Getting down with Mr EPIC
Welcome Sandro to the DMC World. At the age of 5 you already had a guitar in your hand and soon you were being taught the piano. So did you come from a musical family – who in the house was teaching you the ropes?
“That’s right! Music was always important for me at a very young age. My parents saw that and they were always taking me to music shops and it felt like I was in a candy store. I could hang there for days, even though I couldn’t buy anything since I was too young. So one day my parents bought me an electric guitar when I was about 7 years, my interest in music expanded and my parents then bought me a keyboard so I could exploit my musical needs! Most things I just taught myself, I didn’t really had a mentor or anything. I did have piano lessons, but the most important things I learnt myself.”
When you were at school, did you always want to be a musician or was there another career you once had your eye on?
“During school I always had in mind I had do to something in the music business. There was no doubt about that. The main focus in my whole life was always music, it was always on my mind.
What did your parents think about your eventual choice of career?
“My parents were my greatest supporters when I chose for my career in music. They always knew I was going to do something with it, and they always supported me in every way possible.”
Can you remember the first record you bought?
“I do! I bought it in 2000 with my dad, and it was Paul Johnson – ‘Get Get Down’. I was blown away by the simplicity of it, and how effective it was at the same time.”
You once said in an interview that your plan was to take over the worldwide charts and that…“I also want to get involved in other genres of music.” – What genres were you talking about?
“That’s right. I always try to be new and unique and for me it’s important to be focussed on more genres besides house music. I’m a really big fan of RnB and Hip Hop, so it’s a big dream for me to work with big names in that industry and do groundbreaking stuff that’s new and refreshing. Something that could inspire people to do too.”
What was your first break in the electronic world?– was Laidback Luke’s forum a big step up?
“I think my first break was my first single on Laidback Luke’s record label called MixMash. It had great response and did very good on Beatport. I think it was definitely a big step up, because I was starting to get new contacts and that’s so important when you are beginning to climb the ladder, musical wise.”
What was the first big dance club you went to in Amsterdam – what were your initial thoughts?
“I think it was Studio 80 at that time, I was 17 around that time. It felt great to be there, the vibe was great. I heard new music, but also a lot of underground stuff and the crowd was really in for it.”
Who outside of the Dutch scene were your DJ heroes on your way up?
“I think the main heroes on my way up were guys like Eric Prydz, Benny Benassi and Carl Cox. Those guys were doing some high-level stuff I really looked up to and I tried to learn something from their tracks technical wise.”
What are the current 10 tunes you are spinning right now?
“It depends but the main tunes are…
Sandro Silva/Quintino – EPIC
Calvin Harris/Rihanna – We Found Love (Chuckie Remix)
David Guetta/Sia – Titanium (Nicky Romero Remix)
Hardwell – Cobra
Sonicc – Saiph
Crookers – Wake App
Deniz Koyu – Tung
Zedd – Shave It
Arty – Around The World
Sandro Silva – Mach 5
A huge collaboration with Quintino on ‘EPIC’ which has had all of the premier DJs smashing it. What is next studio wise from you?
“I have a lot of stuff coming up. Besides remixes of a lot of own stuff, my next release is a electro monster called ‘Mach 5’ coming on New State Records. We also have a really big monster tune with vocals ready to unleash, but more news is coming soon about that one.”
What has been the best club you have played at in 2011?
“I have done many great clubs in 2011, but I think Privilege in Ibiza was one of my biggest and best clubs so far. The atmosphere was great and I really enjoyed it to play to thousands of people in a club.”
What producers around the world are you rating at the moment?
“I’m a big fan of Nicky Romero’s stuff, he’s doing a great job at the moment. Tommy Trash is also really great with his new remixes, big producer! Oliver Twizt is one of my favorites too at the moment, his collaboration with Diplo is amazing!”
What is your guilty pleasure tune?
“Ha ha! I think it has to be David Guetta/Usher – ‘Without You’. I love that tune!”
The scene in The Netherlands is second to none with your fellow countrymen all at the top of their game. Is there any resentment from the Dutch DJs and producers who have been around longer than the new crew but have failed to break ?
“I think there is some resentment, that’s never gonna change. I think the new crew is more productive with putting out tracks and that’s the key nowadays. I only look at myself and focus on my own game, that’s the biggest chance to succeed I think personally.”
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“I think it would be my spontaneity. I’m really calm, easy going and I don’t like to talk about myself.”
Not many people know this, but Sandro Silva is really good at…
“Playing soccer!”
Do you prefer DJing or making the music?
“I prefer making music. That’s were my passion started and that’s were it always will be. It’s a great and blessed thing to create something that millions of people gonna listen and enjoy.”
Best ever festival adventure?
“Trying to walk 1km to my gig without falling in the mud at Creamfields, UK!”
What is the craziest request from a fan at one of your shows?
“So far I haven’t had any really crazy requests, but one time I had one fan who asked if I could sign a Aces and Spades champagne bottle.”
What is the finest record you have ever played to a dancefloor?
Pryda – Melo. I love that record. It’s so perfect!”
Who is the coolest person on your mobile phone?
“My dad!”
What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
“Put your heart and soul in what you like to do. And never give up.”
It’s your birthday – what 3 DJs do you book to play?
“Tiesto, Laidback Luke and Daft Punk, that would be a great party I think!”
What are you most looking forward to in 2012…?
“I’m really excited to put out all my new tracks and I’m really looking forward to all the great parties coming next year. I’m ready for it!”
