INTERVIEW: New music from Starmode and Tarmo

Tarmo is a revered DJ and producer hailing from Helsinki in Finland, who over the years has steadily been making a significant impact in the electronic dance music scene. With millions of streams to his name and support from industry icons like Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Judge Jules and Chicane, Tarmo has proven himself to be a rising figure in the global dance music sphere.

Since his debut in 2011 with the EP Big Toons, he’s consistently dropped original tracks, remixes and collaborations, building up an impressive catalogue of infectious dancefloor anthems. Tarmo is also the founder of Starmode, an artist collective and label that serves as a platform for both established and emerging talent.

Starmode made its debut four years ago with the single “Together” and has since become known for releasing cutting-edge dance music that’s struck a chord with fans and industry tastemakers alike. The collective’s releases have earned extensive radio support, climbing the YleX official dance chart of Finland and securing features on high-profile Spotify editorial lists such as Friday Cratediggers, New Music Fridays, Beats of Tomorrow and more.

Now, Tarmo and Starmode have once again linked up to bring us their latest single, “Real Love,” a track that’s sure to light up the airwaves and ignite dance floors the world over. “Real Love” is an uplifting summery dance outing that distils the euphoric essence of love through its emotional vocals and uplifting piano chords.

The track is an ode to the power of love, designed to evoke a sense of joy and connection that resonates deeply with listeners. Hailed by Electric Radio UK’s Ben Holland as “A big peaktime anthem,” the track is already winning over fans and tastemakers alike.

Jumping straight in with hazy vocal lines floating above synth flutters as the beat builds up the tension, the track erupts into an energising dance music experience. Capped by infectious vocal leads, the driving punch of the beat, the bounce of piano chord stabs and the colourful synth textures all collide to make “Real Love” a dazzling electronic pop track that’s impossible not to love.

We caught up with Tarmo to find out more about his musical journey so far, the Starmode project and their new single “Real Love.” Check out our interview with Tarmo below.

Hey Tarmo, how’s things?

Hey guys, I’m good thank you! Having a good time on a road trip in summery landscapes in Scandinavia!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

It was in the early 2000’s and I was playing around with the first version of Fruity Loops and also Cubase. I recorded samples from vinyls and made hip hop beats. I switched to Logic later on…

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I’m a huge music lover so there’s plenty. Daft Punk, Axwell, Eric Prydz but also Quincy Jones and others!

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Watching beautiful views and landscapes can give me a vibe for a new song or melody.

What was the inspiration for starting the label/collective Starmode?

It was around 2014 and I had a strong vision for my own label. Decided to give it a try and it kicked off pretty good, got support for the first releases from big legendary DJ’s like Stonebridge, Judge Jules and others. That support gave me courage to go on and continue and here we are after nearly 100 releases during the last 10 years.

What’s the main mission of the Starmode project?

Starmode releases cutting edge dance music for the world to hear.

What do you love about the Helsinki music scene?

Every summer we gather together with friends to play an extraordinary terrace DJ set at the Holiday bar. It’s arranged by the legendary Helsinki DJ Tommy T.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Sunset, rosé and ice.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I guess it has matured in a good way. There’s a lot to learn in music production. I’ve been experimenting different vibes from big room to synth wave. Now I’m in a more traditional house vibe.

Has your production process changed over the years too?

Yes. I had a heavy Mac Pro with logic pro 8 from like 2009 to 2020 as the main setup. I was kind of trapped to the old ways and slow routines. Didn’t wan’t to update or change the setup too much. I was scared that I will loose the flow. Switched to MacBook Pro and to the latest logic and installed a lot of new plugins and learned new and faster ways to produce and to use new tech. I’m even doing my own masters now. I guess the main lesson was to let go and learn new. That meant of course a break from the release schedule but I’m happy I took it since it feels really liberating now.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Axwell. There would be a lot to learn from him.

How did you find making your new single “Real Love”?

I had a vision for this clubby housey – euphoric song with the piano chords I had played. Found the vocals to fit and started to craft it together from there. First version had a different drop. Asked for some feedback and switched the drop to the piano house theme that it has now. Thanks for all the feedback during the process!

What message did you want to get across with this release?

It’s a tune to celebrate good vibes and the power of love.

What artists have you been listening to most recently?

Check our ”Biking & Running” playlist on Spotify. It has the tunes that I’m enjoying while jogging around Helsinki. New and old mixed. It features Something Good, The Jammin Kid, Strike and other goodies! Link.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Positive, good vibes that’ll make you feel alive.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

This was over 10 years ago when I played my track Big Room Toon first time for a festival audience and everyone went bonkers. It was something really unique and spontaneous. It was the first time I witnessed a really big reaction while playing my own music live so that’s why it’s a really special memory.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Somewhere near the ocean so that I could feel the breeze while enjoying the warm sunset. Pete Tong would be the main host who’d invite Seb Ingrosso and Armand Van Helden to vibe with him.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

There’s a lot of fake people that are trying to get your money via ”promotional” services and other types of scams. Choose your partners wisely and give the process time. You shouldn’t hurry things too much, concentrate on building your own sound and vibe.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

There will be a couple of new tunes. We’ll release the Extended Mix of ”Real Love” shortly but you can download it for free from here. Link.

We are also releasing a more clubby tune ”Enjoy Yourself” by Tarmo, Starmode & zerofive85. It’s a cool rolling melodic house tune for the club floors. Something that I’m excited to play at a gig. So keep an eye on it.

Finally I’ve been working with brothers David and Albert from the US. Together they form a group called Ar|Roots and they have this awesome old school house vibe that we are bringin’ back to the streets. Check them out here. Link.

Listen to Real Love below