Don Diablo

The Hexagon superstar shaping 2016 as his own with the incredible new Generation HEX EP

Launched with amazing acclaim in 2015, Hexagon immediately turned heads with some big dance tunes as well as supporting new, upcoming artists. It wasn’t for nothing Hexagon was named by Beatport as one of the year’s Breakthrough Labels! The now released Generation HEX EP reinforces this mission. On this 4-track collection the Don presents four of his latest discoveries, some already known, others still completely anonymous. Dan Prince checks in with the main man…

 

Mijnheer Schipper! A belated Happy New Year to you sir. Let’s kick off with the festive period…you have a good one, any naff gifts, where did you spend NYE and was there a midnight tune involved?

Thanks! Same to you guys! Had a great one! Didn’t really get any gifts, but enjoyed some great food and quality time with my Mom and my brothers at home. I spent NYE in Singapore. Did an amazing show at a place called called “Siloso Beach” which is probably as close as you can get to paradise. There was no midnight tune involved unfortunately as my set time started around 02.00.

Before we get into the madness of 2016, let’s take a moment for reflection on last year. Looking back, was it a good twelve months for you and your career? What were some of the highlights?

I definitely had the best year of my career so far! I traveled all over the planet, expanded my touring team with three awesome guys, launched a new merch line and kicked off a new radio show. I also remixed amazing artists like Madonna and Rudimental and collaborated with the legend Tiesto. Besides that I was the #3 selling artist of the year on Beatport and the highest climber of the year in the latest DJ Mag Top 100 List.

Was it a good year for electronic music in your opinion?

I definitely think so yes! Lots of cool new music and artists emerged and looking at the shows I played I would say the electronic music hype is not slowing down at all, on the contrary.

Well you have hit the ground running in 2016 with the first Hexagon release of the year in the tasty form of your ‘Generation HEX’ EP…

{http://soundcloud.com/hexagon/sets/generation-hex}

Let’s begin with NOMNOM – a mysterious side project of two producers. Tell us about it…who is the other producer?!?!?!

I could tell you but then it wouldn’t be a secret project anymore!

Next up is someone we know and love Khrebto who collaborated with you on ‘Got The Love’. Talk us through the new cut ‘The Mad Citizens’ and the artist.

Khrebto is an upcoming talent from Russia who has a very diverse sound and few more tricks up his sleeve for sure.

Loving the sound of the Ukraine! ‘Boomers’ courtesy of Sagan. What is the story here?

I actually just played this track in my radio show as the #demoday track of the week, a segment where I feature upcoming producers, and reactions were so strong that I decided to sign the record to my label and officially release it.

And finally comes the Norwegian star Jonas Aden and his ‘Temple’ track. Again, please tell us about the artist and the music…

Jonas has been making waves online for a while now and has great production skills as well as original ideas which is a great combination obviously.

It was a very sad day for the world of music this week when the legendary David Bowie passed away. Were you a fan of the man and his music?

A massive fan. Not just of his music, but also the way he approached life in general really inspired me throughout my career on many different levels. This man is an absolute HERO.

What are the big 5 tunes in your box this weekend?

Birdy – Keep Your Head Up (Don Diablo Remix)

Testing out this new remix I just did. Always excited when I get to play a new production. I absolutely love Birdy and the original song and this is the only remix she’s doing, so put a lot of love into this one.

Madison Mars – Milky Way

Another huge talent to watch on my HEXAGON label. His first release “Theme O” absolutely smashed it and this follow up also does wonders on the floor.

Don Diablo – Tonight

My next single, currently slated for an end of February release.

Toby Green – Move

Another recent release on my label that goes off in my sets!

John Williams – Star Wars’ Imperial March

Why not, right!?

So 2016. A diary full of wicked gigs filling up your diary. Where are some of the dates you cannot wait for?

Too many too mention to be honest! Last year I did a lot of shows in the States, this year I will try to do more festivals in Europe next to the US shows.

Are there any other plans away from the studio you are involved with in 2016?

I am working on a documentary at the moment as well as a new clothing line and a trilogy of futuristic music videos.

What is coming out next from you studio wise?

My next single will be called “Tonight” and I am also finishing off a radio version of the revisited version I did of the “I’ll House You” classic by the Jungle Brothers. Besides that I am working on my first EP as well, which will contain some surprising tracks for sure!

An up and coming producer to watch out for this year…

Madison Mars, King Arthur, Toby Green and the Generation Hex guys obviously!

And finally, what is your main aim and ambition for the twelve months ahead…

I want to let my label and the artists on my label grow, perfect my live show on the visual side, expand my radio show to more countries and release at least two EP’s! No sleep in 2016!!