We are posting our belated second interview with DJ Tony Touch, which we took back at the end of 2014 in honor of the 10th anniversary of Eminem’s radio station – Shade 45. Tony is a very busy man, and if he is not at work, then he is definitely in some kind of trip. All for the good of hip-hop.
Igor Basenko: You joined Shade 45 more than 9 years ago. Do you remember the exact date?
DJ Tony Touch: Yeah, it was so long ago. Well, maybe March 2005. Yes.
Igor Basenko: Your show Toca Tuesdays on Shade 45 is certainly one of the most popular. When was its debut?
DJ Tony Touch: In March 2005. It’s been aired since the station’s inception.
Igor Basenko: For so many years, every week you have a variety of invited guests from the world of hip-hop – it allows the audience to “dive” into modern hip-hop culture – without forgetting its roots. What does your show mean to you?
DJ Tony Touch: It means a lot to me – first of all, because it allows me to promote real hip-hop… new and old…
Igor Basenko: On October 28, the station celebrated its 10th anniversary. A significant date! Tell me, what were the most important changes in your career during this time?
DJ Tony Touch: There are a lot of changes. Some of the radio owners have changed… But now we have a lot of new talents here.
Igor Basenko: How did the radio station staff celebrate the anniversary? Did you get together?
DJ Tony Touch: No, we didn’t do anything like that. But throughout the year, we had some events to celebrate the anniversary.
Igor Basenko: Tony, our readers are very curious – they would like to know what a typical “day in the life of Shade 45” is like. Would you share with us?.
DJ Tony Touch: For me, a typical day at the radio station starts with a hot mix… Selection of new music. Then I do interviews with a few artists and usually end the day with my own show with a cool weekly mix.
Igor Basenko: Does Shade 45 have any special plans for 2016?
DJ Tony Touch: We definitely have big plans. First of all, continue to distribute high-quality and exclusive hip-hop, new music and support the artists.
Igor Basenko: Would you like to become the host of another show? Maybe something completely different and new?
DJ Tony Touch: I love what I do once a week… It allows listeners to look to the future of music – without overwhelming them. So probably not.
Igor Basenko: As a key member of Shade45, you are also a member of the larger Shady family. This year the label celebrated 15 years. Looking back at all this time, do you think everything was done right or something should have been done differently?
DJ Tony Touch: Of course Shady had some hard times. But… I think there was a giant leap… From a radio station to a label and then other outside projects.
Igor Basenko: What is your take on SHADYXV?
DJ Tony Touch: One word – masterpiece. A great anniversary edition to celebrate the label’s 15th anniversary.
Igor Basenko: What do you think about 50 Cent leaving Shady Records?
DJ Tony Touch: It’s okay. The lives of people and companies change all the time.
Igor Basenko: In a previous interview you told us about the Funkbox NYC project. How is it going? What did you achieve while working on it?
DJ Tony Touch: Funkbox album got released at the beginning of the year… my first full-scale House album… deeply soulful Afro House… I’m very excited… The Funkbox celebration also went well… and the show goes on for 7 years now.
Igor Basenko: In 2013, you literally “blew up” the entire hip-hop music community by releasing the “bomb” – PieceMaker3. A resounding success! Are you going to release the fourth part?
DJ Tony Touch: No, I finished this series. I’m working on the next project.
Igor Basenko: By the way, the vinyl version of PieceMaker3 has not yet been released. Can we expect it in the near future?
DJ Tony Touch: I’ll be releasing PieceMaker3 on vinyl pretty soon.
Igor Basenko: One of the main ideas of the PieceMaker series is to show that real hip-hop is always with us. Which artists would you like to see on your next albums?
DJ Tony Touch: Everyone that’s on the previous ones.
Igor Basenko: Do you think anyone created real hip-hop in 2014?
DJ Tony Touch: There’s many… Bronson, Joel Ortiz – for example.
Igor Basenko: Have you already listened to the new PRhyme album from Royce Da 5’9″ and DJ Premier?
DJ Tony Touch: Yes! Great work!
Igor Basenko: I think it’s one of the most exciting drops of 2014. What do you think of it? Can you give a quick overview from Tony Touch?
DJ Tony Touch: Rhythmic beats and great rhymes – what else can you say?
Igor Basenko: You recently visited Korea. This is one of the most closed countries in the world. Tell us about your trip to Seoul.
DJ Tony Touch: It was exciting and I was glad to work in Asia.
Igor Basenko: What can you say about hip-hop in Korea? Is it even out there?
DJ Tony Touch: Yes, especially the dance variety.
Igor Basenko: Tell us a little about your trip to Japan.
DJ Tony Touch: I liked Japan… We’ve been flying there for about 20 years. One of my favorite places to work.
Igor Basenko: You have already visited many countries. Which one do you think is the most difficult for hip hop to thrive in?
DJ Tony Touch: Outside the States…Japan and Germany.
Igor Basenko: Have you ever been to Russia?
DJ Tony Touch: I was in Russia about 10 years ago at a New Year’s party in Moscow. I liked it.
Igor Basenko: When people say “Russia”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind – musically?
DJ Tony Touch: Well… energy, powerful energy.
Igor Basenko: What other countries would you love to perform at?
DJ Tony Touch: Probably… Africa!
Igor Basenko: Besides music, What do you do with your time?
DJ Tony Touch: Family comes first.
Igor Basenko: What can we expect from you in the future? Any projects coming out soon?
DJ Tony Touch: Funkbox Album, Soni Withaneye Album, Latin Hip Hop Album
Igor Basenko: How does Shade 45 celebrate Christmas and New Year?
DJ Tony Touch: We do dope radio shows… and annual round ups.
Igor Basenko: What would you wish for all hip-hop fans in the new year?
DJ Tony Touch: Lots of love and support.
