Tony Colman, better known by his stage name London Elektricity, is an English drum & bass musician and the co-founder and CEO of Hospital Records. Tony gave us a small interview about his career, story and plans for 2024.
Hello Tony, how is your 2024 so far?
I’m loving 2024 so far. Each day is a joy.
Let’s dive together into the drum and bass genre. What initially drew you to this music and how exactly London Elektricity started?
The duality of the tempo is what attracted me. percussion at double speed and bassline at half speed. Also, the sheer variety of inspirations you can bring into the D&B framework really appealed to me.
As a legend in the scene, how do you feel about the current state of drum and bass, and what trends or artists should we be paying attention to?
D&B is exactly where it is meant to be right now. That is to say, it is on its journey. I don’t know about trends – I don’t take any notice of them these days! I love a great tune when I hear it, and I love many artists, new and old. My fave artists going into 2024 include Polar & Bryson, Breakage, Run In The Jungle, Catching Cairo, Halogenix, Zero T, Conrad Subs, Genesis Elijah, Unglued, and many more.
Hospital Records has been a significant force in the drum and bass community. What do you believe is the key to the label’s success and how do you stay inspired and keep your sound fresh?
I should tell you that I am no longer involved with Hospital Records since last May. The key to the Hospital’s success in the past was to never follow trends or fashions, to be authentic and never to try to make a certain demographic buy your music. Be original, don’t do what others do, take risks, and only release music that you genuinely love. The other key to Hospital’s success was always, and still is I believe, to treat your artists and your fans really well.
What advice would you give to DJs and producers trying to break into the drum and bass scene?
Produce and perform music because you love doing it. Be humble, be true to yourself, be teachable, and be curious. Have an open mind. Unless you want to sound like someone else, don’t copy another artist’s sound or style. Try to find your own niche, be patient, and work hard at perfecting what you do. There’s no such thing as perfection, but it’s good to aim for it!
What is the turning point in your career that had a lasting impact on you as an artist?
my turning points: hearing Steve Reich’s Music For 18 Musicians in 1976 changed my life. In some way, everything I’ve ever made has been trying to recapture what I felt when I heard that as a 15-year-old. Starting Hospital Records in 1996 with Chris Goss was another turning point. I wouldn’t be where I am without Chris believing in me all these years.
Which music collaboration you would mention was enjoyable for you in the past and why?
I love working with great vocalists, it brings me the most joy. I’m grateful to have worked with Liane Carroll, Diane Charlemagne, Else Esmeralda, Emer Dineen, Robert Owens, Inja, and many more. I’m really enjoying working on new music with Catching Cairo, Genesis Elijah, and Zarah Kershaw at the moment.
Can you share any projects you’re currently working on with us?
Yes, I’ve been making lots of new music that I hope will be released this year. I’ve made a few tunes on my own, using my son Stanley on horns when I need a horn section (which is usually!) and I’m collaborating with many artists – for example, Conrad Subs, Anile, Bcee, Catching Cairo, Genesis Elijah, Doktor, Nu:tone, Solah, Ruth Royal, Marky and Makoto.
What are the events in 2024 future you are excited about?
I’m blessed to have a connection with Roxy of course. I have played some of my favorite sets at Roxy over the years, it has always held a special place for me. I’m excited about my upcoming USA tour – I haven’t had time to tour the USA for almost 20 years, and in March I played 11 shows there, starting at the incredible Locus festival in Tulum, Mexico.
London Elektricity (UK) @ Roxy Prague – April 12. 2024
