Non Stop Rhythm boss Tom Carruthers in conversation …
Having taken his first steps into music production as a fresh faced 19 year old some 5 years ago. Cheshire (UK) based producer, label head and DJ Tom Carruthers has certainly not gone unnoticed at home and further afield, progressing a long way since deciding to go it alone and put his music on the map.
A love letter to the most authentic sounds that are firmly rooted in UK Bleep, early Chicago House and Detroit Techno, his imprint ‘Non Stop Rhythm’ has grown impressively in stature amongst heads, new and old. After spending months messing around in the studio, he decided to kickstart his own outlet for his productions in February 2020. With the aim of releasing his music and material from people on the same wavelength, the community and support around has gone from strength to strength: now boasting a roster of artists from all over the world.
In 2021, Tom and Ron Morelli struck up a conversation and the L.I.E.S. boss expressed an interest in releasing some music on his label. Giving him an outlet to release his music to a much wider audience and get it to the right people. As with everything Tom dedicates himself to, there are no half measures.
As we’ve been keeping tabs on this talented lad for the last few years and are very much fans of his work. On the eve of releasing his 4th album in as many years, we were most pleased when he gave us some of his time to have a chat and find out a bit more about the mission he’s been on.
Where are you from?
I’m from Cheshire, north England.
How did you first get into music?
I always grew up around music, mostly classic rock. So it was just natural…
When did you first discover Electronic music: House/Techno/Rave etc?
I first heard electronic music properly maybe when I was around 15-16 going to parties with friends.
Who were your biggest influences initially?
It’s hard to say as I was just a casual listener. I didn’t have any influences per se.
What made you want to start digging a bit deeper?
I just began to dig, and to my ears all that older stuff sounded 10 times better than a lot of the modern stuff I would hear. This encouraged me to dig further and I began to develop a specific taste.
How did you end up at the roots of UK Bleep/Chicago House/Detroit Techno that you’re so passionate now?
Looking back I can remember hearing house tracks with an 808, I wasn’t aware of what it was, but those 808 sounds resonated with me. The snare, the cowbell and so on.
You’ve been focusing in on unfound sounds from 80-88, what is it about this period that draws you to it?
I think it’s just the rawness, the UK stuff from around 88 is mixed super tight as well. You could say a lot of that stuff is better produced.
Give us some examples of records that really speak to you:
I’ll mention some newer records what resonate with me.
The first being Tony Price’s ‘IBM Contra’. Tony really has his own sound and nobody sounds like him. The album is diverse but cohesive at the same time.
The second is Ron Morelli’s ‘Heart Stopper’. I think this really highlights the resurgence of original house music right now. It’s raw and grainy how it should be.
When did you start making Electronic music and what sort of set up have you been using
I began messing around with ideas when I was 19, after a few months I was making complete tracks and found my workflow.
How did ‘Non Stop Rhythm’ come about?
So after months making tracks and unsuccessful demo submissions, I decided to start by own label. This was maybe around February 2020.
How does it feel to have struck a chord with such a strong a network of like-minded music enthusiasts?
It means a lot to know people like the music, but that’s not the point for me. I do it for myself. I’m still the 19 year old kid locked away making music for passion.
It feels like you’ve really hit your stride in terms of sound and production of late, how do you see your progression?
I’d say that’s mostly down to experience – putting the hours in pays off! That’s the same with anything. But I have definitely found my own sound and you can hear a Carruthers track compared to others.
How do you approach making a track?
I just get an urge to do it. Maybe an idea will pop into my head. It’s rewarding making tracks so maybe it’s the dopamine rush of creating something.
You’re now working with Ron Morrelli and L.I.E.S. and already about to release your 4th album, how did you two link up?
Ron initially reached out saying he liked what I was doing and we got talking. From there we put an idea together for an LP with some bleep tracks I’d made. This is how the first album came about.
It’s great to see you’ve stuck to your guns in terms of the sound you want to push – do you see any limits to it or do you feel there’s another step beyond?
To be honest, I think I’m ready to take a step back from production myself at the moment and focus on DJing/running the label. I think I’ve exhausted myself a bit more than anything and a break is due.
Your output is very prolific in many respects, is it a reflection of your creative process or do you think it’s more of where you are at in this point in time?
I think youth plays a part. I don’t bare the responsibilities of older people with kids. So, I have the time. Again it stems back to just putting the hours in. Throughout the pandemic I would spend 8+ hours a day producing tracks.
Tell us more about your forthcoming album ‘Downtown Rhythims’:
‘Downtown Rhytims’ is my best work to date I think. It’s more of a house record than my previous work, it’s good to mix it up a bit.
The album came about slowly, very slowly. some of the tracks I made back in 2022. There’s also a couple of tracks with additional production by Benedek and Lipelis, so this is the first time I’ve released anything with co-production.
And what can we expect from you next?
I think people will start to see me on the road and DJing more, that’s the next logical step I think.
https://bleep.com/release/461797-tom-carruthers-downtown-rhithms
