Prunk

The Deep House don from the Dam

Interview by Rob Chadwick


Welcome to DMCWORLD – how has Summer 2014 been for you?

“For me, the summer has been amazing. I played at many festivals but the highlights for me were Amsterdam Open Air, DGTL and Welcome To The Future Festival. Some club nights stick out too. I was very honoured to be invited by Carl Cox to play the Eleqtronique showcase at Space, Ibiza.”

Do you prefer playing outdoors in the sunshine or are you a dark basement DJ?

“Playing outdoors. I think my sound fits the sunshine perfectly, it’s a blend between Chicago and San Fransisco. My ideal stage would be on a rooftop with a nice view and a booming sound system. You know…loads of sunshine, sipping a cocktail and having some beautiful women around.”

As someone who makes and plays deep house, what does the genre mean to you? 

“The term deep house has been torn out of context completely the last couple of years. But that doesn’t have to be negative; I think it is just a collective term for people that like to dig a little deeper, than to just scrape the surface of electronic music. I see it as music that is more substantial and nuanced than what you can find in most radio charts. So you can divide deep house into many subdivisions; disco, post-disco, soulful, tech, afro, progressive and whatnot. I am one of the owners of Deep House Amsterdam and run it’s record label and I think we feature all those subgenres. Our only standard is quality.”

Who embodies deep house for you? 

“That would be Kerri Chandler. For me, it all started with Kerri.”

How was Amsterdam Dance Event for you?

“It was a busy week. It’s the biggest dance event in the world, and it was in my backyard! I had a lot of meetings with international promoters and played a lot of gigs. Strafwerk was awesome, and I really like playing the showcase of my agency MEANWHILE.”

How important has Amsterdam been in shaping your sound? Would you sound different if you grew up elsewhere? 

“Well, my view has mostly been on the United States. Amsterdam focussed a little too much on Amsterdam, so to say. When I first started going to clubs it was hard for me to find parties that fit my tastes. So when I started organising my own club nights I booked a lot of jacking house DJs from Chicago. But things changed recently…and for the better. I’m really happy Amsterdam features the best of all the house scenes. We’ve been a bit spoilt with all the good music around, so when I do a gig here I have so much  freedom to play whatever I want. What really inspires me is the abundance of young talent. You know, I was able to make a name for myself because my kind of house was scarce, but I don’t really think I would sound different if I wasn’t living here. House music is just inside of you.” 

Amsterdam has become a hotbed for dance in recent times – Delsin, Red Light Radio, Rush Hour etc – does it feel like exciting times as someone who lives there?

“I love it. Like I said, we are pretty spoilt over here. Moodymann comes to play here four times a year, who wouldn’t dream of that? And just take a look at the quality of the Rush Hour releases.”  

What are some of your favourite spots to play in the city?

“Four years ago I held a residency at AIR. The support they gave me was amazing and I love going back there. Same goes for my residency at Strafwerk. They did a party at a huge warehouse called ‘De Overkant’ some time ago, which was great too. I host my own night at the Chicago Social Club, and because the vibe is always so good, I would say that is my favourite spot.”

You’re playing Valhalla very soon. What are you expecting and what should the people expect from you? 

“Last year I played Valhalla too and I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I’ve never seen something like it before. It looks like a giant circus tent and everybody there is joining in the craziness. The atmosphere was superb as well and I had great reactions afterwards. I’m really happy that I can do another show there.” 

With it being sort of a home gig, does that mean you’ll play differently or with more confidence? 

“Yeah, I think so. There are many familiar faces, people I haven’t seen in a long time because I’ve been out on the road touring so much. It feels like coming home.”

And finally, what is coming up next from you out there…?

“I’m really looking forward to the Deep House Amsterdam showcase in Malta on December 8th where WAFF and of course I will be playing. The day before we will host another showcase in Colombia in the BAUM club. So lots of things coming up, including new work I can’t wait to share with you!”

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Prunk plays Valhalla Festival on 20th December  http://www.valhallafestival.nl/

For further information check…

http://www.meanwhile.nl/

 

https://www.facebook.com/Prunkie88