International DJ, producer and remixer Tino Piontek aka Purple Disco Machine has been on a whirlwind of a musical journey since the 2009 conception of his highly successful disco house music project. The Dresden-born artist has racked up numerous achievements, although it was his 2013 breakthrough hit ‘My House’, on OFF Recordings, that really propelled Purple Disco Machine into new heights; landing the #1 spot within Beatport’s deep house chart and, at its peak, #3 overall.
When did you realise you wanted to make music as a full time career?
Purple Disco Machine: As a child growing up the house was always full of music as my Dad was a big collector of vinyl. I grew up in east Germany, so it was hard for him to stay in touch with the music scene, but he tried very hard. This led me to start collecting records too, but unlike him I collected soul Funk and disco, not Genesis and Pink Floyd. Once I started to go clubbing as a teenager and saw the DJs then I realised that with my love of music that this could be a career for me. I taught myself the music production skills and I guess started the career.
What artists do you look up to and/or inspire you behind the making of your music?
Purple Disco Machine: From the music production side, then I am a big fan of Nile Rogers and the great work he has done in his career. Not only did he write and produce amazing records, he influenced the development of musical genres and still has hits today Impressive! From the DJ side, then even though it’s not my music style, you have to admire Sven Vath for all of elevating the role and importance of DJs; being the original German superstar DJ and the longevity of staying at the top of his game. Also special mention here to the German House pioneers like Mousse T and Boris Dlugosch, they paved the way for artists like me to come along later!
How did you react to the massive response from your track ‘Devil In Me’?
Purple Disco Machine: It has been great! Especially here in Germany where you can hear it on the radio almost every day! Devil In Me is actually a song top line written over my club track ‘My House’ which was big 3 years ago now. I always felt that with a top line ‘My House’ could reach more people and maybe get on the radio, so I was happy when the record label hooked that up.
Are there any particular themes driven through your album Soulmatic?
Purple Disco Machine: I wanted to touch on all aspects of disco music, from the classic 1970’s style through electro funk, 80’s disco, boogie, club soul, classic house, filter disco and nu disco etc. I guess to show disco is such a varied and versatile genre. Also to feature some great songs and singers as well as club instrumentals which a lot of dance albums consist of these days. There has been a lot of instrumental dance music over the last 5 years and it’s nice to have a balance.
What was it like collaborating with so many great artists on your album?
Purple Disco Machine: Amazing to both work with great artists like Kool Keith, Faithless, CeeLo Green, Bag Raiders, Boris and Karen Harding, but also up coming talent like Crush Club, Hannah Williams, Ella Thompson and Baxter. Everyone did such a fantastic job!
If you could make a cocktail called ‘Purple Disco Machine’ what would you put in it to best describe yourself and your music?
Purple Disco Machine: Ha ha! Well I kind of think that my name fits me. Purple is the colour of Prince and I would want to be established as a great artist like him one day. The disco part is obvious I think, and my manager thinks I’m a record making machine… But more seriously, I would hope that we could sprinkle on some humility and good humour and have a cocktail stick umbrella of peace and love.
What does the future hold for Purple Disco Machine?
Purple Disco Machine: More of this I hope! Making records with great people that can appeal to the fans of good music. Playing great parties with great crowds all over the word and trying hard not to become too tired to enjoy it all !