Producer, DJ, and bitbird label boss San Holo has enjoyed a successful 2017. Hailing from the Netherlands and counting Diplo and Skrillex amongst fans, San Holo is currently touring the US and Canada and has just released ‘One Thing’. DMC took some time out of San Holo’s busy schedule to chat about his year and plans for the future…
Hi San, what have you been up to lately?
Hey! I’ve been on tour through Asia, Australia and North America since September, so that is pretty much it, haha! But also working on a lot of new music. And we also just launched the first episode of ‘bitbird radio’. It’s a bi-weekly radio show where I share all of my favourite tunes and songs that have shaped and inspired me. We’ll also use it as a place to tease new bitbird tunes and more, so definitely tune in!
You have had a fantastic 2017. What has been your highlight?
2017 has been insane so far! Lollapalooza was definitely a big highlight – that was the first time I officially brought out my guitar during my set and the response was amazing. Also releasing the Gouldian Finch 02 compilation on bitbird was definitely a highlight. So proud of the whole thing and of all the artists on it. Also, the tour that I’m doing at the moment has been the biggest so far and one filled with many highlights!
You’re currently touring the US & Canada. How do you think the US & Canadian electronic music scene compares to in Europe?
I think North America is more Future Bass/Trap oriented whilst Europe (and Holland to be more specific) is much more into Big Room/House type stuff. North America has always been very kind to my music from the early beginning. But that being said, we did a showcase with bitbird at ADE which was sold out! So, I think people in Europe are starting to relate more to what I do and what we do with bitbird. I’m hoping to tour more in Europe, so expect me to start playing more shows there starting early next year!
You have played some big festivals this year: Tomorrowland, SXSW, and Lollapalooza. Are there any festivals and venues you haven’t played that you’d like to?
Really looking forward to playing at The Novo in LA. We even added a second night with special guest Robotaki because the first one was sold out in the blink of an eye, which is pretty mind blowing to me. I also got to play some other incredible venues already like PlayStation Theater, New York on Thanksgiving Eve which was amazing. I’m also closing this year at SnowGlobe, California on New Year’s Eve, which I’m very excited about!
What is the inspiration between your latest release, ‘One Thing’?
It’s about chasing dreams and giving your everything for that ‘One Thing’. It’s funny to me how life works that way. Because as you go along, new goals and dreams pop up and you might just lose track of what the main goal was to start with. It’s also about the importance of taking a step back sometimes and looking at what you already have achieved. Which is very hard for me to do sometimes.
Which other producers are you currently excited by?
Tough question! But to name a few: EASTGHOST, DROELOE, Hundaes, Taska Black and BeauDamian. They all have such unique and interesting sounds and visions! Absolutely love when you can hear a certain vision in someone’s music.
Your label, bitbird, seems to be going from strength to strength. Why did you decide to set up your own label?
We felt like there was a lot of great music by amazing producers with just 100 SoundCloud followers that weren’t being heard. We just really wanted to give those guys and girls a platform to be heard. We also don’t believe in limiting ourselves to certain genres. Whether it’s a future bass banger, an indie pop song or a classical piano piece. If a song is good, we just have to support it. It’s that easy!
What are your plans for 2018 that you can share with us?
I’m taking some time off in the beginning of the year to just make music 24/7. There might even be some album material in there…who knows? As for the rest of 2018, we’ll just have to wait and see!
How do you unwind when away from touring and the studio?
I basically make more music, haha! I just love what I do and making new songs is really one of the best ways for me to unwind.
San Holo ‘One Thing’ is out now. Buy/Stream here…http://smarturl.it/SH-OneThing
