We don’t deny that musicians, specifically electronic producers and DJs, have wonderful personalities. Most of whom we’ve had the chance to meet are polite and humble, and great conversationalists. There are a few near the edge of almost blandly robotic and closeted, as if they don’t want to give away too much, or are afraid of being perceived a certain way. But when the generic, the mild and the meek get sifted out of the mix, the few that remain – the small handful of rare individuals – are the artists who stand out above the rest and aren’t afraid to shine their true colors. These artists are real, relatable and down-to-earth; they are proud to embrace and display their genuine character, while being a real character. The world needs more artists like this. And it was our divine pleasure to discuss the laughs of life with EDM’s newest A-team player: Topher freaking Jones.
Topher Jones throwing down the Brohammer, baller-style.
What most know of Topher Jones is his fist-pumping troll-of-a-hit Brohammer, which seemed like a parody-piece of party bros around the world, and yet, it shined light on the free-spirited fun they were having in the meantime. The track itself was a phenomenal breakout for Topher Jones into the EDM world, as was the infamous Brohammer dance that came from the video. Following our top priorities, we asked the burning question everyone’s been dying to know the answer to: What in the world is a Brohammer?
[quote style=”1″ author=”Topher Jones”]My younger brother and I came up with the word at dinner one night, and then I decided to make something that I felt sounded like the word “Brohammer.” After working on it for two hours, I realized that there was something to it.[/quote]
Topher Jones was right about Brohammer having “something to it” – A floor-pounding kick, a grimy electro synth lead that builds with every second of the track, and one of the sickest vocal sample drops of all time. Even mega-star producer Gareth Emery called Brohammer “a beast of a track,” and even featured the Topher Jones original on his Best Of 2012 Mix. The monster-hit also reached Beatport’s Top 10, making 2012 the official breakout year for the Indiana-born, Chicago-based producer.
Officer Jones reporting for Brohammer duty on the Official Video shoot
So, what got Topher (Christopher) Jones into music in the first place? It all started when he was about 14 years old, growing up in the early 90s when hip-hop was at its peak. Raised in a musically-rich home – both his mother and younger brother were incredibly talented musicians – Christopher had both the natural ability and nurturing environment to make a career in music a realistic persuit. Like many of us in that time, Christopher found himself uncontrollably hooked on hip-hop music, and wanted more. But unlike most of us, Christopher wanted to know how the music was made, and how the radio DJs were mixing and blending tracks live on the air. [quote style=”1″ author=”Topher Jones”]I wanted to learn how to scratch. I would hear it on these hip-hop records and thought it was incredible.[/quote]And it was through this curiosity that his parents were able to see his profound interest and passion in the behind-the-scenes music process. And by his next birthday, young Christopher unwrapped a pair of turn tables – a gift that would impact his entire life, and ours, too – once he explored outside of hip-hop, and first discovered electronic dance music.
[quote style=”1″ author=”Topher Jones”]Once I heard dance music I just fell in love with it like nothing before. I had to start pursuing that instead of the hip-hop I was playing.[/quote]
Topher Jones had no hesitation when asked if there was a stand-out track that sparked his love affair with dance music: “Armin van Buuren – Communication.” And since immersing into the electronic music scene, he also notes Kaskade, Gabriel & Dresden and Morgan Page as all-time favorites. Pretty fitting idols, we’d say, considering he constantly gets confused for Kaskade on a daily basis. And chances are, you caught Topher Jones opening up for Morgan Page during his MPP3D tour earlier this month. Going from just another avid fan to fellow tour-mate is a humbling accomplishment for any artist to experience, and Topher Jones couldn’t have sounded more thrilled to be a part of such a huge production:[quote style=”1″ author=”Topher Jones”]It’s really special. A bus tour with someone like Morgan is quite an honor to be on. The first few shows have been amazing![/quote]Though their lack of living space on the tour bus may make them a tad irritable, Topher Jones, unknown to most, is one of the biggest pranksters and EDM characters the scene has perhaps ever had, and keeps the mood humorous and light-hearted as much as possible. And given his dedication to social media and a knack for photo editing, let’s just say there’s probably no shortage of laughs on the bus..
Who knew that the Krewella trio were such big Topher Jones fans?
Unknown to most, Topher Jones made his feature film debut in The Hangover!
It’s not complicated… even AT&T Funnyman gives credit where credit’s due.
[quote style=”1″ author=”Topher Jones”]”Social Media is very important these days so you have to make sure people can connect with you on there as well as through the music… I just like to laugh and have fun. I want people to get a glimpse of my personality.”[/quote]
His fans that follow him closely know this to be true, as he is constantly cracking jokes and releasing hilarious memes via Facebook and Instagram. He’s also recently adopted a French alter-ego “Onesie,” who gives the many personalities of Dillon Francis a run for their money..
Although he keeps himself busy as a phenomenal photo editor, Topher Jones does not joke around when it comes to his music. This may very well be the one area where he finds himself knuckled down and a bit too serious.. at least, that’s what his music leads us to believe. His latest release Talk About It, featuring Katie Sky on the vocals, dropped last month on Ultra Records, and is already seeing tremendous success and support from big-name artists and the label alike. Included in the supporting role are his summer tour-mates, Tritonal, who joined him during his Talk About It premiere on Sirius BPM Radio. He had so many great things to say about Katie, the direction of his sound, and the power of vocals in dance music:
[quote style=”1″ author=”Topher Jones”]Katie is a great friend of mine that I’ve known for a few years. She’s super talented and sent over this idea and I fell in love with it… I love vocals. The human voice is an amazing instrument. I want to use it as much as possible.[/quote]
His next big release, which he’s been pretty hush-hush about, comes our way in December, and he says it’s his best work yet. The rumored title, Falling For You, is hopefully another progressive house thrill that will likely be early Christmas to our ears. And as 2013 and the MPP3D tour come to a close, it’s safe to say that this past year was another gigantic leap in Topher Jone’s career, and the next is sure to bring even more opportunity and stardom for him.
When he’s not posting hilarious photos, when the sold-out shows come to an end, and when he’s not waist-high in production, Topher Jones is a family man, a hometown supporter, and a charity giver. He values what matters most in the world outside of himself, and is an active player in not only the revival of Chicago’s house music scene, but the revival of goodwill and community. He takes the extra moment to Facetime with his mother on the way to sound check, constantly gives thanks to his fans and supporters for allowing him to follow his dream, and never ceases to be a well-rounded, humble, and generous human being. He challenges what is expected in terms of appreciation and humility for artists, and ignores the “holier-than-thou” mentality that we so often see in the music industry. His equation on how to do it all seems much more attainable than one might expect, but it is one that takes the ultimate dedication, 100% focus, and true, genuine character. This, our dear friends, is Topher freaking Jones.
[quote style=”1″ author=”Topher Jones”]”Hard work trumps everything. Be kind, be courteous, be passionate and be grateful. Hard work with that mentality and a little bit of talent can go a long way.”[/quote]
Final Fun Facts: “I have two right hands. I can fly. I eat food backwards.” – Topher Jones
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