For a while there it was looking like the trance scene in America was akin to an apocalyptic dead zone, but thanks to the fine work of Tom Colontonio and his comrades Sean Tyas, Breakfast and Tritonal, things are on the up and up over in the states. Currently on his first ever tour of Australia, Tom already has some impressive achievements under his belt. Dubbed by world #1 Armin van Buuren as the “the man of the moment” early last year, he’s already released tunes on labels like Discover, Vandit, Conspiracy and Armada among others, along with appearances on some on dance music’s most popular radio shows.

What’s it like representing the trance scene for his home country? ITM finds out.

You’re from Philadelphia Tom. How do you find the American trance scene at this point in time?

Well I’m actually from New Jersey, about 15 min from the city of Philadelphia. I feel the scene is getting better after falling off at the end of 2001. We had a really big scene prior to that year so it’s been quite a while to build it back up to where it was. There are a lot of promoters doing their part to make bigger and better parties. Trance has in some ways become a ‘dirty’ word in the USA. The mainstream radio dictates a lot of what people are listening too in the US, and that is a large amount of hip hop. Even MTV has become what seems to be purely hip hop based as far as programming goes. There are huge parties going on in the west coast (California etc) and I have played a few which were amazing. The promoters out there are really doing trance on a huge scale! We also have a great scene in New York as well. All in all I’d say it’s making a comeback!

Artists like yourself, Breakfast and DJ Eco have really put the spotlight on American trance in the last few years. Are there any upcoming American artists that you predict will keep the focus on the American scene?

There are definitely some good upcoming trance artists in the USA. It’s gaining popularity among the younger generation so that is helping a lot. We have a good amount of artists that are doing different types of trance all over the USA. Some are running labels too and that is helping them gain popularity. One of my personal favourites is a Philadelphia based guy Tom White. He has just signed a track The Day After and he’s working on some new stuff that’s along the vein of the style I like a lot. Definitely keep your eyes out for him.

This is your first visit to Australia. Have you heard good things about the Australian scene from your peers?

I have heard a lot about the scene here from several DJs and friends. It was all good stuff, and I was very excited to get the chance to do a tour here. My first gig in the tour was in Perth at Rise on Friday the 26th June and it was fantastic. Great crowd response and interaction are always key things I look for in a gig and it had all that plus! I had seen a lot of pics and clips from the Trance Energy tour so I had a good idea that the music was popular here. Besides the fact Australia is a beautiful place it’s definitely nice to play to musically educated people who are their just to have a blast and rock out!

You have been dubbed ‘The Man of The Moment’ by Armin van Buuren. That’s a huge endorsement. How does it feel to get such a compliment?

It was when my track Oxidize was tune of the week on ASOT I believe in early 08. I was sitting on my computer an all the sudden it lights up like a Christmas tree with people saying “whoo man you got tune of the week on ASOT.” I was like really? Really? I was really excited because I have been an Armin fan from the beginning and it was a great feeling to have that on his show. Armin was a driving force in helping me get my music out there and having his support still to this day means a lot to me. Thanks Armin!

What artists have been your biggest influences in your career thus far?

Sean Tyas, John O’Callaghan, Ferry Corsten, Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren to name a few. I draw a lot from everywhere and there’s so many talented producers. It’s hard to really say just a few as I have listened to so much music and tried to incorporate that into my own to make creative stuff. I find that sometimes just listening to some great tunes will give you some inspiration and help the creative process. Tyas has the skill to make stuff that just knocks with power, as does John O’Callaghan. John’s melodies and creative ideas are wicked and sometimes he can find a simple riff that just makes a song a total ripper, such as Cruise Control and New Jersey.

What’s your view on the state of the Trance scene on a global scale? Do you see a bright future?

I think trance will always be popular as long as it receives the support from the DJs and radio play etc. I do think it lies a lot with the youth too. The next generation is very much into the music at the gigs I play, which is a good thing. If we can expose them to the music and they like it, it will keep it going. I think the global trance scene is good for sure. I’m amazed at how well received my music is at some places I play around the world. It’s a great feeling to know it’s out there and people are enjoying the music.

You have collaborated with various artists in the past. Are there any collaborations in the pipeline currently?

Yes, I’ve just finished one with Giuseppe Ottaviani which will be out soon. I also have talked to some artists about collaborations in late 2009, Activa being one of them. I find collaborations are great in bringing styles together, and maybe getting across a sound you wouldn’t normally do. I was very happy with me and John O’Callaghan’s Through The Light collaboration on his album earlier this year. It came out amazing I reckon!

2008 was a huge year for you…. Do you see 2009 being even bigger?

Well I’m def working at it! I have been taking a lot more time with production and overall finished product with my music. Things I would let slip bye before I won’t now. I think I have grown musically in 2008 and I want that to be seen in 09.

And finally, what do Australian trance fans have to look forward to on your tour?

I’m gonna be playing a lot of new material and promos etc. I have some new songs I haven’t played out yet and I’m excited to see how they do in the clubs and in front of the fans. I’m gonna do my best to have three great shows.

Listen to Tom Colontonio’s mix in ITM-FM, and catch him at the following shows this weekend…

Friday 3rd Jul – Sublime, Sydney
Saturday 4th Jul – Slinky, Melbourne