Tham
DJ | Producer
Last week Ellen Allien released a VA on BPitch as part of her compilation series ‘We Are Not Alone’. Having run the label since the late 90s, Ellen has supported intriguing talent from all over the globe and at various points of their careers. The artists on ‘We Are Not Aone Vol.2’ follow the same vision of the label and come from a plethora of alluring names including Rebekah, Ceili, Inhalt Der Nacht, Parallx and more. But there is one artist in particular who stands out on the VA because he keeps showing up on other labels too - Lebendig, R-Label Group, Disconnekt Records and Voxnox Records, all of which have helped to bring his sound to the forefront of Europe’s techno scene.
Tham is Berlin-based DJ and producer who has been playing the city’s circuit since 2015 both with the SYNOID crew and as a solo artist. Tresor, Griessmuehle, Alte Münze and beyond into Corsica Studios London, Khidi in Tbilisi and Poligraf in Yerevan have appeared on his agenda, allowing him to explore different dancefloors, cultures and audiences along the way.
Techno is Tham’s genre of choice. With a wealth of hammering rhythms to make up his collection, Tham’s productions mirror the same whirlwind style he's known for in the DJ booth. Booked to support Dax J, Phase Fatale, Helena Hauff, SPFDJ and pretty much anyone who batters out hard techno on a fine evening, Tham's trajectory has continued to evolve this year through his consistent releases and live streams.
The below memory comes from way back before Covid when Tham was playing most weekends. He elaborates on it further, as well as sharing what he has been listening to lately, life in Berlin and more…
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
This photo was taken on a bus ride in 2018, where I first met my Berlin local folks Julius aka Introversion, Björn aka Strongrain and Andy. We shared a super funny 2-3 hour ride with a lot of sparkling wine and beer to Rostock, where Julius and I were playing at UKW and the birthday party of Sophie, who's a Rostock local I got to know at a lot of events before.
It was the first time I played there and the year after she invited me back for her birthday again, with a promise to repeat it annually. Saddens me that it probably will not happen this year with Covid going on, but I wanted to give this impression of life as a DJ that I love the most: meeting a lot like-minded people, making friends, having parties, sharing nights, being on the road together...all the things that are worth remembering and make you smile again, even though it was years ago.
What are you listening to at the moment if you’re working from home?
For now I don’t have a day job besides music, so I try to use the time in the studio, but after half a year into this pandemic, it’s definitely getting harder to stay motivated. I do love producing a lot, to lock myself into the studio and work on a track for days, but I usually need a dose of clubbing afterwards before I'm ready to work on the next projects. It helps to stay creative to really have a break like that.
Also I just miss the possibility to test a track on a large sound system in between, even if it’s only the first idea, having direct feedback of the track with crowded floor can give a lot of energy to finish that track.
What is life currently like over in Berlin?
Winter is here so it’s important for me to stay balanced somehow these days, even if thinking about the next months does make me a bit anxious.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
For remembering good times, there is nothing like Aphex Twin for me. Especially the track ‘#20’ hits me right in the feels!
How do you intend on celebrating once we’re out the other side?
I think, best for that could be a test run of Revier Südost with a huge SYNOID weekender.
What do you do to look after your mind and body?
Exercise helps me a lot to stay calm. I started bouldering, which is great, because I can do that with friends, so it feels less isolated than running or gym sessions. Ah, and you don’t feel bad having a beer and a cigarette afterwards!
Listen to Tham’s latest mix for Lebendig here and follow him below: