Words/Robert Frezza
Photos/James Rönkkö
DJ St Thomas, born in Knoxville, TN, via San Francisco, and now residing in Brooklyn, has a new single out called “PAUL JOSHUA PEIFFER”. Ladygunn talked to him about his debut EP Matrimony, his influences, and how the NYC scene inspires him.
Where were you born and where did you pick up the DJ skills?
I was born in Knoxville, TN and picked up the DJ/production skills in San Francisco. I used to play in a Math Rock band back home but moved to San Francisco for an internship when I graduated from college (had to quit the band in essence). I was still feeling inspired to write music at this time so I pirate bay’d Ableton and the rest is history.
Who are your musical influences?
I think the answer to that question constantly evolves, but right now my favorites are the following:
Jim-e-stak, Jacques Greene, Toro y Moi, Jai Paul, Tame Impala, and StarSlinger.
Tell me about the Matrimony EP. How did you approach making it?
I had been making “Beat Music” for years, but really wanted to get back to playing instruments and using my voice. In 2017, I started writing music for the project without really knowing what direction it would go in. About a year into working on this new type of music (for me) I had a few songs that I felt deserved a home outside of my hard drive, and voila…you have MATRIMONY.
Your new single “PAUL JOSHUA PFEIFFER” is the jam. Can you tell me what it is about?
PAUL JOSHUA PFEIFFER is about reflecting on a relationship that once felt alive and thriving, but now feels languid. For me that was my relationship to writing music. At different times while writing the music for this EP I questioned what the point of all of this is, and then this song presented itself to me.
You now reside in Brooklyn. How does the NYC scene inspire you?
I’ve had the privilege to meet some of the best/honest/hard-working people being in New York, and without them I don’t think this project would exist. I definitely gravitate towards insularity, but I’m learning that having a support system here (and in life in general) makes things so much easier and enjoyable.
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