Thomas Koch, globally known as DJ T., has built an extraordinary legacy in electronic music over three decades. A master selector and producer, his career began with a passion for Disco, Funk, Soul, early Hip-Hop, and Electro records, which he discovered through his parents’ collection in Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. By age nine, DJ T. was already an avid record collector, and this early exposure shaped his eclectic DJ sets and productions.
In the 1980s, DJ T. transitioned from breakdancing to DJing, gaining prominence in Frankfurt’s Acid House scene, particularly at the Omen club. He held residencies at iconic clubs such as Music Hall, Plastik, Dorian Gray, and The Box, solidifying his position in the underground scene. By the 1990s, DJ T. had become one of Frankfurt’s most respected selectors.
In 1989, DJ T. founded Groove Magazine, a key platform for underground electronic music, serving as publisher and editor for 15 years. The magazine helped shape dance music journalism and expand the reach of the electronic scene. In 1999, DJ T. opened Monza, a House-focused club in Frankfurt with an Ibiza franchise. In 2002, he co-founded Get Physical Music, which quickly became a global leader in electronic music.
As a producer, DJ T. released his first major EP, “Monsterbaze” (2000), and his debut album “Boogie Playground” (2005). His follow-up, “The Inner Jukebox” (2009), blended Tech House with soul and funk. His 2011 album “Pleasure Principle”, featuring collaborations with Stefan Eichinger and vocalists like Cari Golden, highlighted his versatility and musical depth. DJ T. also built a strong reputation as a remixer for labels like Defected, Exploited, and Suara, and his compilations, including fabric 51 and an anniversary mix for Strictly Rhythm, further demonstrated his curatorial skills.
In 2020, DJ T. released “Trans Orient Express” on Get Physical, merging Eastern influences with Nu Disco and Indie Dance sounds. Though the pandemic interrupted his tour plans, he released several singles with remix packages featuring artists like Andhim and Adana Twins. Tracks like “Patci” and “Blaze” resonated in the Electronica and Techno genres.
Celebrating his 35th anniversary as a professional DJ, DJ T. toured North and South America in 2023-2024, blending classic and contemporary sounds in his sets. In late 2024, he will release a remix package of his 2009 classic “Dis” and new versions of “Funk On You” (2005), featuring artists such as Whitesquare and Emanuel Satie.
With no signs of slowing down, DJ T. remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of electronic music. His ongoing influence as a DJ, producer, label co-founder, and curator underscores his enduring impact on the global dance music scene, making him a true pioneer whose contributions continue to shape the future of electronic music culture.