In this edition of our MEET THE ARTIST series we bring back the Belgian beat meister Tonski! His latest release on Intonenation Axiom “My Everything” is out now on all digital platforms. Stream/buy here https://InToneNation.lnk.to/MyEverything
Dieter Matton, better known by his dj and artist name Tonski was only 15 when he started to spin dance music with a pair of second hand decks. His passion for electronic music was fueled by artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk, Moby, BBE, Faithless, Green Velvet, Depeche Mode as well as local trance and house DJ’s. He quickly perfected the art of mixing and began to play at the local clubs in his hometown, often having to spin chart and top 40 music. It wasn’t always the music he loved but as he gained experience behind the decks the residencies helped him to assemble an enviable collection of classic dance vinyl.
Gaining a solid reputation as a club DJ led Dieter to an opportunity to play at the ”Porsche” nightclub in Ingelmunster where he met top Belgian DJ’s dj Yves and his brother dj MD. Both were already active in the house scene and had just released a record on the famous Bonzaï Records label under the name "D-vibes". They helped the young DJ Tonski to refine his mixing style for a more sophisticated sound. When MD scored a gold record in Belgium with his track “Rio” (Porshe Records) Tonski had the chance to accompany him to major parties and events where MD would spin. It was a valuable education for a young DJ and Tonski also began to develop his studio production skills as well with the help of Aldo Verbeek, an acclaimed professional sound engineer and producer.
Tonski was then offered the chance to prove himself as a resident DJ at Star Events Parties (well known Belgian parties such as Dance Opera, Cyber Active, etc). During this period he also released his first record as a producer under the monika “Steve Shadow” which was released on Zenith Records and began to work the warm up slot for his long time mentor MD at the “Q-Pit” club. Shortly afterwards he became the main resident DJ at another nightclub and it seemed the time had come for Tonski to take center stage.
1. Hi Tonski! We are so excited about your new release. So, what has Tonski been up to since your last release, “Never Ever,” with JMA on Intonenation?
I spent some time getting my new studio completely in order, buying new software, hardware devices, and the latest Cubase DAW which has changed a lot since a few versions :-). This required some time to understand the operation of the new soft & hardware. I had some releases on the Belgian Judi Records and under a pseudonym on the Dutch Blue Records (Mid-Town) by Erik De Koning (known for the hit Three Drives - Greece 2000). I also made some projects for other Belgian DJs and had a weekly mix show on Dancetunes Radio on Saturday night called "Burn The House" with mostly progressive house & tech house in a mix.
2. Electronic music has been developing at an unprecedented rate in the last few years with new genres and sounds. How has that affected your production style, and which genres do you feel most connected to now?
I have always been a fan of music that triggers an emotion and music that also wakes you up in time. In my sets, I always try to tell a story with these two elements in particular. Usually with a combination of progressive & tech house/techno. Although, I like melodic house/techno. By the way, if you always only play one genre and the same sounds or mood, you have a greater chance of losing your audience. Your music story must always remain exciting :-). Back in the 90s, there were many differences in trance styles... You couldn't compare the trance of Germany & the Netherlands with what was mainly played in Belgium and France in terms of speed, drive, and especially structure. What I played in Belgium was given the "genre name" progressive house style years later. :)
3. “My Everything” has a great vocal hook. What was the process like working with vocals, and do you enjoy it more than producing purely instrumental tracks?
I have no preference between instrumental and vocal tracks. It's important that both, the audience and I, feel good about it. The fact is that tracks with a vocal are more accessible and more likely to get radio airplay, but the "vocal tracks" are not always better....Sometimes I think the vocals make the track less good... But that's my personal opinion... Instrumental tracks sometimes get the airplay they deserve... but it's much much more difficult to convince the radio stations to play the record.
4. "My Everything" is a fresh new sound for 2023. What inspired you to create this amazing track?
Last year I married my girlfriend who I have been with for 20 years. We have a son together who was born in 2009. In our younger years, we worked together in a dance club. I was responsible for the disco booth, and my girlfriend was behind the bar. To this day we are still a good team... now with a teenager. :-). When I was working on a new track in the now-popular melodic techno style, I was looking for a vocal. I found this in a pop music construction cd. Normally this is not used in melodic techno but what is normal! After all, this matched the end result and my wife and son remain My Everything.
5. What can we expect from Tonski for the rest of 2023? Do you have any goals or plans you can share with us?
I still have some promised projects to finish, but after that, I only want to continue working on my own projects. I already have several ideas ready in my head but time has put this on hold. I also have my own music style ready in my head ... When people are ready, releases will follow. ;-)
I've learned to enjoy my studio, to do my thing, and not to stress because things don't turn out the way I thought. You can follow me further via tonskimusic.com. All social media channels are listed there. :-)
Follow Tonski:
Website:http://tonskimusic.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/tonskimusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonskimusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/djtonski
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/tonski
Mixcloud: http://mixcloud.com/dj_Tonski
