Mot & Krid is an electronica artist, songwriter, remixer and producer whose prior releases have been radio playlisted on Spotify, KissFM/UK, SiriusXM/BPM, Pandora, KissFM/Germany, Gaydio/UK, have charted #1 on Beatport, #5 UK Music Week Charts twice and have been supported by DJs such as Andi Durrant, Judge Jules, StoneBridge, Jes, DJ Photographer and Danny Lee.
The driving force behind Mot & Krid is Thomas Gallmeier. Thomas was born in New York, NY, grew up in Germany and, at a very young age, started his music career as a free-lance drummer, playing sessions and gigs in Munich, Nuremberg, Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg and Wuerzburg before moving to Los Angeles, CA. After many years of session work and touring throughout U.S. and Europe, Thomas focused more and more on songwriting and producing music and finally started his first solo effort under the alias, Mot & Krid.
In this interview spotlight, we chat about the latest project, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I was born in Manhattan, N.Y., grew up in Germany and then moved back to U.S., Los Angeles, CA and have been here ever since. So I do consider myself a California resident. I guess I could have just said, I’m from LA.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I fell in love with music when I discovered my parents record collection.
Listening to The Beatles changed my entire life. From then on I wanted to be a musician and write and play original music. I have been a professional drummer for decades and now mainly focus on song writing and producing music. My motivation to be a musician has always been to share my emotions and life’s experiences through music. For me music moves the world. Music lifts you up, calms you down, can comfort, teach, inspire, make you laugh and cry and hopefully bring peace and harmony.
What keeps me going is the desire to still want to share and speak out. Giving up is not an option. There’s inspiration everywhere if you listen and observe.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Well, my previous release was a Christmas themed song, so this new release, Unbreakable, is a bit edgier and blunt. It’s about seeing the possible in the impossible. To be strong and not give up on yourself and people around you. Even when the world is falling down, you don’t have to. This is a very personal song, co written by my friends Kelly Kidd and Redd Carter, who is also featured singer on this tune.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Challenge number 1 is exposure. As you already mentioned the market is simply too saturated and it’s difficult to find my audience. I know it’s out there. I just haven’t been able to break through and be heard. The other challenge is and it goes in lock step with challenge 1, to get booked. Booking agents will look at your social media numbers and if they don’t like what they see, it’s all over. No one wants to book you. Technology has been extremely helpful as I can run complete productions out of my home studio. What would have cost thousands sometimes tens of thousands of dollars can now be done in my studio for a fraction of that expense. I also play all instruments on my productions, that’s another benefit.
What was the last song you listened to?
Brian Adam’s One Night love Affair – it was on the radio. What an amazing voice.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Well, I think I would prefer vinyl but it’s a hassle to come by, maintain and get set up for. I guess all my listening is done by using MP3s I guess it’s MP3s then.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I listen mainly to SiriusXM radio. Just got used to it. I recently got more active on Spotify as they seem to take over the world and I am trying to stay on top of things.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Check me out on Youtube.com/motandkrid and subscribe to my channel. I run a weekly vlog and of course all my original music videos are there. Also follow me on Spotify your support will be much appreciated
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you, Joshua for the opportunity to connect with your fans. Have a fantastic weekend and keep in touch.
