Interview: Cold Blue

Tobias Schuh aka Cold Blue, known for his pure, uplifting, and tech trance sound that evokes a broad spectrum of emotions since 2006, underwent a transformative moment realizing his passion for independent artistry. His 2007 release “Seven Ways” marked a turning point, gaining acclaim on In Trance We Trust. His music graces labels like Black Hole, Subculture, Kearnage, and more. Regularly on Beatport’s Top 10 Trance charts, he has earned three #1 spots.

Backed by figures like John O’Callaghan and Armin Van Buuren, Cold Blue’s tour includes gigs at EDC Las Vegas, Dreamstate, Tomorrowland, and Airbeat One. His reach extends to Australia, the United States, and the UK with arena shows.
In 2019-2020, he released two albums, “Winter” and “Summer Chills,” under Black Hole Recordings. Anticipation builds for his rumored third album, expected to launch on his newly founded label, Cold Blue Recordings.

This summer, I ran into Tobias, and I couldn’t resist striking up a conversation with him. When we sat down, I asked about important moments and people in his career, his two albums, and why he always gravitates towards producing trance music. We also talked a bit about his new label, Cold Blue Recordings, and the idea behind it. If you want to know more, just keep reading the interview below.

Nina: With your extensive background in music, at what point did you realize and decide to shift your focus toward electronic dance music? What sparked this decision?

Tobias: I think the main point was that I don’t want to be dependent on other people. During my time in bands, I anticipated the same level of ambition from my fellow members, but that wasn’t always the case. With electronic music production, I found the independence I craved, being able to work on my own, and I truly enjoyed that autonomy. In the late 90s, I was captivated by the popular trance hits on MTV and Viva. Eventually, I acquired the necessary software, and it became a matter of time before I could start working with it.

Nina: So, 2006 was a significant year for you, and it seems that things really took off in 2007 with the release of “Seven Ways” on In Trance We Trust, a Black Hole sublabel. Undoubtedly, there must have been numerous ups and downs both before and after that pivotal moment. Looking back, are there any specific experiences or challenges that you remember as particularly influential or formative in shaping your journey?

Tobias: I’d describe it as life, with its highs and lows. I absorb the experiences around me, channeling them into my consciousness, and they find expression in my music. In the past, I wasn’t the most effective communicator, and even now, communication isn’t my strong suit. Music became my natural language, a more effective means of expressing myself than words ever were.

Nina: Was there a specific person or label that had a game-changing impact on your career? Perhaps someone like John O’Callaghan, the Subculture label or Music First agency? Additionally, could you share the best and worst advice you have received throughout your career?

Tobias: Certainly, John O’Callaghan, the Subculture label, Music First agency, and Arny from Black Hole have been crucial supporters. Arny, in particular, stands out as someone consistently easy to collaborate with. He’s always receptive to new ideas, even when they deviate from the standard path. For instance, in 2020, when I proposed the idea of creating a Chillout album, he embraced it wholeheartedly.

I’d like to share a valuable piece of advice I recently received during a conversation with Dennis Sheperd. We discussed the significance of following your heart and avoiding distractions caused by comparing yourself to others who might be more successful. Many successful individuals achieve their status because they, too, follow their hearts. For instance, popular bands like Coldplay or Nickelback are likely ahead in their game because they genuinely love what they do. Trying to replicate their success by copying them doesn’t work. Therefore, my advice is to establish a connection with your heart and bring to life whatever wants to emerge from within you.

Nina: We are familiar with your incredible skills as both a DJ and a producer, but which aspect do you find more enjoyable: DJing or producing?

Tobias: Producing music is my thing. Take, for instance, the Luminosity set—I’d been excited about it for six months, but I found even more joy in creating the music. It’s like building up anticipation in my studio, and then, BOOM, everything clicks. I’m not exactly sure why, but creating music feels like second nature to me. Playing it for people is like a bonus—it boosts my inspiration and motivation. It’s a perfect match, and now, making music is even more fun. I began DJing in 2010-2011, but it was when I started learning how to produce that everything clicked, and I started connecting with the audience.

Nina: When it comes to the creative process, artists draw inspiration from various sources. Is there a particular place, music, person, or anything else that serves as a muse for your creations?

Tobias: I have idols in rock, pop, and electronic music. Jon Hopkins in electronic and Devin Townsend in rock, despite not being hugely famous, inspire me because they do what they love. Townsend consistently embarks on new projects, and his success shows me it’s possible to chart your own course. Drawing inspiration from such figures, I find a safe place to be creative when I connect with people.
I’ve never experienced a lack of inspiration. When my heart wants to express something, it’s like a continuous flow of ideas. Currently, I’m involved in various fields, so finding time for music can be a challenge. However, whenever I carve out time for the studio, inspiration is always there.

Nina: So far, you have released two albums, both under Black Hole Recordings’ roof. However, we had to wait until 2019 to experience the magic of your first album, “Winter.” Then in 2020, you followed up with “Summer Chills,” which features chilled versions of the tracks from “Winter.” Could you share the story behind both of these projects?

Tobias: The first album in my artistic journey came quite late, about 15 years into production, as you mentioned. John O’Callaghan played a pivotal role, encouraging me to create an album. This support instilled confidence that the timing was right, aligning with my desire to follow in the footsteps of my idols who release albums frequently. Despite wanting to create one, I never had a supportive team until Black Hole, Subculture, and the agency came along. They provided the platform for promotion, allowing me to take the time needed to craft the album without rushing.

As for “Summer Chills,” it stemmed from feeling the vibe of chill-out music during the silence of 2020. I cherished the stillness after three years of constant touring—no dates, no flying, no hotels. The absence of opportunities to play trance music to a live audience led me to explore chill-out music. Unlike trance, it didn’t require a specific setting for performance. This shift was a heartfelt response, possibly influenced by artists like Jon Hopkins who excel in the chill-out and ambient genres.

Nina: Trance music carries a special meaning for each of us, and we all have our unique reasons for being drawn to it. I’m curious, what is it about trance music that speaks to you personally? I’d like to know if you have any plans or aspirations to explore and produce music in other genres in the future.

Tobias: I can’t pinpoint why, but there’s something about Trance that resonates with me. The multitude of layers and depth in Trance sets it apart; it’s a complexity I don’t find as much in other genres. The richness of Trance allows me to express the depth of my feelings in a way that feels truly authentic.

Nina: But did you ever have aspirations to explore and produce music in other genres in the future?

Tobias: Funny, but every time I experiment with different genres, I somehow find myself creating a trance. For instance, I might begin with a techno beat, thinking, “Let’s add a melody here,” and before I know it, there are five melodies in the mix. However, the chill-out album was a departure from this trend, introducing a new dimension to my musical exploration.

Nina: Your music is often described as energetic, highly emotional, and dreamy, evoking strong feelings in listeners. Is this your way of expressing your own emotions and connecting with the crowd during your performances?

Tobias: Absolutely! In my sets, I aim to mix a range of emotions. It’s like the journey in a good movie where, by the end, you’ve felt all the emotions of the day. Whether it’s been a perfect day or not, there’s a sense of happiness in the evening. Life has both joyful and sad moments, and acknowledging the sad ones is essential. Trance music lets me express this emotional diversity, and that’s why I value it. And I’m really enjoying these questions by the way!

Nina: I am so glad you do. ☺ Time moves swiftly, and with it, music continues to evolve. What do you see as the positive and negative aspects of today’s music scene?

Tobias: The positive side is that technology makes it super easy for everyone to pursue their passion. I recently started my own label under Black Hole Recordings, and it was made so accessible by the advancements you guys have made. The simplicity of modern software is a game-changer; I wouldn’t be a producer if I had to deal with expensive equipment and complex wiring. This tech ease is definitely a plus—it simplifies music creation and helps reach fans.

On the flip side, I am an optimistic person but I find it challenging that the music market is so global. It seems impossible to focus on just one country for a tour. There are major events once a year, but then there’s a void. Smaller shows struggle to survive and often fade away. I’d prefer a scene with smaller, regular shows, perhaps in a specific region like Germany. It would be healthier for me than constant worldwide touring with jet lag and energy drain. I wish for more diversity and less monopoly in the scene.

I believe we’re all on a journey to find what we love. Many navigate the jungle of trending music, using templates and copy-pasting to get noticed. While that’s okay, some may discover it doesn’t bring happiness, or they might become great producers by exploring different paths.

Nina: Congratulations on your new label Cold Blue Recordings. How did this happen? And does this mean we can expect a new album from you in the near future?

Tobias: The main idea was that I had a ton of material collected, and I grew tired of sending demos to labels, with only about 10% getting positive responses due to the overwhelming submissions they receive. It’s cool to have that 10% released, but I equally love the other 90%, which I believe is just as strong. I might have been inspired by others who started their own labels, although I can’t recall exactly who right now. Thanks to you guys, starting my own label became a straightforward process. Music First provided support in setting it up with Arny and Mark. The most significant challenge was finding a graphic artist for the artwork. Fortunately, I found the perfect artist near my hometown in Germany, with the exact style I was looking for. It came very close to the deadline for the first release, but everything went well, thankfully.

Nina: Can we now expect a new album soon?

Tobias: Certainly, it’s definitely in the cards. However, I’m not certain when the right time will be. I believe with the new label, it’s essential to let it breathe and not rush into releasing a new album right away. I’m enjoying the process of having the label and putting out singles, and perhaps next year will be the right time for an album.