We catch up with one of the busiest people on Luxembourg’s music scene, Sam Skilz, as he drops his new ‘GaGa In Da House Amsterdam 2017’…
Hi Sam, welcome to DMCworld! Where are you in the world right now?
I am heading right now to Boston. Having a private gig for an opening of new Club-Restaurant “Madera 83”
What’s the best new record you’ve heard this week?
I love the melody, the groove and the Lyrics on the Engelo Ferreri remix of the F.E.E.L. by Music P and Marque Aurel. This is a pure house music for me – strong vocals and great production.
We know you’re a man of many musical talents, so how would you describe your sound?
My sound is hanging between House and Tech House. I like recording strong vocals to produce house and melodic tracks, but at the same time I love to put a tech sound/groove in it.
Can you tell us about your background in music and what turned you on to making dance music?
In my early times, I was really fascinated by the those tracks that were making my dance floor getting insane. This was very inspiring. I felt that I would like to try making my own and see if I can manage to keep making people moving with my own productions. This was my first big challenge!
You run your own label GaGa Records, how are things going with that and who can we expect to hear on label?
I am very happy and proud to have on board some of the greatest artists in the Electronic Dance music such Oscar P, Eddie Amador, David Penn, Danny Cohiba, Michelle Weeks, Terri B!, Roland Clark, Coqui Selection to name few. The label are always welcoming new talents who are bringing something new to the House music scene.
What made you take the plunge and set up your own imprint as opposed to just signing tracks to other labels?
I think after certain time on your career you want to move to the next level and be more free on your creation. You don’t want to just keep producing the music that the other labels would like to hear.
What’s been your most successful release on GaGa to date?
My collaboration with Michelle Weeks called “Release” was one of the most successful single on my label.
You’ve just released your ‘GaGa In Da House Amsterdam 2017’ compilation, what goodies have you got in store for us and how did you go about compiling the track listing?
I do 2 times a year the GaGa In Da House compilation and every time, I pick up carefully the tracks that can match the style and the quality. The Amsterdam 2017 Edition has beautiful productions from artists such Dany Cohiba, Benny Royal, Eddie Amador, Zonum, Jonathan Ulysses and Lisa Williams, Rob Boskamp, Miss MAD, DJ Cococdil, Groove Salvation, Yan Garen and myself with Terri B!
All the major dance labels like Toolroom and Defected, etc, all release ADE comps, why is it important to release compilations around the Amsterdam and Miami conferences?
I think all the labels want to bring out what they do best during the year. They want to showcase the best artists and productions they have during theses big conferences and also include some new exclusive tracks to make the compilations more attractive and interesting.
Also on the subject of Amsterdam, how was ADE for you this year and what did you get out of your time there?
The ADE was very short for me this year because I had some issues with my schedule but I still have met with people I use to collaborate and work with and made some new excellent deals with some major labels in Asia such as Japan and China. Lots in the pipeline!
Your current single ‘Stay Together’ with Grace Ashaye is still rocking the clubs. Will you be making a follow up and who else would you most like to do a collaboration with?
I am currently working on new project with a big voice as I like them, but at the moment I am keeping it quiet… you will be the first to know!
A birdy tell us that you also run a DJ School, it must be great to pass on your ‘Skilz’ (scuse the pun!) to new generations?
This is my life project. Sharing my passion with the new generation. I don’t want to bury my experiences with me! The best is to share it with people that will keep it alive! Skilz DJ Academy is a project based in Luxembourg that is growing like crazy! I am very proud of that and there’s more is to come…
Who or what inspires your music?
Old stuff!
What’s your favourite piece of studio kit?
I am running it all with Steinberg Cubase Pro 9, audio interface UR44, Yamaha HS80, Alesis Q49, Alesis 3632 Compressor and Shure SM58.
You’re based in Luxembourg, who and where is currently rocking on the scene and where do you go to party?
I have residency in my favorite House Club called “Palais” who bring quality DJs. Lenox and Melusina are also great clubs when they organize special parties.
What’s coming up next for Sam Skilz and GaGa Records?
I am having new House single in collaboration with Zonum coming out soon on S&S Records – a Chicago imprint that was established by 4-time GRAMMY® nominated producer and House Music pioneer Steve “Silk” Hurley. I am really excited about this! There are also a few singles planned for GaGa before the end of the year.
‘GaGa In Da House Amsterdam 2017’ is out now on GaGa Records
