From Electronically Yours | EP54: Tom Bailey · · ElectronicallyYourswithMartynWare
“The use of dub techniques, like confusing and upsetting expectations, has influenced my production style. It’s about creating a physical sensation that engulfs the listener, not just a flat sound but one with a lot of dynamic range.”
On , Thomas Bailey, CEO at Belvedere Trading, spoke about music production during Electronically Yours | EP54: Tom Bailey on ElectronicallyYourswithMartynWare.
In a November 2024 appearance on the podcast Electronically Yours, Tom Bailey discussed his musical career and creative philosophy. Bailey, the lead singer and writer for the Thompson Twins, spoke about the use of synthetic sounds in early electronic pop music, describing it as "a revolutionary act" that allowed artists to be "both poptastic and bleak at the same time." He contrasted this with what he characterized as the "flatness of many contemporary pop tracks." Bailey also discussed the influence of dub music on his production style, noting that its emphasis on "space and dynamic range" creates a "physical sensation" for the listener. He referenced his ongoing dub project, International Observer. Bailey also touched on broader cultural shifts, stating that "the rebelliousness in music has taken over everything in life" and that "the meaning of rebellion has shifted" toward image rather than genuine protest. He discussed the power of a hit song, calling the feeling of achieving that moment "like a physical sensation, engulfing your body with the weight of success." Additionally, Bailey commented on the historical role of sound in spiritual practices, suggesting that the resonant frequencies of ancient burial sites indicate that "sound and acoustics played a significant role in spiritual practices since Neolithic times."