London Elektricity Interview

Despite being a record label owner and managing the releases of some of our favourite Drum ‘n’ Bass artists, Tony Colman always makes time for Australia. Better known as London Elektricity, he is Hospital Records boss, DJ legend and bona fide great guy. He even made time to talk to us about the next chapter of Hospital Records in 2015.

When we speak to Tony, he warns that he’s “somewhat worse for wear”, having spent the weekend flying from Ireland to Italy, drinking too much stout and eating large portions of Italian food. He does explain that these are “nice problems to have”, so we continue.

The last time we caught up with Tony was at the beginning of 2014, when he was preparing to celebrate 18 years of Hospital Records, a milestone for any label, with ‘We Are 18’. With a commemorative album, including the likes of Netsky, High Contrast, Danny Byrd and Nu:Tone, we looked back to Tony’s favourite moments of Hospital.

“Releasing ‘Song in the Key Of Knife’ in 1998 – it was make or break for us then and a last ditch attempt to make a splash which changed our lives forever; the massive success of Nu:tone’s album ‘Future History’ and signing Etherwood to Medschool.”

With all of the releases he’s backed in the last year, we’re still awaiting the follow-up to his very own London Elektricity album, ‘Yikes’. Having teased us that it was in its sketch stage, Tony explains that – without wanting to bore us – due staff restructuring at Hospital HQ, he will have “at least three days a week in the studio”, to which he added that he was “feeling very excited and inspired”.

So, if we can’t get our hopes up of a 2015 release from Mr Colman, who can we expect material from?

“We have Etherwood’s second album almost ready, possibly another Royalston album late in the year, a debut from Reso, the follow-up from Fred V & Grafix, and Logistics and Nu:tone are considering another album.”

With so many artists to keep track of, it’s no surprise Tony is more than happy to let his next record wait while he relishes the success of others. But one thing’s for sure: Tony will always make time to tour. A DJ that once told us “gigs are not life changing events – they are meant to be fun”, 2015 will see him play New Zealand, Europe, Russia, Asia – “all these places that I’m lucky to be able to play!” – plus a visit to Australia this January. He mentions the Hospitality Midsummer BBQ mini festival in London as his favourite set of 2014, so we’re all curious as to how Australia can top it.

‘Well it has to be a BBQ for starters…”

With all of the success that Hospitality has achieved, creating household names in Drum ‘n’ Bass and being one of the most respected labels in the biz, can they do another 18 years?

“Ask me in 2032!”

We’ll hold you to that, Tony.

Catch Tony Colman A.K.A London Elektricity at 170 Russell, Melbourne, for In:Motion on Friday 2nd January 2015 alongside Mc Wrec, Delta Heavy, Etc!Etc, Skism, Rene Lavice and local support. Tickets available from www.170Russell.com.