Interviews

The Dutch scene would not be a scene without Tom Trago. Fact! This month sees the relaunch of the legendary record imprint Voyage Direct, the label known for its investment in local artist and their future. In hibernation for a few years, Trago brings back the label in full effect and kicks off with old friend Dexter – the first release on the artist focused label – to be the first release of the relaunch! Dexter drops ‘In Your Eyes’ this week. To mark this glorious occasion, Tom Trago launches his new event series at Shelter in Amsterdam. Read on..

Congratulations on the re launch of Voyage Direct. How many years has it been since the last release?

Tracey's 'Testarossa' EP was the last release on Voyage Direct, which came out in 2018. I'm very excited to have the label back after a six-year break.

Why the hiatus? Why did things slow down?

The break happened because I was focusing on setting up my new Studio SR3 and relocating to Bergen aan Zee. This took a lot of my time and energy. Now that everything is settled, I'm excited to bring Voyage Direct back.

Life takes many left and right turns, I guess one just needs to feel in the right place .. Did you ever think you were ‘not' coming back to the label, or was it always in your mind to relaunch?

For me, Voyage Direct never really stopped. Like everything in life, it's a matter of timing. I just follow my gut feeling and stay in tune with the pulse of my Voyage Direct heart.

What was your vision with Voyage Direct when it first started?

The mission of Voyage Direct in the early days was to create a platform where both young and established producers could collectively explore and define the contemporary Dutch electronic sound.

Does the vision remain the same, or are them some new ideas for the future?

Once again, we take on the challenge to showcase what's happening in the Dutch electronic scene by working with young talents and digging through the archives of legends. Also, with this second Voyage, we will be connecting more with our international producer friends.

Has it always been you alone working on the label? Who do you use as soundboard?

All the artists on Voyage Direct listen to each other's releases, so we function as a big test group. We also motivate each other by spending time in each other's studios.

Tell us about the artist development side of things as I know this is close to your heart.

Having been mentored by many local artists, it's in my bloodline to pass on that knowledge. I love coaching young artists and helping them create their unique workflows. It allows me to nurture the music scene and give back what it has given to me.

Amsterdam has always been a melting pot bubbling with talent, and highly innovative talent at that! What do you think is in the water?

It's because Amsterdam has a very elective nightlife. A lot of different genres are inspiring each other's. So, to say, the borders between sub-genres are easily crossed which creates a nice flora and fauna for new styles to emerge.

Who are some of your favourite established Dutch artists that you respect?

Sterac Electronics

Fatima Yamaha

[…]

Are there some rising young artists in your region that we should be paying attention to?

Keep an eye out on Willem Mulder and the Makèz Brothers.

I’d love to know, when you are listening to demos what are the key elements that a track needs to attract you for the label?

It needs to have the Voyage Direct DNA which consists of eclecticism and synth-driven elements.

Aside from the label, what have you been up to this past six months?

I've been primarily focused on finalizing my new album and putting the last hands on my new studio. Also, I’ve been working on ‘scala museums’ both in and outside of Holland.

Can we look forward to any Tom Trago releases on Voyage Direct?

Hell yes!

What’s cooking in the VD label lab for the rest of the year?

We have some releases in the pipeline from Maxi Mill, Papi Gabi, Willem Mulder and Tom Trago. Stay tuned for some big news.

Dexter was the first release on Voyage Direct back in the day. Did it seem only right that you should ask him to be the first on the relaunch?

It wouldn't be more appropriate to ask the legend Dexter himself to reopen the series after the small break, as he is still one of Holland's finest producers. I’m so happy that he reinvented the first release on Voyage Direct with his new EP.

Voyage Direct isn’t just a label. It’s a commitment to the development of the local scene. Tell us about the exciting new event series that marks the relaunch?

We’ll be celebrating the re-launch of Voyage Direct and Dexter’s new EP with a special event at Shelter on August 30th. This event marks the debut of my new series, ‘Tom Trago XXX’. The concept is to have me playing all night, with three special guests joining me for B2B sets at various points during the party. Expect to see Voyage Direct artists on the lineup as well. I’m excited for the first party and looking forward to the special edition during ADE.

Check out the latest release from Tom Trago.