Plucked from relative obscurity by Felix Da Housecat, since stepping into the limelight of the notoriously hard to crack dance scene Tommie Sunshine has found himself indemand as a producer and remix artist, putting his unique touch to Fischerspooner, Hakan Lidbo, the Scissor Sisters, the Killers and many more. Touring Australia for the first time this month, ITM caught up for a quick chat.

Sure, we can read the bio. But bollocks, who the hell is Tommie Sunshine?

Just a shy kid from Chicago with an all-consuming love for music and a single wish to write one song that makes the whole world sing. Or many, but I’ll settle for one.

You’ve worked with some of the finest modern dance producers and artists around – but who would you want to work with most, out of those you haven’t worked with?

There are two; Richard X for his take on modern pop music and Justice for their insane presentation of electronics that borders on classic heavy metal.

When was the moment that everything kinda clicked for you? I mean, that moment that you knew that music was what you loved and what you wanted to do..?

I knew early on but never had the guts to try until Felix da Housecat pulled me out of a record store job in Atlanta, Georgia, and convinced me that I had the force to make a career out of music. I owe Felix much respect for that.

What is it that gets you up in the morning after yet another night of performing?

I am totally sober, so getting up is relatively easy these days. Plus I have never felt like one single day as a DJ or producer has ever felt like work. I am blessed to be able to do this for a living and never take it for granted.

What’s coming up for Tommie Sunshine?

A mix album in Germany, remix mix album in America, artist album is in the writing stage, songwriting and singing on tracks for Radio Slave, Arthur Baker, Spiller, ATFC and Midfield General, and working with bands in the studio instead of after they are done.

Everyone gives the standard answer that “we love Australia, the people are so nice and friendly, we’d love to move here if we could…” I think you’d have something more to say on the topic. What’s so damn cool about Australia, anyway?

It’s a place I have never been and look very forward to it. I am eager to get out of the cold American weather in November; it’s 4 degrees centigrade out here, and I want to play the music of the moment to crowds who love to dance.

Top 10 records, right now. Don’t look at your iPod!

The music of Justice, Digitalism, Vitalic, Jackson & His Computer Band, Rex The Dog, Riton, Sebastian, Tiefschwarz, Alter Ego and Lindstrom.

Fuck School Disco, or Nag Nag Nag – what’s the best ass-shakin, boot-stompingly awesome place to go? What clubs are doing something innovative and fresh?

Club Rauw in Amsterdam and Club Filth in Berlin where Joost van Bellen, who has been around Amsterdam since the heyday of The Roxy (their Paradise Garage), has his finger on the next level, always.

Some of the music you’ve written has changed people’s lives. Some of your sets shake people out of their misery and make them happy for 2 hours. With that in mind… can I have some of your vinyl?

After a compliment like that…how about a mix CD?

What’s the best way to go about picking up Tommie Sunshine, anyway? Girls? Boys? Debauchery? Cars?

How about girls without hang-ups who are attractive and like older men? That’s my answer.

Tommie Sunshine wraps up his Australian tour this weekend, playing La La Land in Byron Bay on Friday November 25th and Laundry in Sydney on Saturday November 26th.