An Interview with Tommy Humstad Lian

by Neil Carr

Slumgud has produced some notable remixes, and these can be found at R:K:O. Another musician that follows the dance style, which seems to be the popular style at the moment.

Real name: Tommy Humstad Lian

Handle: Slumgud

Born: 1980

Nationality: Norwegian

Interview date: 14 April 2001


Neil

What are your favourite c64 composers?

Slumgud

Oh. Thats a really tricky question. 😊 Jeroen Tel, Rob Hubbard and Reyn Owehand.

Thommy Humstad Lian
Neil

What are your favourite sids?

Slumgud
  • Wizardry
  • The music from The Last Ninja series
  • Giana Sisters
  • Robocop (Love that fat retro bassline)
Neil

What equipment/software do you use?

Slumgud

That varies. I have little hardware, and no synths, so I use only software. Titles include:

  • Buzztracker
  • Acid
  • Octamed Soundstudio
  • Soundforge
Neil

Why did you start making c64 remixes?

Slumgud

I did my first c64 remix after downloading some tracks from The Dead Guys. The way they completely make a new song out of classics facinates me.

Neil

Your music seems to follow the dance style, why is this?

Slumgud

Hm. I havent really thought about this before untill now. It's a hard question to answer, espessially since most of my non-c64 music is in the Ambient / Breakbeat genre (Grab some from http://slumgud.net/). One reason could be that I tend to get the urge to listen to old nerdy music when partying with my friends, and music that you can dance to is cool when you are partying or something :p

Neil

Your Last Ninja 2 incorperates samples of singing, what was the idea behind this concept?

Slumgud

Singing? There is no singing in my Last Ninja Remix 😊

Neil

He's right you know…. Now where did i get that idea from 😉

 

Who do you think gives the scene the biggest boost, and why?

Slumgud

You mean the c64 scene? I have never been much involved in it since I took a direct step up from the VIC 20 to the excellent Amiga. People like Jan Lund Thomsen have done great things for the remix community. *respect* 😊

Neil

Which is better the remix or the cover?

Slumgud

Depends on the orginal.

Neil

If there was a tune that you wish you could claim as your own, what would it be, and why?

Slumgud

It is hard to point out any specific songs…. Maybe some of the stuff from Simon Posford (Hallucinogen, Sphongle and Celtic Cross)

Neil

Why do you think c64 music is still popular today?

Slumgud

Is it? 😊 I think most people cant see the beauty of the distinct SID sound. My mother allways refers to it as That awful pling-plong music (she likes Wizardry, though😊).. I think SIDs and mods made a great impression on many teenagers in the late 80's and early 90's becouse it was something they could relate to. I think some composers where heros for many.

Thommy Humstad Lian
Neil

Do you think that c64 remixes could make an impact commercially?

Slumgud

Many sids have great riffs and melodies in them that could be used in productions nowadays. (Just look at Kernkrafts Lazy Jones remix)

Neil

What are your fondest memories of the c64?

Slumgud

Winning in Samantha Fox Strip Poker for the first time. I couldn't stop smiling for days! 😊

Neil

What non c64 music do you like, and does this reflect in your music?

Slumgud

My taste in music varies with my mood. I listen to everything from hard trance to mellow jazz.

Neil

What influences you when creating a remix?

Slumgud

Varies on wich genre the remix is.

Neil

Which remix of yours do you think has turned out the best?

Slumgud

I'm really fond of my Supremacy remix.

Neil

What type of feedback have you had?

Slumgud

Very little infact. 😊

Neil

Is there a tune that has not yet been remixed that you'd like to hear?

Slumgud

Hm. Maybe the music from Morgan Kane?

Neil

What tune are you looking to remix next?

Slumgud

Im working on a sid Megamix. It will include serveral classics such as Giana Sisters, The Last Ninja, Robocop and many others.

Neil

What does the future hold for you regarding your music?

Slumgud

I hope that someday I get some of my music released. (A couple of female groupies would be nice to😊)

Why not visit his website, and checkout his own original compositions… I'd like to personally thank Slumgud, as he offered to host Remix64, and help on the design, which i was close to accepting, just before LMan came and offered a partnership. Although i had no hesitation in accepting LMan's offer, I'd still like to thank Slumgud for his very kind offer. Also I'd like to thank Neil Campbell, who also offered his services. Thanks Guys, i'm just sorry i had to refuse you…

- Neil