An Interview with Tommy Humstad Lian
What are your favourite c64 composers?
Oh. Thats a really tricky question. 😊 Jeroen Tel, Rob Hubbard and Reyn Owehand.
What are your favourite sids?
- Wizardry
- The music from The Last Ninja series
- Giana Sisters
- Robocop (Love that fat retro bassline)
What equipment/software do you use?
That varies. I have little hardware, and no synths, so I use only software. Titles include:
- Buzztracker
- Acid
- Octamed Soundstudio
- Soundforge
Why did you start making c64 remixes?
I did my first c64 remix after downloading some tracks from The Dead Guys. The way they completely make a new
song out of classics facinates me.
Your music seems to follow the dance style, why is this?
Hm. I havent really thought about this before untill now. It's a hard question to answer, espessially since most of my non-c64 music is in the Ambient / Breakbeat genre (Grab some from http://slumgud.net/). One reason could be that I tend to get the urge to listen to old nerdy
music when partying with my friends, and music that you can dance to is cool when you are partying or something :p
Your Last Ninja 2 incorperates samples of singing, what was the idea behind this concept?
Singing? There is no singing in my Last Ninja Remix 😊
He's right you know…. Now where did i get that idea from 😉
Who do you think gives the scene the biggest boost, and why?
You mean the c64 scene? I have never been much involved in it since I took a direct step up from the VIC 20 to the excellent Amiga. People like Jan Lund Thomsen have done great things for the remix community. *respect* 😊
Which is better the remix or the cover?
Depends on the orginal.
If there was a tune that you wish you could claim as your own, what would it be, and why?
It is hard to point out any specific songs…. Maybe some of the stuff from Simon Posford (Hallucinogen, Sphongle and Celtic Cross)
Why do you think c64 music is still popular today?
Is it? 😊 I think most people cant see the beauty of the distinct SID sound. My mother allways refers to it as That awful pling-plong music
(she likes Wizardry, though😊).. I think SIDs and mods made a great impression on many teenagers in the late 80's and early 90's becouse it was something they could relate to. I think some composers where heros for many.
Do you think that c64 remixes could make an impact commercially?
Many sids have great riffs and melodies in them that could be used in productions nowadays. (Just look at Kernkrafts Lazy Jones remix)
What are your fondest memories of the c64?
Winning in Samantha Fox Strip Poker for the first time. I couldn't stop smiling for days! 😊
What non c64 music do you like, and does this reflect in your music?
My taste in music varies with my mood. I listen to everything from hard trance to mellow jazz.
What influences you when creating a remix?
Varies on wich genre the remix is.
Which remix of yours do you think has turned out the best?
I'm really fond of my Supremacy remix.
What type of feedback have you had?
Very little infact. 😊
Is there a tune that has not yet been remixed that you'd like to hear?
Hm. Maybe the music from Morgan Kane?
What tune are you looking to remix next?
Im working on a sid Megamix. It will include serveral classics such as Giana Sisters, The Last Ninja, Robocop and many others.
What does the future hold for you regarding your music?
I hope that someday I get some of my music released. (A couple of female groupies would be nice to😊)
Why not visit his website, and checkout his own original compositions… I'd like to personally thank Slumgud, as he offered to host Remix64, and help on the design, which i was close to accepting, just before LMan came and offered a partnership. Although i had no hesitation in accepting LMan's offer, I'd still like to thank Slumgud for his very kind offer. Also I'd like to thank Neil Campbell, who also offered his services. Thanks Guys, i'm just sorry i had to refuse you…
- Neil
