Tommy Lee Dives Into His Long Transition Into Electronic Music [TMN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Tommy Lee

Tommy Lee is a legend when it comes to music. You may simply think Motley Crue, but Tommy has had his hands in several musical pots over the years, including side projects like Methods of Mayhem, his own solo work and collaborations with artists like Nick Thayer, Bloody Beetroots, Violet Chachki, as well as his current fiance SOFI, who he produced past and upcoming records for. Additionally, Tommy Lee has been DJing since the early 2000’s, both alone and with his homie DJ Aero, even landing on his close friend Deadmau5’s Meowington Hax tour in 2011 alongside Feed Me, A-Trak, and Fatboy Slim.

After killing the game with Motley Crue for so long, Tommy is ready to make his full transition into electronic music. It’s something that has been festering over the years, as one can tell from his lengthy, but patched resume with electronic music. Records have been released here and there on mau5trap, Ultra and Black Hole Recordings, and he has DJed places like Virgin’s mobile’s 10th Birthday, Download Festival as well as Ultra, which was actually his third gig ever with DJ Aero. Recently, we caught up with Tommy to talk about his past, along with what is to come with the new beginning that is on the horizon.

’Nick Thayer & Tommy Lee featuring Mikill Pane – Fly Shit’

TMN: What was the first thing that got you into electronic music?

Tommy Lee: I got my first Mac IICi in 1984, and I started messing with the program Digital Performer. I started editing and chopping guitars and drums and I got into MIDI. It just opened up my whole world! I was like “oh my god, you can do that!?” You could flip the sample backwards and cut it and stutter it. I lost my mind basically. Once you realize what you can do with the computer, you just lose it. I got into electronic music and started messing with everything I could get my hands on. Probably one of my earliest influences was like harder industrial music like Nine Inch Nails, and Skinny Puppy; more the aggro shit. Even before then, I always gravitated towards beats, because I’m a drummer. Before computers, I was digging disco and funk. It all just makes sense why I gravitated towards electronic music.

TMN: Who are some artists that you are currently into?
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[Hip-Hop] A-1 – Sunday Love (feat. Cole) (Music Video)

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’A 1 – Sunday Love ft. Cole (Kaytranada’s “Seeu Enni Way” Remix)’

Fresh off the release of a stellar mixtape in Thurlian, San Francisco’s A-1 is keeping the quality content coming with his latest visuals for “Sunday Love,” one of our favorites from the project. Shot fully on a GoPro while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the video perfectly matches the laid-back and radiant energy of the track. If you’re not yet familiar with A-1, this should serve as the perfect introduction to his positive, energetic lyricism as well as the ultimate addition to your Sunday soundtrack. Peep below and check A-1’s upcoming tour dates after the jump.
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[Music Video] Rav Mojo – Godzilla

If you’re old enough to drink, ask yourself what you were doing at 20. Were you making songs and music videos like the Los Angeles resident Rav Mojo? Probably not. The emerging act has brought forth his first single called “Godzilla” that takes influence from the rapper’s New York origins.

Rav offers up an intriguing visual partner with a hard hip-hop record. A string of experiments coincide with the rapper’s insatiable flow in the video. Any music that has dark undertones is something that sticks out to our ears, which is why the beat, lyrics and video all had us ninjas impressed. Expect more soon as this is the first public project that Rav Mojo has released.

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[Music Video] SLINGER – Caribou Sundays

SLINGER
CARIBOU SUNDAYS

Ready to get weird? We are. So was SLINGER when he decided to make “Caribou Sundays,” a creation that is one hell of a musical drug. Just ask the music video that was created for it. We don’t even need to talk about what craziness goes on in the comedic animation. You’ll just have to watch and see how a chemical-heavy drink leads to a battle for a girl between a hunky jet pilot and an average Joe on a… bird with his grandma? Yea.

The greatest thing is that when you hear “Caribou Sundays” it’s almost too appropriate for the music video. It’s a wild ride of supercharged disco house. This track is all fun all the time, and it’s one that can really pick your spirits up quickly. SLINGER’s gearing up for a big summer with this jam. Be on the lookout for more solid records that are on their way from this mysterious act.

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Heard But Not Seen – Documentary + Soundtrack Playlist [TMN CO-Premiere]

Just last week, we gave you a sneak peek at the upcoming EDM documentary Heard But Not Seen, which promised dance music lovers an inside look at the many different professions that work towards making incredible experiences for fans. Here we are on hump day, in early May, and we finally get to share the full film with you.

Co-premiering here today on TMN, this documentary is particularily important to us, as we’re one of the 11 interviewees who were asked to speak about our involvement with the industry. Even despite our involvement though, it’s still an incredibly engaging, intriguing, and worthwhile watch. Filmmakers Doug Bogan and Mike Koziel really outdid themselves, providing a timeless classic for dance fans around the globe.

Take a 1/2 hour to watch, then head over to our friends at Cadence & Cause. They’re Co-Premiering this with us today, and they’re also raising money to help provide clean drinking water to those in need.


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[Music Video] argonaut&wasp – Crystal Stills

Back in February, argonaut&wasp released their EP Future Protocol. Recently, they released a music video for one of the singles, “Crystal Sills,” coming in the form of a simple, yet visually-striking animation. Animated and directed by Abi Laurel, this video isn’t what you would expect to be in partnership with the indie dance tune. However, their fit is snug, and together they make for a telling experience. Instead of opting for a cheesy live performance music video, they went ahead and expanded on the ideas behind the track, which makes for a better experience overall. Check out the music video below, and if you would like to purchase “Crystal Sills” you can do so here.

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Jack Garratt Shares his Five Fav Songs and Tour Video [TMN EXCLUSIVE]

Yes, our time with Jack Garratt as our Resident Artist came to an end in May, but that doesn’t mean our continued adoration has. Luckily for us, this bearded electro-troubadour has served up a quick exclusive video from his tour and a selection of his favorite songs at the moment.

First off, let’s showcase those tunes that Jack is currently vibing on. Unfortunately, not all of these tracks are on SoundCloud. Fortunately, they are on Spotify. Unfortunately, Spotify seems to have taken away the ability to embed playlists. Fortunately, we did still make the playlist, and you can listen to it by clicking here.

Hiatus Kaiyote – Breathing Underwater
Vulfpeck – Kuhmilch 74 BPM
Tom Waits – 16 Shells From A 30.6
Lianne La Havas – Unstoppable
Son Lux – Change Is Everything

Now for the other component of this exclusive glimpse into the world of Mr. Garratt. In this short video, we’re given an inside look at his work on tour, as well some insight into how he got into playing guitar. After you’re done watching it, head over to Jack’s tour tab on facebook and see when you can witness this action in person.

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