INTERVIEW: TCTS releases new single ahead of upcoming EP

Manchester-born DJ and producer TCTS has long been at the forefront of the electronic music scene, crafting infectious dancefloor moments with a sound that brings together the underground and the mainstream. His journey began with a demo submission to BBC Introducing, which set him on a path through respected labels like Greco-Roman and MTA Records, before landing major releases with Ministry of Sound, Astralwerks and beyond.

With a knack for fusing club-driven energy with pop appeal, his work has drawn acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork, i-D, Mixmag and The Guardian, while racking up over 150 million spins online. Known for his razor-sharp production and forward-thinking approach, TCTS first made an impact with tracks like “These Heights” and “Games,” but it was “Do It Like Me (Icy Feet)” featuring Kelis and Sage the Gemini that truly planted him on the map of must watch artists on the rise. The track dominated the UK dance charts, topping the Radio 1 Dance Chart for six weeks and becoming the most-played specialist tune of the year while his releases since have been launched on leading labels such as Defected, Toolroom, Selected, Armada and Ministry of Sound.

Beyond the studio, TCTS has earned a reputation as a thrilling live performer; from Miami Music Week to Amnesia Ibiza and Printworks, his sets are crafted to make audiences feel like they’re stepping onto the dancefloor for the first time, every time. Following two huge sold-out shows at Amsterdam Dance Event, he’s now set to bring his high-energy performances to Ministry of Sound alongside acts like Regard and Ali Story.

Now, TCTS enters a new chapter with the launch of his own imprint, TACTICS, under US distributor Gamma. With a new EP on the horizon, he introduces its lead single, “Take Me (Favourite Place),” a track that frames his club-ready sound in a sleek, high-energy setting. Rhythmic precision meets a melodic flair, offering a window into the next phase of his artistic adventure on this killer cut that marks the beginning of a wider release rollout, with five new tracks set to arrive throughout this year.

Kicked off with the muted punch of kick and stuttered synth lead, the arrangement builds with eerie textures of airy tones and smooth female vocal samples, diving into a fiercely rhythmic groove of thumping beats and moody instrumental flourishes. Driven by energising, uptempo rhythms and a constantly developing soundscape, “Take Me (Favourite Place)” sees TCTS put his creative flair and production panache on full display.

Laying down an enthralling dance music experience, it’s a fiercely original and truly exhilarating jam that signals thrilling year ahead for this talented artist on an unstoppable rise. With 2025 all about taking his sound to the next level and with the launch of his new TACTICS label, TCTS is sure to continue going from strength to strength with each move.

We caught up with TCTS to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Take Me (Favourite Place)” and what fans can expect from his upcoming EP release. Check out our interview with TCTS below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I did piano lessons as a child, I’ve got a really early memory of learning how to play the Star Wars theme.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

There are a many artists who I’ve always admired massively and been inspired by, some key ones would be Diplo, Laurent Garnier, Armand Van Helden, Solomun.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

It could come from anywhere – seeing other DJs play, going to great parties, making music with friends, going through music for my Kiss radio show…

What was your highlight of the year for 2024?

It’s hard to pick one moment, I was super lucky to work with some legendary labels that I’ve always wanted to release with, as well as collaborate with some dance music pioneers like Marshall Jefferson and Audio Bullys.

What do you love about the UK music scene?

The UK dance music scene is so special; its always pushing the envelope and setting the trends, it never stops moving.

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

I’ve definitely grown as a producer and a musician – the scene changes and styles change, and outside factors affect the culture and zeitgeist of dance music (for example, Covid). I want to always be evolving and challenging myself, for me thats when being a producer is most exciting.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Diplo.

How did you find making your new single “Take Me (Favourite Place)”? What message did you want to get across with this release?

I wanted to write something really chuggy and marching, where the record all hinged around a single synth note thats just hitting percussively through the entire track. I wanted it to be a call to action, the opening of the EP.

What can listeners expect from your upcoming EP?

With the EP I wanted to explore the different tactics of making club music – sometimes it goes a bit more vocal led, sometimes harder, sometimes faster etc, but the music is all aimed at the dance floor.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Azzecca, anything on Club Whatever, Folamour, Carlita, new and old Dusky, anything on Club Azur, the new Maribou State album, Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn

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

It’s for the listener to decide what they get out of the music, I’m just happy to be the thing they’ve chosen to listen to.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Glastonbury, or the terrace of Amnesia Ibiza

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

The music industry can be a tough place and even though theres a lot of money floating around it always reaches the artists last – diversify what you do so you’ve got money coming from different places within music.

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

I’ll be rolling out the EP over the next few months on my TACTICS imprint, alongside releases on some sick labels, and some cool shows incoming!

Listen to Take Me (Favourite Place) below