Following the release of his new Afro House-inspired cover of Lana Del Rey’s 2012 iconic hit ‘Summertime Sadness’, Electric Mode sat down with international electronic artist Tommy Veanud. In our interview, he discussed the moment that kick-started his music career, the inspiration behind his latest track, and his plans for 2026, including developing his agency and launching new projects.

 

Please can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

 

Petrochemist, perfumer, sugar daddy, music producer, and the future Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation.

 

Is there a story behind your artist name?

 

My real name is Artem, but nobody outside my country understands what “Artem” even means, so I got used to introducing myself as Tom. Veanud is just my surname, Dunaev spelled backwards, so I’m Artem Dunaev, or in a more global-friendly version, Tommy Veanud.

 

What moment kick-started your music career?

 

It all started with an ad for Dance eJay. Then I performed under different aliases, Karlson, Rock Shocker, Junky Twins, Ruber, Prime Punk, and now Tommy Veanud. And next year, I’ll be revealing my brand-new project.

 

Congratulations on the release of your new track ‘Summertime Sadness’! Please can you tell us why you decided to release a cover of the track?

 

Those lyrics are immortal. So, it felt like my duty to create the best cover version of this track. Don’t you agree?

 

 

 

You’ve toured internationally for many years and visited many countries. Is there a country or city you haven’t performed in yet that you’d like to?

 

About 150 of them! I’ve still got a lot of work to do, but I’d really love to go on a U.S. tour. That’s the high level right now. By the way, want to help me set up a U.S. tour? Let’s send this interview to your colleagues!

 

Can you tell our readers about an upcoming artist that you’re excited about and why?

 

Definitely not an upcoming, but I would like to mention here Max Styler, he’s the new star! Congrats to him for hitting #1 in Top 101 Producers 2025. His sound is the new benchmark; I’ve already made a few tracks inspired by his fresh-old trend.

 

If you were to curate your own festival lineup, which three artists would be your dream choices to share the stage with, and why?

 

I’ve organized several festivals in my career, but to answer properly, it depends on where the festival takes place; every country and city has its own taste and vibe. We do this for the audience, not for ourselves. But if we’re speaking abstractly, I’d invite Gammer. He’s the only artist I’ve admired for 17 years. His music, style, delivery, and DJ/mixing skills still inspire me. He’s like the father of James Hype, hahaha.

Tell us about your plans for 2026.

 

All my focus and energy will go into developing our agency, One Tribe Artists. We promote artists, launch their labels, release their music, and organize worldwide tours.

 

Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

 

Never betray yourself!

Tommy Veanud’s ‘Summertime Sadness’ is out now and is available to stream here.