What does it take #5 Interview with Third Son

Third Son is the alias of techno producer and DJ Joseph Thomas Price. Born into a musical family, Joseph studied many different styles of composition from an early age. In Third Son Joseph combines throaty basslines with fluttering synths and heavy percussion and, in doing so, enraptures his audience with a unique and refined sound.

In this interview he speaks to us about his experience within the music industry, journeying from when his initial interest was piqued, to the present day DJ playing to thousands. Take note, because this kind of information can be rather difficult to come by.

From what I understand you come from a musical background. Growing up what kind of music did you listen to; did you play any instruments?

My dad was a lecturer of music at a university, so I was always exposed to classic, jazz and experimental music. Anything you would expect from traditional instruments. My first instrument was the piano and then I moved onto more obscure wind instruments, but lets not talk about that.

By thirteen I was super keen on guitar, mainly because I wanted to play solos like John Frusciante and Steve Vai. Once I reached grade 8 I began transitioning into electronic music writing.

When did you first start appreciating house and techno and what artists initially inspired?

I was really into a band called sky eats airplane. It was rock music but with gnarly electronic synth sounds and FX. I then slowly started to discover bands like Massive Attack and Autechre and then had a massive phase in my teens obsessed with Amon Tobin. It’s not technically techno, but that was really the gateway for me

What and why were you inspired to start DJing and producing? Tell us a bit about your first songs and your first gig.

I’ve always made music, whether it was on the piano or when I first found fruity loops on my brothers computer when I was about 14 years old. I used to be really into ambient music, probably derived from a combination of Mike Oldfield and Boards of Canada.

I was in bands for years as a teenager, but my first DJ gig wasn’t until uni, playing in the ‘Alternative' room at a commercial club. The sound system was questionable but it gave me a chance to try out early productions in a big room. I think it’s crucial to learn how tracks translate from the studio to a club as early on as possible, and you can only really do that by playing out.

Tell us a bit more about your early production and DJing. What was your first equipment like?

Production-wise, a computer, pretty much. In fact I used to love making beats with Music 2000 on the Playstation as a kid, which was essentially just compiling loops - but it was great fun.

The first DJ rig I had was actually borrowed off my best mate in uni. It was an early version of Serato, some 1210’s, and a beasty old allen and heath.

You’ve come quite far from where you started, so how do your initial gigs compare to the shows you play now? What’s been your favourite show you’ve played?

After starting out at student nights it’s nice to now be playing venues where I can play exactly what I want to. My favourite gig so far was probably Space in Sharm. There were some really great moments, especially when I was playing my own tracks. There’s no better feeling than that. It’s pure gratification.

You’ve made a fresh start with Third Son, but what aliases did you release under prior to changing your pseudonym?

Third Son is my third project. Before this I was releasing music under the alias Origins Sound with the same guy who lent me those decks. That project was a crucial part of the puzzle.

New artists often struggle to have their music listened to in a crowded market. How did you go about trying to get your music heard by a wider audience?

I was lucky enough to start with Kal, my manager. We sent out demos straight away and Noir signed my first EP within pretty much a week of conception.

After that, for me it was about making as much music as I possibly could without skimping on quality. Signing material to a spread of labels early on certainly helped in getting off the ground, but it’s true - it is hard for young artists as there’s so much noise out there. That said, we’re now better equipped than ever before. Getting mixes out there, locking down gig bookings, and generally being pro-active about what you want to ultimately achieve will help your music find the right people.

Contacts can be very important within the music industry. Did you have any useful contacts before you started working in a more professional capacity?

Actually no, my contact list was pretty poor, but that’s why having a manger was so crucial for me early on.

I’m sure there are many things you wished you had been told before you were signed. What advice would you give to any budding producer or DJ?

To start with, focus on quality over originality. Trying to be original while learning the craft is impossible and you can get bogged down with the idea itself. Reach a point where you’re comfortable creating a range of sounds and original music will come as the sum of your influences.

You just moved from Bristol and are building a new studio. What has this process been like and what notable piece of equipment in the studio?

I’m now living in east London with a basement studio complete with LED ceiling (It came installed). For me the acoustic of the room is paramount, so probably my mega thick rugs and base traps. The Aira stuff is pretty fun to jam on and I have a couple of analogue keyboards, but I have so many great soft synths that I’ve used for so long now I feel I can pretty much create any sound from them e.g Arturia, Arp 2600, Jupiter 8, Sylenth 1.

You are currently signed to Sincopat. Why did you decide to sign to the label and what about their philosophy and sound attracted you to them?

I’ve always loved their music, more consistently than any other label actually. I also really like the way they work. They’re professional and uber cool guys.

You recently released your Get to the Chopper EP on Sincopat. What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any new music or exciting gigs?

Got a few follow-up EPs with various labels, 303Lovers, Definitive, Underground Audio, and an EP with Einmusika that I’m looking forward to. Gigwise, I’m playing quite a bit in Europe and the middle east at the moment. Doing my first India tour in November so pumped about that.

We hope this information is helpful for anyone trying to forge a path within the music industry. If you haven’t heard Third Sons music check out his Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/thirdsonuk