We sat down with Tanny Records chief Lucca Tan and Sammy Alexander to celebrate their latest release on the label. We discuss the conception of the label, how the two met, the scene in Australia and more…
WWD: Hi guys! Great to have you. How are you?
Lucca: Really good, thanks for asking. Feeling very creatively inspired at the moment.
Sammy: Thanks for having us, I’m going really well thanks, feeling good – lots of new music in the pipeline that I’m getting ready for release.
WWD: How has your 2023 been so far? What have been the highlights?
Lucca: It’s been a great year! Eventful and non stop as always. We did a really nice tour through Europe for the summer and now safely made it back home working on the label and festival season in Australia.
Sammy: 2023 is flying by so fast! Some highlights have been traveling around the Globe, writing lots of new music and I finished building my music studio.
WWD: Tell us about the Tanny imprint. What is the story behind its conception?
Lucca: The conception of Tanny Records was born when my label partner and best friend Charles Eddy gave the nudge to start our own label during the infamous lockdown. There was not a lot to do at the time, so being in the studio writing music made sense. It was the perfect time to start the project and we have been going strong ever since.
WWD: You guys seem to link up a lot across releases. How did you guys meet? What’s the story behind Lucca Tan and Sammy Alexander?
Lucca: Sammy has been a close friend for a long time. Originally we met on the dancefloor and instantly connected, we began DJing and producing tracks together and haven’t ever stopped.
Our previous Tanny Records release It Ain’t Me was a success, so we are excited to see the response to Stronger.
Sammy: Lucca and I hit it off a long long time ago! Melbourne had the longest running lockdown on the planet so during our covid lockdown we were writing new tunes flat out! We had a big success as a result of this.
WWD: You’ve got Somersault and Retza on remix duties. Have you been long term fans of these guys? What made you want to get these guys on the record?
Lucca: Big fans of both of these guys! They bring a different sound to the EP which really highlights the diversity of the track. They are fantastic additions to the label.
Retza has been on our radar forever, he is world class and one of Melbourne’s original talents. He takes on a smoother, stripped back, seductive approach which is heard on his Entire Experience remix. Whilst Somersault, another insanely talented Australian producer, delivers a remix featuring his signature super cool, minimal funky vibe, a distinct and punchy cosmic future house track that we are keen to let rip on dancefloors.
Sammy: Yes we are big fans of both of these guys, they are both extremely talented producers and were the perfect fit for the remix!
WWD: What is the scene like in Australia at the moment? Would you say it’s changed? What direction musically would you say it’s going in?
Lucca: It’s changed significantly in recent years, with house music and 90’s rave sound both making a huge comeback. The bpms have increased (in a good way!) and we are definitely seeing a resurgence in dance music and our nightlife culture again.
Sammy: The scene is definitely changing, you just need to know where to go if you want good music. We are also growing older too, so we see lots of new faces entering the scene. The Australian music scene will always be alive.
WWD: What track wood you say is an essential for each of your sets at the moment?
Lucca: Jus-Ed – By My Side – I have you on my side
Sammy: Here to Party (RILEY (UK) Remix) by Marcellus can usually help to get a crowd moving!
WWD: What do you listen to outside of electronic music?
Lucca: I listen to everything from reggae & hip hop, to soul & Sinatra – and everything in between! Travelling has a big influence on introducing me to global sounds and talented producers from all corners of the world.
Sammy: Outside of electronic music I like to listen to many different genres. Some of these include old school rap, to rock & roll classics and reggae.
WWD: What do you like to do to relax outside of the studio and DJ booth?
Lucca: As a touring artist my time at home is really important to me. I value spending quality time with my partner and the dogs, and cooking up a feast in the kitchen.
Sammy: Outside of studio time & the booth my time is always enjoyed with family & friends or traveling around the globe.
WWD: What artists would you say have been your biggest inspiration on your musical journey?
Lucca: There are so many I could list, but to keep it brief I would have to say all of the FUSE crew, Ricardo Villalobos, TiNi, Margret Dygas, Robag Wruhme and Appollonia. They have all made a substantial impression on my musical journey to date.
Sammy: Too many to list to be honest!. And this list is forever evolving too!. Dom Dolla who I’m friends with, seeing him blow up from being a local Melbourne producer to now, head lining world-wide I’d say is inspiring for me. Jamie Jones would be another artist who is very inspiring, for someone that’s made it to the top of the music scene he still remains such a nice humble guy.
WWD: What was the last record that blew you away?
Lucca: I was at Panorama Bar when Radio Slave dropped this on his closing set on a Monday morning, it blew my socks off. ‘Radio Slave – Don’t You Know’
Sammy: ‘Them Ho (Original Mix)’ by Aria, Juanito State, Monsieurr Philipp is definitely a record that comes to mind!