Q&A: Get Up Close and Personal with SUPERCHUMBO (aka TOM STEPHAN)
Originally published July 9, 2010
Been a big fan of Tom Stephan‘s (aka SuperChumbo) for quite sometime now, so was thrilled to have the opp to ask him some questions. The London-based New Yorker talks up his latest album ‘Nightlife,’ his forthcoming EP – and, of course, if he’s single, bedroom advice and more….lets get to it:
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Muzo: You recently released a full-length album ‘Nervous Nitelife: Tom Stephan,’ (which I love!), and now a new EP – but you’re already at work on a new full-length? Details!
TS: Yes, yes and no. ‘Nervous Nitelife’ is out now and is a DJ mix – all of my favorite tracks mixed into a take-home DJ set. Perfect for getting ready for a night out, working out, coming home and carrying on, but not so good I hear for driving. Someone told me they ran a red light and got pulled over. So beware.
Up next this summer is a 4 track EP on Stealth, which includes collaborations with three of my favorite producers – Martin Accorsi, Lex Da Funk and Kid Massive. The fourth track is my single “Jerk It”.
Although there are plans for another Nervous mix CD, I’m not planning a full length album at the moment. I prefer the speed at which you can release singles.
Well, even that can take a long time! But who knows, could be the plan for next year.
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Muzo: Danny Tenaglia has been a big supporter of yours, how did you guys first hook up?
TS: We were introduced at club where I DJ’ed in London, and we got talking and he started quoting lines from John Waters films, and we’ve been friends ever since.
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Muzo: Artist you’d most like to work with?
TS: I’ve fortunately been able to work with many people I admire, but I’d love to make a record
with Beth Ditto. I love her. Or Grace Jones!
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VIDEO: How did Tom get the name SuperChumbo? Click here to find out in this great interview he did with my imaginary str8 husband DJ Joe Bermudez.
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Muzo: Top 5 most-played tracks on your iPod?
TS:
1. Empire of the Sun- We Are the People
2. Steely Dan- Deacon Blue
3. Amy Winehouse- Tears Dry On Their Own
4. Roxy Music- More Than This
5. Fleetwood Mac- Sara
You can see my personal iPod is the yang to my yin-filled DJ sets….
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Muzo: Remixers/producers you admire?
TS: Seductive, Sandro Silva, Angger Dimas, Afrojack, Laidback Luke, Quintino, Joey Suki, Harvard Bass, Diplo.
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Muzo: You’re orig from New York, but live in London now – what’s life like over there?
TS: I went to London intending to stay for 6 months – that was 19 years ago. I would say I love it. Don’t get me wrong- I LOVE LOVE LOVE NYC. But it works really well me living in London and just visiting NYC every month or two.
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Muzo: Out of all your travels to different clubs and events, where do you find the fans to be most responsive to your music?
TS: I would probably say the Italians, but they’ve all gone minimal now. I’ve always felt that NYC is the place that understands my
music the most. And that’s probably because it’s the place that has inspired me most. I live in London, but in a lot of ways I DJ for NYC.
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Muzo: Now it’s time to get personal! Single or taken?
TS: Single, after many years, and really enjoying it.
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Muzo: Complete the sentence: ‘On a date, the guy should…’
TS: …have seen and be able to quote from any John Waters film, and obviously ‘Paris is Burning.’
Muzo: ‘Hello, is this the cocksucker residence…isn’t this 4215 Pussy Way?’ (Do I have a shot?? lol)
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Muzo: Complete the sentence: ‘In bed, the guy should…’
TS: …be a good kisser. Get that right, and you’re set.
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Muzo: So how Super is your Chumbo? 
TS: Come see me spin and find out!
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Muzo: Advice to newbies who wanna break into the Biz?
TS: The only rule I’ve stuck to is this- I love music, and that is why I do this. If you love it, it’s not a struggle; it’s not about who’s number what on which chart.
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Muzo: What’s next for Tom?
TS: More music! Working on some new sounds with different singers. I never run out of ideas, just time to make them happen!
