raannt

We’re usually very excited with every interview we conduct.  First, we think about what we want to project with each article and how we want to represent the artist.  In addition, we plan out how to conduct the interview so that it’s easiest for both the celebrity and ourselves, but this time, we happened to be in Miami for Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival 2014 and happened to be in contact with the right person.  We were lucky… extremely luck… to have a full evening with ATB!  His new album CONTACT released and we couldn’t wait to chat with the DJ about his inspiration and current projects!  Check out our time with ATB… a killer DJ with an incredible sound!

raannt: Alright! How are you?

ATB: Good! Good! Good interview!

r: Aaannndd we’re done! Haha.   Nice to meet you!!!  Ok, we have just a few quick questions!  You just renewed your residency in Vegas, are you excited for that?

ATB: Yeah, I have to be there in three days! It’s at the Cosmopolitan, Marquee… I love to play there…

r: We got married at the Cosmopolitan…

ATB: Really?!

r: … so we’re obsessed with that hotel! It’s a great place!

ATB: so you’ve  been to Marquee?

r: Yeah! Loved it!

ATB: I’m doing the pool party there on Saturday!

r: Their pool parties are super killer.   How do you keep their energy going since they have so many big names there?

ATB: You know, I just play music… That’s what I do.  When I’m there as DJ, of course I want to represent my stuff but, especially in Vegas it’s very important to read the crowd, you know? Because it’s not just fans there.  When you’re at other gigs… wherever I play, you have a followingship, people follow you.  But Vegas, it’s a lot of tourists, a lot of people don’t care about the DJ and to reach these people with music… that’s my goal. And that’s a hard job sometimes, but when I have them all at the end of the night… I’m glad! But that’s a job, you know… Not just playing your stuff, it’s playing with the crowd.  It’s a give and take and that’s what I try to do.

r:  that’s a good quality to have, not a lot of DJs have that…

ATB: Not all DJs, GOOD DJs!

r: Who are you listening to right now?

ATB: Uuh, so many different things! It depends where I am.  When I’m on the road, I listen to a lot of EDM stuff, but when I’m back home I try to avoid the EDM stuff a little bit. I try to listen to normal radio stuff, I’m very open music wise. That helps you at being creative, because I get a lot of influence from other styles as well.  If it’s rock music, pop music, whatever… I love country music, it sounds crazy but I love country music.  It’s not in my songs, but several parts in my music are influenced by some kind of that… I’m really open to every kind of music, if it’s good music…it’s good music.

r: Off of that, what do you think brought your new album to life, what do you think it’s different from what you’ve done before?

ATB: You know, new albums always happen because I want to do new music and this album was kind of important to me because the meaning content was very important to mean because when I’m ,as a DJ, when I’m communicating with the people and they’re listening to my music, I’m always very personal.  As a DJ I need to have the eye contact, I need to be in contact with the crowd and people writing to me on Facebook or Twitter, wherever, I’m doing all these things for myself.  So being in contact with the people who are listening to my music, is very important for me, so the meaning of this album was important for me and also a lot of songs and collaborations are in the album.  I did a lot of stuff directly with the artists together in the studio.  In earlier times I did it long distance, with mp3s and sending and stuff.  Now, we worked together in the studio, recorded together, wrote…

r: Like the good-old times…

ATB: … like the good old times!

r: How do you define sexy?

ATB: That’s… That’s a hard question.  You know, I think everyone has their own definition of what is sexy and sometimes you just see somebody and say “this is sexy” and you can’t even describe it.  I think the less you can describe it, the more sexy it is.

r: Alright so last question, what are your three simple luxuries?

ATB: umm…

1.       I don’t know if it’s a luxury but being healthy… that’s the most important thing for me, you know. 

2.       And if you don’t have to think about the money or how you’re going to get your food tomorrow,

3.       And for me a big luxury, and this is because music gave this to me, is travel the world.  The music gave me the luxury to see so many different parts of the planet.  I know not everyone has this opportunity and I’m so thankful for that

r:  Great! Thank you so much for your time! And get some rest for your voice! It was nice to meet you and we’ll see you later!!

ATB: Nice to meet you!

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We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ludovika’s music for quite some time now and when Tiesto played a mix by him, we weren’t just excited…we were literally jumping with joy!  Ludovika has been working very hard making each beat unique, each track new (even when its being remixed from an original), and has evolved his craft by mashing tracks with feelings and passion.  If you don’t know Ludovika, here’s your chance. We introduce to you Ludovika!

Introduce yourself in 5 words or less.

EDM fan became Dutch Producer

How were you discovered?

My management found one of my tracks online and asked me if I wanted to do a remix for them. I was happy to do so, and when I sent it to them they liked that remix so much they offered me a management contract.

What do you think sets you apart from other DJs?

I always try to be as original as possible. Whether it’s through playing my own original tracks and remixes or making as much mashups as I can. That really allows me to play stuff nobody has heard before and surprise people.

How do you think electronic dance music has changed throughout your career?

EDM has been around in Holland for many years, I listened to Tiesto and Armin van Buuren on the radio when I was just a little kid. But it took a while for other countries to start embracing EDM and look at where it’s at now, it has exploded worldwide.

How do you define sexy?

When the crowd is going crazy, dancing late in the night/early morning as the sun is coming up, singing along to an EDM song.

What’s the sexiest City? Hotel? Club? Music Festival? Song?

City: Amsterdam

Hotel: Wynn

Club: XS Nightclub

Music Festival: Ultra

Song: One Republic – Apologize

Which 3 musicians, dead or alive, do you respect the most and why?

Daft Punk, because they were able to set a new standard for EDM years ago, and can still get a whole world to be excited for their new album

Avicii, for constantly trying to change the game of EDM and doing succesfully

Eric Prydz, for being so unique for such a long time, both in the studio and live

In your opinion, who is the best musician live vs. in studio?

Eric Prydz

Who has been your favorite musical artist you’ve worked with?

Niles Mason. Both his voice and personality are so inspirational to work with.

Without knowing who it was to, what was the last thing you texted?

“I’m sending you that extended radio version right now!”

What do you believe will be the next, big musical trend?

That is so hard to predict, but I think EDM is going to split-up in a harder trend and a softer trend. Over the last two years, EDM tracks have become harder and harder and it seems like loudness is more important to some people than beautiful (and loud) music nowadays. I can feel people are starting to care more about the music again and the first signs to me are both Daft Punk’s and Avicii’s upcoming album. Ultimately, it’s still all about making good music.

What advice would you give to an aspiring DJ?

Follow your dreams and try to be original along the way.

What’s next for Ludovika?

On the producing side, I’ve been working really hard to get two original singles ready to be released really soon and a third one is almost done. On the DJ side, me and my management are working on a big tour for this summer.

What are your three simple luxuries?

Portable keyboard, leg room on airplanes, trying new cuisines in my travels

Check out all of our DJ Interviews in our Interview section!

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Sometimes there’s an art to being awkward and DJ Apster has mastered that art perfectly.  Apster is a killer DJ with killer sound talent and over the last few years he has made a name for himself by gathering up the support of big name DJs across the world.  We just happen to dig him for him.  Behind the music and the parties, we find a creative guy that loves the very core of creating music, evolving its sound and bringing it to the masses! We were lucky enough to chat with him about his projects, his likes and what’s up next!  Check out Apster; a DJ that made awkward cool before Zac Efron made a movie of it!

 

Introduce us to Apster in one sentence.

A quiet dude at day, but let’s get awkward at night with a passion for filthy electro house music!

What are three things we wouldn’t know by looking at you?

My sixpack, dedicated family man, the love for music in general like: soul jazz uk garage RnB etc.

How were you introduced to the music industry?

In a Club called: The talk of the town in my hometown  ( Tilburg ).

Describe your sound to us? What makes your music stand out?

Filthy electro house with raw bass lines, progressive chords and bleepy synths. It has that Apster vibe!

 If you could change one thing about the EDM – Electronic Dance Music – industry what would it be and why?

Function one speakers in every club!

When producing/mixing tracks,  how long does the whole process typically take you and what does that process consist of?

Well that depends.. sometimes a can do a track in like 4 hours and sometimes in 4 days. It consist of being creative in making beats and melodies and arrange them in a kind of way that it’s easy to listen to for people, which is a tough job, a track must be and stay interesting to listen to.

Mixing tracks is difficult as well, you can’t stop learn in that process.

What are your top 3 favorite songs right now and why?

Disclosure – Latch  ( loving those sweeeeet vocals)

Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pools ( sweet hip hop vibes )

Tiesto – Pair of dice ( loving the bass drop and the feel good big rooms synths)

If you could work with any musician, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Definitely Michael Jackson! One of my biggest inspirations ever! Used to know all his lyrics of his music and even choreo from his music videos!

Favorite movie, tv show, magazine, book, candy and fast food?

Movie: Anchorman

Tv show: Workaholics, Eastbound & down &  The Jamie foxx show

Book: Pudding tarzan ( dutch )

Candy: Drop fruit duo’s

Fast food: Subway

How do you define sexy?

Sofia Vergara

What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?

Devoting all my time and passion in producing music.

What do you think is the sexiest city? Hotel? Club? Song? Place to kiss? DJ?

Panama city, The W in Barcelona, Paradise Club Mykonos, Miguel – Adorn, toilet and Dj Juicy M.

What three pieces of advice would you give to an aspiring DJ/Producer?

Follow your dreams! If you want to do this, you have to work hard, play hard. At the moment it doesn’t want to work out you need to have the perseverance to make it work out.

What’s next for Apster?

Next up is a lot of new music with guys like Afrojack, Shermanology, Bassjackers, Firebeatz and of course some solo stuff, and hopefully coming to the states!

What are your three simple luxuries?

Grey Goose, sushi and my bed

Check out all of our DJ Interviews in our Interview section!

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Known for his killer mixing & producing skills, DJ Zen Freeman should also be known for his good looks and amazing charm.  This British lad has worked hard at creating a feeling with his music and evolved into a sound that we all love and, honestly, can’t get enough of!  We stole Zen Freeman away from creating and producing to chat about himself and his latest projects! Check out what Freeman has been up to:

Introduce yourself using 5 words or less.

Zen Freeman, my real name.

What inspired your collaboration with dBerrie on “Switch”?

Our careers have evolved in the same way just on opposite coasts and we’ve known each other for years. It just made sense to put a track out together.  

What is something about dBerrie we wouldn’t know by looking at him?

His mother’s maiden name is Garibaldi and his home telephone number is 917-234-DAVE. No, but really, he broke into the scene years ago and got started as an amazing turntablist, played at some of the best parties in New York City. Way before the whole EDM scene took off.  Now his production skills aren’t too shabby!

What is your favorite thing about creating music?

It’s finding that musical hook so massive that it gives you goose bumps, then dropping the track in front of an amazing crowd for the first time. Nothing like it.

How do you define sexy?

I think that sexy is something that’s very hard to define. It could be something my wife says or does, or finding the missing sound for a track, getting into a new car or being styled by Burberry and walking into DJ at an Oscar Party.

What do you think is the sexiest city? Hotel? Club? Festival? Body part?

My job has taken me all over the world and I’ve been lucky enough to see some really amazing places. And it might sound cliché, but Spring time in Paris really can’t be beat.

In your opinion, who is the best musician live vs. in studio?      

I think Justin Timberlake is an amazing live performer. He has so much talent and really great showmanship. And Calvin Harris, has mad skills in the studio. He can produce all of the vital elements at a top notch level; writer, engineer, top liner. And of course he’s pretty impressive live as well.

If you could master a different genre of music, which one would it be and why?

I think I still have too many boxes to tick in the EDM world.  Nothing beats playing at an electrifying festival.  It’s the most amazing buzz.  I don’t know if I could swap that for anything else musically.

What’s next for Zen Freeman?

I just spent a few weeks making music around the clock, only leaving the studio to sleep a few hours or leave town for a show.  I’m very proud of what’s coming out next.  I’m also touring all major US markets, some amazing exotic locations, Europe and South America over the next few months.

What are your three simple luxuries?

Sleeping (preferably not on planes). Surfing. Time at home in LA with the wife and kids.

Check out all of our DJ Interviews in our Interview section!

Please follow us!

WARNING: We allow 100 words or less of content per interview to be taken, with a link to our original interview, and used without our authorization. Content larger than 100 words or copying our entire interview without our authorization to be used in ANY manner will result in our taking legal action per copyright infringement.