He is not just any ordinary electronic musician. In fact, he has made a mark for himself in the dub-electro music scene in France. Meet Thomas Simoes, the man who created history in the Malayalam film industry when he composed music for the film Third World Boys, the first time dub genre was introduced in Mollywood.
“Dub is a technique of mixing music, be it rock or punk, or any kind of music,” says Thomas. “It is a challenge to mix genres and make new music.” The music genre that grew out of reggae in the 1960s has influenced other genres too like pop, hip hop, trance, techno and house music.
Third World Boys, directed by Ayyappa Swaroop and Sahal Sasidharan, is woven around seven youngsters who set off on an impromptu trip. The film has an unconventional style of narration and does not follow the hero-heroine formula. The soundtracks and background music are the highlights.
Simoes says he felt joy when the new-gen directors contacted him a few months ago to compose music for the film. “I felt a bit of pressure —not because of the project but because of myself. The challenge is that people should enjoy the music. In some segments of the film, the music is important, while in others, dialogue is important. It was necessary that my music should be in sync with the characters,” he says.
Simoes, who was recently in Kerala for the project, says he quite enjoyed his visit. “I am bowled over by the kindness of the people,” he says. “It is unmatchable. When I see them, I feel like I am not good enough.” The musician says he was surprised to see how artistic the people are. “I would like to work here again,” he adds.
The much sought-after dub artiste says, “Metastaz is my musical project which I started 15 years ago. I have produced five albums and performed on many stages all over North America, Asia, and Europe. This enables me to meet people, make music and learn more.”
On his future projects, Simoes says, “Jarring Effects, the biggest music company in France (under which he does music), is all set to launch branches in India, Asia and other parts of the world,” he says.
The globe-trotting musician says, “Racy remixes and techno tracks seem to rule the music scene today in India although I am not a huge fan of trance music. Goa is considered to be the hub of trance. Many foreigners visit the state to listen to trance.”
Simoes spent his childhood learning violin and reading notes. After two years, the music school expelled him saying he was no good at music. “At my age, football held a greater allure,” he says. But he did join another music school, which emphasised classical music.
At 18, he joined another school to do sound engineering. Later his brother introduced him to different kinds of software to make music. It is evident in his music how much this 27-year-old artiste is always seeking to make new sounds.