Thönis
Born and raised in Maastricht, The Netherlands, Thonis is an emerging name within the minimal / deep tech landscape. His productions and DJ sets revolve around deep, rolling basslines, crisp percussion, and a warm, immersive atmosphere that pulls listeners straight into the groove. Subtle nods to 90’s and early 2000’s house keep his sound fresh, forward-thinking, and groove-driven.
Thonis's track "Thug Style" is now available on OTBD010
Could you tell us a bit about the process of making your track? How did it come about? Can you remember where you wrote it? What methods did you use to produce it?
‘Thug Style’ was actually the first track I made in Ableton. I had been working in FL Studio for years, but during my travels in California last year, I decided it was time for a change. Switching to a new DAW opened up a lot of creative doors for me. The new workflow and tools pushed me to explore unfamiliar territory, which really sparked inspiration. Being in a new environment, surrounded by fresh energy, definitely helped shape the vibe of the track.
How is making a living from music affecting your creative output? Do you feel as free as when you started?
Right now, I’m still working a full-time job. Music is my absolute passion, and I dedicate all my free time to it. Having a steady job gives me the financial freedom to create without pressure. I don’t have to rely on music for income, which keeps the process fun and creatively free. It’s a balance that works well for me at this stage.
What is the one thing that you always do when producing that, if you didn’t, it wouldn’t be a “Thönis” track?
It’s hard to define my signature sound, but I do think there’s a strong sense of consistency throughout my tracks. One thing I almost always incorporate is a specific snare pattern that gives off a bit of a breakbeat feel. I think that comes from my early days as a drummer. I used to love playing Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’ which has a similar rhythmic pattern. That influence definitely finds its way into my music.
How do you feel about music producers having to DJ in order to bring in an income? What would you need to be fully dedicated to music production? Do you think it’s still possible to make a living strictly from production?
Right now, I’m fully focused on producing music. I used to DJ and really enjoyed it, but I’d rather be recognized for the music I create than the tracks I play. Eventually, I’d love to get back to DJing, but I wanted to spend time building a solid catalog first, music that truly reflects my sound. Now that I have a consistent flow of releases, I feel ready to step back into it. That said, having a full-time job means I don’t have to rely on gigs or streams, which keeps things sustainable. If the opportunity ever comes to make a living purely from music, I’d absolutely go for it, but I’m not forcing that to happen.
When producing, are you more in the box or do you use Outboard too? Could you share with us a single unit or tool that is a true game changer for you, and why?
My workflow is mostly in the box, although I do use a small MIDI keyboard and recently got the Ableton Push 3. It’s an amazing piece of gear, super inspiring, and I’m still discovering the full potential of it. Figuring out a new workflow with the Push definitely sparks fresh ideas, so I’m excited to see how it shapes future tracks.
Thönis's track "Thug Style" is now available on OTBD010
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