As a lead up to the Universal Religion 2012 Edition, we are going to be releasing exclusive interviews with your favorite artists. Some of them you may have seen before, some you shall have the joy of catching this April in Nepal ! This is simply a space to “Know Your Artist”, the person behind the music and the soul behind the sound.
A stalwart in the scene, someone whose powerful sounds and ‘always smiling’ energy has made you move, from the beaches in Goa to massive psychedelic dance floors around the world, we bring you our favorite “big friendly giant” of psy, TRISTAN COOKE !!!!
Tristan your name carries huge weight; what made you take up Psychedelic?
Thank you! I have been Djing for a few years before I went on a trip to India in 1993, where I discovered Goa Trance parties I and never looked back…
Two decades and still blasting the floors all around the globe, musically what makes you dig this madness?
What’s not to love??? (apart from the massive amount of time in airports) Thankfully I still absolutely love what I do:it still presents a challenge and provides my family and I with an amazing way of life. Wouldn’t swap it for anything!!
Universal Religion 2012 Nepal is going to be a first, what do you, already know of this musical giant?
I’ve heard it’s amazing, but I tend not to listen too much to hearsay… I just go
to places and make up my own mind. but I’m looking forward to a festival in Nepal… it’s a first for me, and very excited about it.
Would you say the UK is a fertile ground for this sound, as you originate from there?
London in particular has a huge influence on the Trance scene; there are so many great producers, party people and killer vibes there, that’s why I base myself there for most of the year when I’m not in Goa.
Having collaborated with several producers/ djs in the past, can your fans expect a solo album or track release in 2012?
Yes.. now I’ve wrapped up the Killerwatts album ‘Blow your Mind’, I’m free to get on with my own material in 2012.
What’s your favorite party venue in the world?
Phew… there’s almost too many to mention, the beach of Universo Parallelo, the foot of mount fuji in japan, samothraki island, shiva valley on south anjuna beach, the inspiral cafe in camden; all for different reasons, but the most important factor at any party is the vibe and that’s created by the people on the dance floor
What fun things do you get up to when you’re not playing?
I’ve had an amazing season in Goa playing frisbee, body-surfing, watching the sunset, writing tunes, playing with my daughter, hanging out with crazy beautiful freaks… you get the picture!
You have a fresh and red hot vibe behind the decks, describe yourself in 5 words.
ROCKING WITH THE PARTY PEOPLE!
How did you come across Digital Om, tell us the story?
Like all good relationships we just found each other!
Are you still in association with Twisted Records, how does it feel to be the one steering Nano Records to much glory?
I am still friends with Simon Posford and the Twisted gang, but we no longer work together. Nano has been amazing for me and we have gone from strength to strength, and the label deserves all the credit it gets
Tell us about your project with Avalon ”KillaWatts”, how is that going?
Actually spelled ‘KILLERWATTS’, it’s a full on psychedelic, funky, uplifting, blasterizer of an album; and the live sets have been really kicking ass
How do you juggle production and gigs?
Pretty much means producing during the week and gigging at weekends; Trance is a full time occupation
Any hobbies you like to pursue?
I have been practicing Japanese kick boxing and have competed internationally for the last 10 years or so….
Do you play any musical instruments?
Originally I played the drums as a teenager (till i discovered drum machines and dance music) now I play guitar, and recently bought a piano for my birthday, so I’m enjoying learning that.
Any musical ambitions?
Keep taking people on Psychedelic journeys.
What’s your favorite food and party poison?
I’d have to say breakfast cereal as I eat it every morning, and party poison? Well, anything that expands my mind and brings me closer to the universal consciousness that is one LOVE!!
What can your fans expect from your set at Universal Religion 2012 edition?
Fat tunes and big smiles– I can’t wait!!
Check out more on Tristan:
http://www.facebook.com/djtristanfanpage
Check out information on Universal Religion at:
http://www.facebook.com/universal.religion.nepal
Courtesy Priya Sen
universalreligionartists 