This Saturday’s Subculture guest is a ship-shape ship-mate of Domenic’s, Lil’ Tony. He’s a big character in the Helsinki club scene boasting superb solo releases on labels such as Running Back, Innervisions and Sonar Kollektiv. As a first class club runner, Tony has held sway over fantastic Finnish affairs from Kerma and sOda of yesteryear to the excellent and Ääniwalli & Kaiku today.
Having been invited to play his fine clubs in the past, it’s now Harri and Dom’s turn to bring him full speed into our harbour of hedonism to entertain you salty sailors. Expect Subculture classics and the new tracks breaking and making waves throughout this unmissable musical sea journey!
We caught up with him ahead of his Subculture debut to chat over weird areas for clubs, his hometown, Innervisions, and climbing….
What got you started in dance music and what keeps you inspired after so long?
I went interrailing in mid 80s through Europe by train, on that trip we stopped in Berlin, Spain, Italy and last destination was Ibiza. Every town we visited we went to underground House and Acid parties. Before this trip I got C-Cassette from my friend and tip list of European clubs, It was an Acid mix from Chicago, not sure who did it. that was a first bite, and its still hitting me!
What is it you like about pulling together unique clubs and parties in weird areas?
I think it keeps things interesting to find new locations for clubs. Im always searching for new areas or buildings where you never been before. Its a big challenge, and sometimes its not easy to get people from usual spots to new area, but you get music lovers and people who are searching for something new and interesting. It’s been always my thing, and it works.
What’s you three best things about Helsinki? What do you miss when on tour?
Girls, fresh air in clubs, and 24 hours of light in summertime.
As a producer, your Innervisions release got lots of attention, While you were mixing it down or doing the final submission, did you think to yourself “This is the one? ” When was the first time you heard it being played out by another DJ?
My first release for Innervisions was split 12″, and track was called House. Dixon and Ame played demo b4 it was released. I did like the track a lot, it was different and raw, remind me a lot from old school New York stuff, but it never was ” wow this is the one. ” But its always hard to like you own tracks after you been working a lot with theme.
Second EP on Innervisions was called Antons Groove which was a live jam with analog gears, I liked a lot the sound on that one. Anton is my sons name btw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zEe9lcyKbw
When did you first come across Harri & Domenic ?
Harri came 1998 to my club Kerma (RIP 1997-2004). Domenic, I heard first time in Berlin, it was Dixons Innercity night in Weekend club, about 8 years ago. Dom has been in Helsinki twice since then.
Have they behaved themselves when playing out there for you ;) ?
What happens in Helsinki stays in Helsinki ;)
Like us you has been booking Dixon for over 10 years, are you surprised at how big and renowned he has become?
Dixon played for me first time 1995 or 1994 in club Nylon, Helsinki. so I’ve seen his thing few years now. Im not surprised at all. I think he has been always one of the best House DJs around and good taste with music and own style and master-plan, no compromises. Innervisions thing was a big move, and lots of work, and it worked well. I’m very happy and I think its been very good thing for whole scene also. Best thing is that he is still same Dixon that I met 20 years ago :D
Who do you you think is next to blow up just as big as Dixon, but isn’t as well known yet?
Thats a tough one and I’m not going to say Mano Le Tough, cause he is already big. Hmm. let me think… There is a lots of potential, but to get everything correct you should have a masterplan. I don’t really know. It can be someone from Techno scene maybe. But ok, there is not going to be next Dixon :D
What’s your expectations of Glasgow and your Subculture debut?
Only thing I can say at the moment, I can¨t wait. I’ve heard only good things about it.
Seeing as your the captain of our ship this weekend, any tips for the the deck crew and the ravers? What should they expect?
I hope it’s a safe trip for everyone. Get ready for madness!
While getting to know Tony we found out he’s got a keen interested in climbing. So he sent us over his favourite five climbing spots from around the world. In true DJ style he’s attached a tune for each spot, “most of these are what first comes to mind for each location. Either from the car journey or how it reminds me of one night there….”
Brione – a bouldering area in Tessin Valley, Switzerland.
Fontainebleau is a bouldering area about 50 km from Paris. Amazing forest!
Tonsai beach is a rock climbing area in South Thailand, Krabi area.
Kalymnos is an island in Greece. One of the biggest sport climbing area in Europe.
Rocklands is in South Africa, huge bouldering area. I haven’t seen that many rocks, ever!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ty_WlmIKvY
Lil’ Tony recorded this mix ahead of his Sub Club debut on Saturday. ” This mix is out of respect for Harri And Dom and 20 years of Subculture. First part is dirty old vinyl only and last hour is more modern digital music. So you can hear how much music and sound has changed in 20 years.”
The boat party is now sold out but don’t despair as you can still join us back at the Sub Club, where Lil’ Tony will be keeping the party afloat alongside Harri, Domenic & Telford until the small hours of Sunday morning.
AFTER PARTY ONLY TICKETS ARE ON SALE FROM RA & IN STORE OR ONLINE FROM TICKETS SCOTLAND.