Photo Credit: Courtesy of PR
Hailing from Chicago, Tim Sanders is carrying the torch for one of electronic music’s most influential cities. Blending the timeless spirit of Chicago house with driving basslines, heavyweight percussion, and infectious grooves, he has carved out a sound that honours the genre’s roots while pushing it into new territory. As his global profile continues to grow, Sanders remains committed to evolving the city’s rich musical legacy without losing sight of the culture that inspired it. We spoke to him about his creative process, the future of Chicago house, and the influences shaping his journey.
Listen to his mix on PLAYY. Music while reading the interview below:
How would you describe your musical style and the genres or subcultures that most influence your sound?
The classic Chicago house sound has definitely influenced my style. I love using those soulful vocals over top of a driving bass line.
Music Creation: Describe the primary setting or environment where your music is conceived. Is it a chaotic, overstimulating studio, a minimalist digital space, a rehearsal room, or a more isolated location?
I’m either sitting at my cluttered desk or laying on the couch. It’s nothing fancy but it gets the job done.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
Usually my process starts with finding a sound I like or creating a catchy drum groove. From there, it’s just messing around with different sounds until it all comes together.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
I make all my music on a MacBook Pro with a pair of gaming headphones from 2018 (I really need to upgrade those haha).
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
I was very fortunate to be able to collaborate with one of the pioneers of Chicago house music, Marshall Jefferson! I can’t even remember the first time I heard “Move your Body” growing up, so it was a huge honor to work with him.
Any side projects you’re working on?
This is currently my side project haha (I’m an accountant). Other than that, I’m learning the guitar and the saxophone because I hope to start writing other types of music.
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
I just came across this guy, Hanssin, the other day, and he is absolutely insane. I actually threw a couple of his tracks into this mix so keep your ears open for them!
What aspects of your artistry feel most important to you, for example your sound, visuals, storytelling, or live performance style?
My connection to the music is what’s most important to me. Sure, some of my songs tend to perform better than others, but that’s not why I write music. Once I start writing music for others instead of myself, then I’ve lost my reason for creating.
The Future: What is the most exciting and the most terrifying technological development impacting the music industry right now (e.g., AI composition, NFTs, digital distribution models)?
AI is definitely the most terrifying development impacting the music industry right now. If I ever release AI music, I’ve lost the plot (and whoever is reading this can come punch me in the face).
How would you describe the live music environments you feel most connected to? For example, are you drawn more to the energy of massive festival stages, the intimacy of underground warehouse parties or DIY venues, or a mix of both?
This is tough haha. I love attending massive festival stages, but I also love the intimacy of the underground warehouse parties. There’s something special about both. Being surrounded by thousands of people who all sing along and share the same love for the music that you do is something hard to describe. On the other hand, the more intimate venues can create a deeper connection to the artist and usually provide better sound quality than the big stages.
Famous last words?
Beer time.
