Thomas Von Party: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

As one of the leading figures behind Multi Culti and Turbo Recordings, Thomas Von Party finds himself in a rather envious position. As a DJ he has played a significant and important role in the Montreal club scene, in 2014 he opened a club, Datcha, which has since gone on to find critical acclaim for its diverse music policy and its cultural benefits to the city. In 2013 he co founded the Multi Culti label alongside Dreems, it is set to release a compilation series titled 'Sun Gaze / Moon Faze' which features a great breadth of music from artists including Moscoman, Manfredas, Kris Baha and more. Von Party himself will also feature having recently begun to dabble in the world of production following an extensive and formative number of years spent DJ'ing around the world. Read the interview and listen to the mix below: 

Who are you? 

Thomas Von Party. 1/2 of Multi Culti. Longtime Turbo A&R. Booker & owner of a little nightclub called Datcha. Hippie. 

Where are you? 

At home in Montreal.

What are you?

I’m a Gemini.

Describe the music scene in Montreal please…

Montreal is a good incubator of talent. It’s low-rent Bohemian vibe attracts artists and students from all around North America and loads from France. There are a lot of little venues, a great tradition of after-hours and a crazy packed summer festival season. That said, I can’t think of any particular sound or scene that is super happening in the city right now.

What is the vision behind the latest multi culti release…?

Moon Faze Sun Gaze is quite an ambitious release. We wanted to do a proper label showcase and went a bit nuts with it, aligning things astrologically (the series kicks off on the equinox and the last part comes out on the solstice), getting wildly dope artisanal production done in Bali, taking months to develop all the visuals for the campaign, and of course most of all bringing together an amazing and diverse group of musical champions from all around the world.

Since 2014 you have been running Datcha, why did you decide to open a club?

I’d always wanted to open a place, after having thrown countless parties… having a real home as a DJ and a place to book friends to come play – it means a lot to me.

Where was the mix recorded?

At Datcha on New Year’s eve. It features the vocal talents of mr. Jon Shape. 

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

I guess at any moment where a countdown is appropriate and then high energy downtempo world disco is suitable.

What should we be wearing?

Loose-fitting clothing, something that breathes. Patterns welcome.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location, system, format?

The Mayan Warrior comes to mind… that was up there for me… unfortunately I’m not sure if they’ll ever release my mix from last year!

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

The Joakim / Crowdspacer bootleg of Amadou & Mariam, So So Ye. An amazing record, here slightly mutilated by Jon Shape wailing in the background, but nevertheless beautiful. All time I’d go with Fade to Grey which made it in here somewhat bizarrely.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Tough one. Several things come to mind but picking a single favourite is tough. I’ll go with my brother and say Tiga Mixed Emotions (CD2).

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Jeff Mills, circa 1994. For the challenge and the energy.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

I’ve actually never had my own DJ set up, incredibly. I started out by practicing on my brother’s turntables, but pretty quickly I started DJing in bars and clubs and got more than enough practice that way.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

Both define your set, but what you leave people with is always the key.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first record I ever got was Adam Ant – Stand and Deliver. I was only like 6 years old and thought he looked cool. The last record I bought was a (second) used copy of Brian Eno’s Music for Airports. 

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Papaya with chile, salt and lime.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A small mutt with a good sweater on.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything…

There’s a Baba Stiltz record I love on Barnhus that is way off grid. Actually the hardest might be the flip-side to that Crowdspacer called STEBENIEST. Good luck with that one past the mid-point. A good record to sabotage someone with in a b2b.

Upcoming in the world of… 

I’m working on launching two new labels and have tons of music I’m working on finishing, including an album’s worth of stuff with the maniac MCing on this mix.

Anything else we need to discuss. 

YES… this mix showcases DEEWEE / WAFFLES… that’s all the new stuff by the Soulwax brothers. After a few years of not playing their stuff because it was too big and loud, they came back strong and funky… flexing their record collecting chops and production talent – it’s all very Multi Culti too.

Follow Von Party on Facebook HERE. Get the record HERE.