This week I interviewed Comic Strips, a name that has been featured on Metalectro numerous times with his tracks. Comic Strips is from Pittsburgh, United States and he recently had his “Party Zone” EP released, a few days ago by Bazooka Records, and his single “Auto Cannon”, earlier this month by Rot10 Music. So, I thought it would be a good time to get hold of him for an interview… Let’s find out what he has to say about his EPs, influences, plans for the near future and more…
01. Hi Tom! Would you mind introducing yourself?
What’s up man! My name is Tom Holroyd (aka Comic Strips), I am an Electronic Dance Music Producer out of Pittsburgh, PA.
02. How long have you been doing Comic Strips and how would you describe your music?
I started Comic Strips in May of 2010, so about one and a half years now.
03. You’ve been keeping us busy here at Metalectro for a while with your tracks, starting a while ago with “Ghost Troubles” from your debut EP “That’s My Sh!!”, a heavier and different sounding track than your most recent ones. What was the feedback you got for that track and EP?
I definitely got a good response from that EP. It was really the first thing to put me on “the map”. It was the first project I ever got signed to a label as well. Big shoutout to Rot10 Musik for signing it!
04. This last month has been a really busy one for you with one EP release and a single! What feedback are you getting for these new releases and are you happy with them?
“AutoCannon” and the “Party Zone” EP were released so close to each other by mistake. “AutoCannon” was supposed to come out way before the “Party Zone” EP but it got pushed forward… Honestly, I wasn’t to thrilled about that but hey, life goes on. And I am most stoked on “Party Zone” EP and the response has been incredible. It reached the number 9 spot on the top 100 Electro House releases, which was thrilling to see.
05. I have to say, comparing your latest with your previous work you seem to have a more dance oriented and clubby sound and groove in your most recent tracks, whereas the earlier ones are heavier and more aggressive. Should we expect you to return to the more “trashy” style anytime soon?
I am a big fan of diversity; I find it boring to hear producers producing pretty much the same track over and over again. But to answer your question, in due time, I’ll switch things up again and probably dabble in more aggressive stuff like “Ghost Troubles”. But infuse the grooves and more clubby sounds that I am dabbling in now.
06. What is your biggest music achievement/highlight so far and what would you say is your most embarrassing moment? In regard to music always…
Man! Playing Dayglow this year with Lucky Date was awesome. It was at one of the biggest venues in my home town (huge outdoor amphitheater) and I played to about 6000 people… It was unreal looking up and seeing that many people. The evening before I co-headlined with Digiratti in Cleveland and it was the definitive medium sized packed club, so seeing the contrast in crowds was so ridiculous to me all I could was laugh and smile whilst playing my set at Day Glow.
07. What are you working on at the moment? Any new tracks or remixes to look forward to?
I have some ideas going. I have a new freebie dropping soon, (probably will be out by the time this interview is posted) the track is called “Tear It Up” and it features original Guitar and Slap Bass work by myself. Definitely more on the “banger” side of things, got back into the heavy sounds you know and love at Metalectro for this one!
08. You’ve been coming up with quite a few remixes as well as original tracks, with your remix of Cosmic Sand’s “Back To The Moonlight Sonata” being one of my favorites. Would you say you prefer working on one more than the other and if yes why?
Mtv.1 was such a blast to work on; you of course hooked me up with that! But I am a huge Beethoven fan and the original Moonlight Sonata has so much emotion, in turn, it was an awesome song to turn into an Electro House remix. These days, I am being really picky with which songs I choose to remix, I’ve actually turned down more than taken. The reason being I have to really like the original or be hit with a solid remix idea when listening to the original.
09. Any more releases planned for Comic Strips in 2011?
Another two track EP coming out on Electro House duo Cold Blank’s Label, Burn The Fire Records November 21st!
10. You have been many times been described as one of the most promising young up & coming producers of the hard electro scene, what do you have to say about that?
Pretty honored to hear such things! All I can say is the huge amount of hard work I have put into Comic Strips is paying off.
11. Whom would you dream about working/collaborating with?
Good question, very tough to answer as well! Far Too Loud has been my favorite producer these days, would love to bust out a tune with him. I wish I could go back in time and hang with the Stones, The Beatles, Velvet Underground, The Ramones, and the 50’s Rock legends. Not so much for collaborating, but just straight up hang.
12. Do you work only with computers/sequencers or do you get your hands dirty playing and recording instruments? Do you use samples and what’s your opinion on sampling and copyright?
I use soft synths and plug-ins. But I am working on a couple songs with guitar and bass guitar. And if it sounds right, I’ll sample (I sampled a disco track on party zone), I am all about sampling. I don’t do it often, but I think it’s a cool way to freshen old sounds up.
13. So, what is music for you and what do you think about the way the music industry is changing?
Music is a lot of things for me. Its my life really! All I do is produce and when I am not producing, I am general listening. It would be really cool if things were still pressed on vinyl + CD’s. Those mediums still exist but everything is going digital. Which I am 100% cool with, I just want my tunes to be as accessible as possible thus digital is the most logical way for that to happen.
14. Any comments about today’s mainstream music? Do you agree with Haezer’s “Commercial Music Is Dead”?
Commercial music is dead. It’s just watered down ridiculousness. Music in general is in an interesting state these days.
15. Do you believe that an electronic music artist can earn his/her living from music nowadays?
Absolutely! Especially if you don’t have loads of bills to pay + a family to support… But if you have to deal with the latter, I would imagine it would be tough. I support myself off music and a part time Pizza making gig.
16. You have been also playing a few shows lately, what are your thoughts about those? Do you have any more shows coming up and how can someone book you for one?
I absolutely love playing live, its easily one of the most fun things that comes along with this music thing. As I type this, I am getting ready to play the Throwed party in Boston tonight. Then the next day (Wednesday Nov 8) I embark on an Australian tour with Mr. Skeleton and also playing with Le Castle Vania on a date. Obviously, stoked beyond belief for that tour!
And I am a part of Bond Music Group, an agency out of NYC. You can book me here! http://www.bondmusicgroup.com/roster/comic-strips or send a direct email to my agent which is Chad(at)bondmusicgroup(dot)com
17. Whom would you dream of sharing the stage with?
Hahaha, Already did it! MSTRKRFT were the people that inspired me to start producing Electro House music and I was fortunate enough to play with them. Also got a chance to play with Wolfgang Gartner and he was definitely another person I dreamt of playing with.
18. What are you listening to lately? Any tracks/artists you recommend?
As far as Electro House is concerned, I love anything Far Too Loud is doing (like I mentioned before). His tunes always sneak their way into my sets. Driverpilot’s “Retaliation” EP is unreal as well. Big shout out to Nick for tearing up the heavy Electro tip. As far as heavy Electro is concerned, that dude is definitely the cream of the crop in the entire scene!
19. What do you like doing when not in the studio producing music?
Hanging, biking, long boarding, reading, skiing (when I get the chance), going to coffee shops and sipping espresso. Yep, that’s all that comes to mind at the moment!
20. Anything else you’d like to mention and we forgot to ask?
I think everything is covered!
Oh wait…! If you readers want to stay updated, like my facebook page and/or follow me on twitter!
Cheers!!!