, and it appears and sounds like it is all moving faster than the music he plays. He has 2 singles already finished and being played (by himself) out in public. This is giving him a good platform to experiment and see what works.

He has also just finished a remix of Atari Baby’s upcoming release, where Tom has supplied the progressive trance mix…. Look out for it soon!

So where do you find your records?

Mainly Rhythm and Soul and then DMC and Platinum if there is any money left!

Where can we catch Tom Campbell?

Q’y Sat Sun - Morning Sets

Caseys - Thursday

So what does Tom play?

Tom plays Trance, sometimes crossing over to break-beat but always heading home to the banging or non banging Trance

Tom has also been collecting techno records for about 2 years and hopes also to be able to throw himself into that arena at some stage of his career.

So if Trance dies, will Tom Campbell?

No. Toms passion for music reaches much further than just trance and if the need ever arose he could diversify his style. Having said that, trance keeps re-inventing itself all the time, with artists like Timo Mass creating new trance sound there is no way it will die!

So whats in the future?

Campbell’s vision of the future is clear and bright. Throughout the interview his determination and commitment to his career is undeniable. His career path down the road to cementing himself as one of the best DJs Melbourne is born from the fact he is committed to playing the best of his ability, every time.

So what is Tom Campbell all about?

Well, if you are looking for a dj who is clear in his musical vision, a commitment to quality trance, the punters and the Melbourne club scene than look no further than Mr. Campbell. Tom can now ride the wave of 6 years of hard work, his own record label, a bag of quality trance tracks and remixes, his career that is ready to skyrocket. All of this and he typifies the Mr. Nice guy persona. Whew! Well, I will happily watch his career unfold from the periphery of the dance floor, knowing that there is certainly more than meets the ear.

Tips from the Master….

Mix with your headphone volume as low as possible – Don’t go deaf!

Logic Audio is the program to use – Easier to use and more people use it in Melbourne so its easier to get help!