The superstar staying Forever Young on Revealed
Interview by Dan Prince
Sam a massive welcome to DMCWORLD…where on the planet are you today?
“Well thank you sir! I am in my studio in Venlo, the Netherlands at the moment.”
What was the first piece of music you heard this morning after rolling out of bed?
“Galantis – ‘Gold Dust’. What an insane piece of music that is!!”
A great start to 2015 returning to The Buzz Chart, this time it’s the brilliant ‘Forever Yoiung’ on Hardwell’s Revealed that is causing chaos on the dancefloor. Please talk us through the history and sound of the release…
“It’s great to be back. This song started out different then other tracks I did. I’ve worked with this vocalist before on the song I did on Spinnin’ Records in July called ‘Live Life’. When I was at Tomorrowland that July it got played all over and the buzz around the track was great. My phone rang. It was the singer saying to meet me at a certain stage there. He told me he had a vocal ready for me – laying on the shelve eating dust. It was the ‘Forever Young’ vocal. When I came home that Monday after Tomorrowland I immediately went to the studio. Didn’t shower for 4 days and finished the song. When I listen back to it now I can feel the Tomorrowland vibe all over it! So, great timing!”
When I told Buzz Chart head honcho Guy Garrett I was interviewing you today he shouted across the office…”amazing track – very uplifting, great build, the sort of track that would be used when they lift the World Cup to the crowd”…so what do you think of that little comment?
“Haha! Yeah I can relate to that for sure. It’s very powerful and uplifting.”
Watch the full version → http://youtu.be/ClLwDgO1IQY
The track gained instant support from the likes of Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Afrojack and Hardwell himself. Who are some of the names that you always check for to see if they like your music?
“Hardwell has always been that one DJ I respected the most. So definitely him! At the end of the day I look up to all of those big names. And it means the world to see that they support something I’ve created in my studio in this small town called Venlo. Very proud!”
What are the 5 big tunes in your box this weekend…
1. Galantis – Gold Dust
Each song they put out is an instant classic. Very impressed!
2. Axwell /\ Ingrosso – Something New
The mixing on this song is so next level. The song itself is on of a kind. Nothing to compare it with.
3. Calvin Harris – Pray to God
Love that he went back to his old sound a bit on this one! Great vibe.
4. Zedd & Selena Gomez – I Want You To Know
Zedd is a real musician. His songs are so alive!
5. Eric Prydz & CHVRCHES – Tether
He’s using the same sounds for more than 5 years, but it still sounds fresh! I’m a big CHVRCHES fan.
A DJ date in your diary in 2015 that you cannot wait for?
“I have a couple of shows planned that I am really looking forward to. But the closing show on the Daydream Festival in Belgium is one that is really exciting me A LOT!!!”
What is coming up next from you studio wise…
“I currently have two new songs signed – both on A-Labels. I’m not allowed tell a lot about it, but I cant wait to show the world. As happy with those two songs then I am with ‘Forever Young’.”
An up and coming producer to watch out for in 2015…
“You should definitely check out my homie FeestDJRuud. He’s a legend here in Holland and he has some amazing music on his Soundcloud. But please please please also check his You Tube account!! Maximum party mode.”
Not many people know this, but Sam O Neall is really good at…?
“One of my side jobs was to repair army tanks that came back from Afghanistan. It was very intense – but very honorable! You didn’t see that one coming right?”
Fuck no! It’s your birthday, who are the 3 DJs you invite to play and what singer do you ask to sing you Happy Birthday?
“Paris Hilton, Pauly D & Deadmau5. I would also give them the mic. They have enough to say I guess and it saves me just enough money to buy better Vodka.”
The person from history you would most like to have a beer with?
“I would choose The Funkbrothers. They where Motown musicians who wrote and recorded practically all the big 60s soul hits.”
A festival story you would rather forget…
“I organized my own festival called “Stereo Sunday Festival” in my hometown. Last year was the best and worst event to date. The best because the line up, production and vibe was the best one yet – the worst because we had to broadcast a World Cup football match and we had a storm going over the festival almost forcing us to close. All good in the end though! This year’s line up is even better by the way.”
The proudest moment in your career to date?
“Last year I was partying with my friends at Tomorrowland and heard Krewella play ‘Live Life’ on the Mainstage. To see all those people raging to my song really was something! The moment Revealed e-mailed me to tell me they wanted to release ‘Forever Young’ was a big moment as well!”
What is on a Sam O Neall rider in 2015?
“Airguitar and airpiano – hands down. Sometimes I forget to bring those and find myself trying to find use for my hands during a breakdown.”
And finally…what 1 piece of advice can you offer to our readers around the world wanting to foliow in your producer footsteps?
“Don’t underestimate people. Even if you know for sure they can’t make a difference in your career. Everyone you’ll meet during the years will be of some value later on. Try every collab – every challenge and get in as much backstages as you can. Some of the successes I have right now are because of people I’ve met way back. So, stay in touch and go places!”
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