Exclusive Interview With UK Talent Thomas Irwin As He Unveils New High-Tempo Dance Cut ‘Lonely Lonely Road.’ After notable releases with SPINNIN’, One Seven Music, DHARMA, and more, Thomas Irwin is back with another groundbreaking track.
The Doncaster-born, now London-based DJ and producer has achieved multi-million streams for hits like the ‘Carnival De Paris’ remake with Dario G, ‘Take Me Back To Church’ with The High and ROZZZQWEEN, and ‘Worst Best Night’ with Scarlett. His latest production nods to some of electronic dance music’s most iconic records.
To celebrate the recent release of ‘Lonely Lonely Road,’ we caught up with Thomas Irwin for an immersive chat about his musical journey, advice for aspiring artists, future prospects and more.
Can you share the inspiration behind your latest release, ‘Lonely Lonely Road’ featuring Mulimba, and how this track came together?
I had worked with Mulimba previously and was really keen to get together to write some more. As usual, I go into the room and just focus on writing what feels good rather than going in to write something specific. Jonas (collaborator) and I actually rented a studio at my old uni, which was fun, and a couple of hours later, Lonely Lonely Road was born.
I love working with vocalists and musicians who have a really distinctive sound. Ash (Mulimba) is a perfect example of this; there’s no one who sounds like him, and to bring that voice onto a dance track is a real pleasure.
‘Lonely Lonely Road’ has received positive feedback from listeners. What sets this track apart from your previous releases, particularly those on SPINNIN’, One Seven Music, and DHARMA?
This is my quickest track to date – I guess it’s reminiscent of trance, which I took inspiration from. I wanted to give a real ’90s euphoria with modern songwriting and soulful vocals, which gives a really unique vibe
How did your collaboration with Mulimba come about for ‘Lonely Lonely Road’, and what was the creative process like for this track?
Mulimba and I have worked together previously and were keen to get together for some more sessions. Ash is an unbelievable songwriter and musician, so lyrical concepts come quickly, and every time we’ve worked, I feel we write well together! I invited another good friend of mine, who I work a lot with, Jonas. Between the three of us we can throw ideas at one another and get the juices flowing.
Your previous releases have garnered millions of plays on platforms like Spotify. How do you approach producing music that resonates with a broad audience while staying true to your artistic vision?
I have never really cared too much about numbers. Obviously, when you say millions of people have heard your music, it’s pretty surreal and hard to contextualize. Nonetheless, I’m extremely grateful that people have taken the time to listen to my music; those who engage with me and tell me stories about my music just fulfill me like nothing else ever will. I really want to just do what I love and be true to that. I think my audience appreciates authenticity, and I just want to focus on making the next tune or playing the next show and giving it 100% every time.
You’ve had the opportunity to work with major labels such as SPINNIN’ and DHARMA. What advice would you give upcoming artists seeking similar opportunities in the music industry?
Stay true to yourself, be aware of what’s going on in the industry, and take inspiration, but ultimately, don’t be scared to innovate and try new things. My biggest successes have always been when I felt a little uncomfortable at first, but I’ve stayed focused. Also, I think you can’t underestimate the importance of hard work and graft.
In ‘Lonely Lonely Road’, your fusion of electronic dance music with other influences is evident. How important is it for you to explore diverse genres and influences in your music?
It’s massive. For both personal and musical growth, I want to learn about other genres and work with people from different backgrounds. I always appreciate artists who aren’t scared to try new things, and the education you get from exploring different styles of music is priceless. There are no shortcuts in being a musician and learning the craft, but collaboration and working with others is the closest thing to that.
You studied for a BA (Hons) Music Production & DJ Performance Degree with Point Blank; how has your education influenced your approach to music production and DJ performance, especially in the context of your recent releases?
Yeah, Point Bank was fun, aha. We actually used one of the studios at Point Blank to record and write Lonely Lonely Road. I guess the biggest thing I’ve taken away from Point Blank is to just not care about what’s going on around you and to just keep moving forward. I met so many different musicians, and basically, all my mates made different styles of music, and it was and continues to be, so good to see everyone grow in the industry. I don’t think before moving to London, I would have made a soulful trance hybrid, but here we are!
What can fans and listeners expect from your upcoming projects after the success of ‘Lonely Lonely Road’, and how do you plan to build on the momentum from this release?
I’ve got a really healthy release schedule with collaborations from some unbelievable musicians. I can guarantee some of the best music I’ve ever made and some surprising new directions for me, but I promise the melodies and earworms will always be there, and it will always sound like Thomas Irwin. I’m next playing at Hidden Festival and looking forward to the rest of summer!
Thomas Irwin – “Lonely Lonely Road” (feat. MULIMBA) is out now!
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