Interviews Club

Interview: Treasure Fingers

by Lucy
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Hello Mr Treasure Fingers! Where in the world are you right now and what are you up to?

Hello! I am currently in Wuppertal, Germany, and I am about to fall into a deep jet-lag induced slumber. The start of a tour is perfect time to switch my days and nights around.

For any of our fans who aren’t familiar with your work, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

I'm a producer/DJ currently living in Brooklyn, but I grew up in Oklahoma and spent many years in Atlanta. I make funky house & disco-type stuff and attempt to bring good times to dancefloors around the world.

How would you describe your music and your sound?

It's sort of a melting pot of 70s disco, 80s electro funk, 90s french & chicago house with a tad of a speed garage influence. All whipped up together with a modern twist on it.

How did the name Treasure Fingers come about – is it because you have the Midas touch?!

A friend had come up with the name. I liked it a lot and no one else was using it or anything similar (according to Google), so I took on the role of Treasure Fingers. It sort of implies the Midas touch theme I'd say.

Sooo, you have released records on Fool’s Gold Records and your name is Treasure Fingers.  Would you say that everything you touch turns to gold?

I wish I had a magical ability to make that happen easily! But I work hard and do what I can and hopefully most people would put what I make in the gold category.

What’s the top track on your iPod at the moment?

Honestly? The top played mp3 on my iPod is this weird 2 hour long recording of ocean waves. I love it. I think growing up far from any shores has left me fascinated by the ocean. It also helps me sleeps on planes & anywhere else I might choose to take to nap.

What other producers should we be listening to/looking out for right now?

Alan1, Bit Funk, Justin Faust, Mercury.

You’re known for your remixes and have reworked an insane amount of brilliant acts already including Chromeo, Empire Of The Sun, Tensnake, Groove Armada, Eric Prydz – are there any producers you’re itching to remix who you haven’t already, or any tracks you have your eye on?

Not currently, I don't really hear something and immediately think of remixing it. There's loads of producers and bands I love, but I'm content with just listening to and playing their original music. I think after doing so many remixes, I'm way more focused on just finishing some original tracks at the moment. I have a few more remixes I need to contractually finish, but I may take a break from doing them over the summer and try to get an album or new EP rolling.

Who’s on your wish list to remix your own original productions and why?

Lorenz Rhode, Nightriders, Round Table Knights. I love everything these guys do, originals or remixes. I also think that between the 3 of them there's a wide spectrum of good music to come about.

What are you working on right now and what’s coming up for you in 2011, both in terms of production and DJing?

I'm working on some new singles, a few collaborations with other producers, and will hopefully get a full length album wrapped up by the end of the year. I also have a couple of mix compilations I'm working on - those should start popping up this summer. As far as DJing goes, I'll probably take a small break in May/June, then hit the road heavy again after that.

Do you prefer producing or DJing?

I'm split right about 50/50. I do feel more comfortable in the studio producing, but I love the thrill of DJing and seeing the aftermath of what was created in the studio.

What’s the best thing about being Treasure Fingers?

Having fans that are truly excited about what I'm up to, what I'm making, and coming out to shows to party with me. It's a great feeling to know my music is reaching someone out there.

You recently tweeted: “Wooooo! I got about 21 blank pages added to my passport. Aiming to max them out by sept”. You’re a very busy boy flying all over the world, so where do you want to play between now and September?

I will play anywhere at anytime. I love travelling & learning about different cultures. I'd go play in Libya right now if they would let me in.

You’ve been DJing all over the globe recently, what’s in your box that’s getting a great reaction from the dancefloor at the moment?

Nightriders - Hey (Nom de Strip remix) has been killing it pretty much everywhere I've played it so far, so I'd have to go with that.

You actually seem to find time to interact with your fans on Facebook etc – with your crazy schedule, how do you find the time?!

In airport lounges, waiting to board planes & hotel room downtime. I'm addicted to my BlackBerry also, so I check Facebook and Twitter pretty regularly. To say I'm a tech nerd would be an understatement!

You’ll be playing the 103 for us this Saturday alongside residents Michael Woods & Richard Murray and Roger Sanchez in the Box. How are you feeling about making your Ministry of Sound debut?

I am extremely excited. Growing up listening to dance music, I've always heard of classic nights at Ministry of Sound but have never been before. So to DJ a night as my introduction to the club is quite an honour!

What can we expect from your set? Come on, don’t be shy...spill the beans!

Well, I was thinking about leaving my music behind and trying out this new avant-garde magician act I'm working on, or maybe a 5 hour stand up comedy routine? I'll see how I'm feeling that day ;)

Tell us one track that you’re definitely going to play?

Anthony Ross "Set You Free".

Sounds good to us - we can't wait! Thanks and see you Saturday!!! :)

Treasure Fingers will be releasing a compilation album on Defected Records this summer - stay tuned!

Tickets for Release Yourself on Saturday 12th March with Roger Sanchez, Michael Woods, Treasure Fingers and Richard Murray are available here.


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