He’s a DJ, producer and drummer, the perfect formula for success and perfect grooves. We are talking about Tomer Maizner.
Born on January 24, 1984, Tomer Maizner was voted #1 DJ by Time Out Tel-Aviv Magazine, professionally known as resident deejay from Forever Tel-Aviv (Israel) and worldwide for bringing his original sets that are a whole new musical sensation, embodied in his drumming skills, ensuring an incredible listening experience.
“When I’m playing, my first basic rule is to play egoless!” – Tomer Maizner.
Already intimate with the Brazilian public, on one of these visits to Brazil I had the pleasure of getting to know personally the energy that he and his drum machine create in his presentations.
Check now the interview we did with Tomer Maizner, where he spoke a little about his trajectory as a DJ and music producer, important moments in his career and, of course, what the DJ thinks of the Brazilian audience.
How did music come into your life and when did you start playing?
I came from a very musical home, it was there from day 1, I grew up listening to many types of music, from The Beatles to Radiohead.
I started playing drums when I was 12 years old and I had a rock band in high school. Most of my time instead of doing my homework was actually playing and practicing with my band. The 90’s and the early 2000’s were amazing times for music so I feel lucky that I was able to get inspiration from musicians during this time.
What is Tomer like outside the booth?
I have a wonderful family – wife and 2 kids (Adan 2.5 and Zoe 0.7) boy and a girl. we’re living in Tel-Aviv and I’m really trying to be there for them as much as possible.
This year when everything shut down because of Covid19 was actually kind of a gift for me because I had the chance to be a full time daddy J.
How did you start producing? We would also like to know how your creative processes happen?
I started producing a few years ago on cubase but recently I’m producing on ableton live because I find it more creative software to the type of music that I produce.
99% of the production starts in my head. it can be in my car, on a plane or even from a single noise or a word that suddenly gets my attention.
I am really trying to create my own sound, it can take forever! But recently I feel that I found it (you can hear it all in my new set on soundcloud).
What do you value most when you perform and how do you prepare yourself?
I always say that “a good DJ is not necessarily a good producer and a good producer is not necessarily a good DJ”.
When I’m djing, my first basic rule is to play with zero ego! I will do what is expected from me to do… to make people dance!!
In time I’ve learned the differences between places all around the world so before every set I’m trying to combine my own stuff with the local sound and vibes.
For me and for the crowd every show is different because I’m using my electronic drums to add a new layer of energy to the set. It’s totally live and I’m sure that it’s more fun to see a dj who is also a musician that plays live in front of your face like it’s more fun to see the “chef” making the dish in front of your tableJ.
A journey through your career. What are the moments that bring you the most emotions when you remember what you experienced as a DJ?
I think for every artist the first time he achieved something is always a strong moment so my first memories as a teenager DJ always makes me emotional and makes me feel so lucky that I’m able to make a living from the one thing I love the most, which is being on stage and playing music .
Avery strong memory was actually from the carnival in floripa… it was just before sunrise and I played “Losing My Religion” By REM in a dance version. I stood on the DJ booth holding the flag of Brazil and the crowd reaction was something I will never forget.
And here is the video from this moment:
You already have experience playing here in Brazil, especially during the festive periods in our calendar, what is the feeling that the Brazilian audience gives you?
As a drummer I learned samba for many years and just being in Brazil for Carnival was a dream come true for not to mention playing in the Carnival J
I felt at home immediately and the crowd in Brazil is the best in the world.
How is it to be part of a musical history that goes from Israel to the rest of the world?
It’s a great honor to be able to bring some of your culture and see how music can be a way to connect all the world without any politics or prejudice.
How would you define our current electronic scene?
Electronic music in general has become mainstream all around the world and the brazillian beat is part of it. The combination between the drums and the brazilian percussion to electronic beat is natural and we all needs to continue trying to make those connections between the old traditional music and the new sounds. That’s how you crate new music genres.
Do you have the idea of daring for new styles adapting your identity?
Always ! music has no rules…everything that i find interesting for me will be on my set!!!
We are almost at the end and left this space for you to send a message to your fans about the return of the events. And what do you expect from this return?
I MISS YOU GUYS! I miss the beach, I miss the people and I can’t wait to be back in Brazil! I promise you that the 1st party will be unforgettable.
About your future projects, is there anything you can tell us in advance?
I’m doing a new project with Itay Kalderon (JETFIRE). We’re taking the live act to the next level!! Stay tuned!! It’s coming…
