Summer 16 is shaping up nicely for Theo Kottis; with upcoming EP releases on Anjunadeep, Moda Black, and Sasha’s Last Night On Earth, plus a slew of festival dates scheduled – he is certainly living up to the hype, created by none other than Pete Tong. Coming from humble beginnings, he has learnt his craft amongst legends at renowned venues, including as a resident at Glasgow’s Sub Club. For Balance Selections 30 we are very pleased to welcome the Scotsman on board for a deep excursion into house and more…
Balance Selections Q+A
Name:
Theo Kottis
Location:
Edinburgh, Scotland
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/theokottismusic
Soundcloud:
www.soundcloud.com/theokottis
Alias/Producer name:
Theo Kottis
Labels affiliated with:
Anjunadeep, Last Night On Earth, Moda Black, Get Physical, Saved
My last 3 releases:
What music did you listen to as a child?
Growing up, I spent time listening to and discovering a lot of genres, my tastes have changed and my appreciation for music has grown. But I’ll always remember loving my mum playing all the classics from Diana Ross, David Bowie, George Benson and Simply Red.
When was the first time that you realized that you liked electronic music?
Maybe this isn’t something I should be admit to, but aged 15 I was a huge trance fan. You would have caught me listening to classic French house music like Daft Punk & Alan Braxe from a young age.
When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?
I can’t remember specifically but it would of been around the time the Ed Banger Records crew were on top and everyone’s obsession was Justice. But I’ll never forget m y first trip to ibiza when I was 18, Erick Morillo at Pacha!
Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?
Gerd Janson for his DJ sets. The All Day I Dream label run by Lee Burridge for the atmosphere they create. The Innervisions crew for the high production standard. Tame Impala & Bob Moses for combining all the synth sounds I love.
What was the last album that you downloaded/bought?
Rising Sun – The Lamentations Of Rising Sun Youandewan – There Is No Right Time
What is your current production and DJ set up like?
I use Logic Pro as my main DAW, Event 20/20 Monitors, Roland Alpha Juno 1& a Korg Minilogue. The goal for 2017 is to set up a new studio, the current one in my bedroom has done me well but I need room for all the hardware I’m planning on investing in come the new year.
What releases do you have on the horizon?
Theo Kottis – Future Eyes (Anjunadeep) – October 4th. Droog & Inxec Remix on Sasha’s Last Night On Earth in December.
Where can we hear you perform?
Coming up, I have my debut USA tour this November. I’ll be performing in 16 states, which is very exciting and something totally new for me. After that I’m back to Scotland where I’ll be playing at my favourite venue the Sub Club alongside Joris Voorn. What a welcome home!
Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?
I started the mix slow and deep and progressively take you on a journey into more uplifting, clubbier sounds. Most of the tracks I have been playing out this month so they are club tested & crowd approved!
My Recommendations
The top track in my DJ wallet currently is:
If I could recommend only one of my tracks for you to listen to it would be:
If I could recommend only one track for you to listen to it would be:
My favourite Balance compilation is:
Joris Voorn 2009
The last movie I watched that I really liked:
The new Oasis film, Supersonic.
My favourite TV show:
My favourite recent TV show is Gomorrah. It’s an Italian series set in the suburbs of Naples, focusing on organised crime.
If I could choose anyone to compile a Balance comp it would be:
Nicolas Jaar
