Boom! The king of Hardstyle goes solo with brand new album ‘All Around’
Interview : Dan Prince
Bas welcome to DMC WORLD, where are you right now?
“Thank you very much. Right now I’m at my apartment in Holland.”
Well a new year and wow, a new solo year…how does it feel to be taking Hardstyle to the next level without Arjan…how did you feel at Qlimax13 when he bowed out?
“It’s a new experience for me and so far I’m really motivated to bring new music to the fans. As for production work, it’s not really a change as I produced the releases for Noisecontrollers last year. But playing gigs is something different and of course I miss Arjan a lot.”
When did you two first start having conversations about the split?
“That was in the summer of 2013 where it first came up. It wasn’t decided overnight and we talked it through really long, resulting in something we both felt was right.”
OK so moving on and upwards, some absolutely massive news revealed yesterday with the announcement of your first solo album ‘All Around’ which is swinging our way on March 14th via Q-Dance. The album has a deeper, more serious and more melodic feel than ‘E=NC2’…so the obvious question first…when was the album made?
“The album was started in 2013 and was finished in November. I didn’t have a goal or deadline. I just produced what felt right at that moment. Around August I knew I would succeed in finishing it by the end of the year.
See the album teaser here…
It’s been hailed as one of the most comprehensive hard dance albums ever made – combining big foot pounding tracks fused with strong vocals and climatic synths, geez there’s even some folk acoustic guitars thrown in! So talk us through the album in your eyes please Bas…
“Haha! The acoustic guitars surprised me too. I added them just by trial and error and it suited the ideas perfectly that I was working on. Same goes for the break beats. But most special to me are the kicks and the overall sound. I’m proud of that as it’s deeper, phatter and more mature than the sound that dominated Hardstyle over the last few years.”
Everyone has one, so be brave! What is your favourite track from the album?
“For sure ‘Down Down’! At this moment it’s my favorite track I have ever produced actually.”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning?
“That really depends on my mood, the crowds mood, time of playing, gig etc. But as the album contains 19 tracks it’s most likely filled with album tracks. But I also spin huge tracks from other producers. There is so much great music is out there…”
You are celebrating Valentines Day in true rock and roll style this year, kicking off your North American Tour in Seattle. Last September was a heartbreaker for you when you failed to get your visas, all sorted this time round?
“Yes thank God, we have everything sorted out. I was indeed heartbroken when we couldn’t play the first few gig in NA last year.”
Where are you really looking forward to smashing up on tour – Hardstyle is still a new sound over there…?
“I’m looking forward to the new places I will go to like New York but also to play again for the great promoters like Boodang which I played for before. So basically looking forward to them all.”
True or false : you are always holding a beer in your photos?
“I’m afraid that’s a true…”
Hardstyle certainly stepped up a gear in 2013…it is now emerging as the most exciting dance genre for the year. Why is it gathering pace so quickly of late – are the melodies and vocals making it more accessible or is just a case of more producers getting into it?
“I think with the switch to mainstream vocals in Hardstyle a wider audience is reached. That triggers more producers to get interested in Hardstyle. But no matter what hype is going on in Hardstyle, the sound and energy of it speaks for itself. I think that’s what is causing its popularity.”
Who are some of the up and coming producers from the scene we should be looking out for in 2014?
“The Audiotricz really impressed me with their latest tracks. Just started and already have this huge sound in their tracks.”
I know you enjoy a wide range of music away from dance music, who are more of the ‘pop’ artists you enjoy listening to?
“Really so many. In the end good music is good music. No matter what genre. That’s why I listen to all kinds of music from all kinds of artists.”
Let’s kick back for a moment. The Art Of Noise – a massive influence on you growing up, what’s the story there?
“It’s so funny you ask. When I was around the age of 6 I had already got into electronic music. The Art Of Noise was so innovating with sampling, doing weird stuff with everyday sounds. Their creativity and sound use is still interesting.”
When did a career in music first start to form in your mind and what did your family think?
“All my life I was producing just for fun as a hobby. But in 2005 there was this switch. I was driving to school at 8am and suddenly decided to go for it. As music production was and still is my biggest passion, I realized I should put all my effort in it. The same day I borrowed some money and bought a more serious studio and within a few months I had my first release. 2 years later I was able to make a living from it and spend all my time at making music. My dream came true Dan.”
Who were your early DJ heroes/influences?
“For sure Gary-D. He released this hard-trance compilations which had a huge influence on my own melodies.”
Where are some of the big festivals you are really looking forward to in 2014?
“I have some new ones coming up which is always great to see new places. But also big festivals I have played before which is always fun. My agenda is literally all over the world. Can’t wait.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“Music production never stops for me. So for sure new Hardstyle!”
Thank you Bas, appreciate your time.
“Thank you very much for this great interview…”
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