Pascal, you are part of the new generation of rebellious Dutch producers smashing clubland. Your new album out ‘A Slaves Commitment’ swinging our way via Germany’s Traum Schallplatten label, talk us through the album – what are your favourite tracks on this album filled with so many noises, giant soundscapes and electronic brilliance?
“The album is a collection of work I have made in the past. Some tracks are really old, like ‘Music For Her Ears’ and ‘Ugly But Nasty’. I think ‘How Heroes Die’ is the best track on the album because it builds to a nice melodic climax. The techno version of the Local Daddy’s remix (which is only a digital release on Traum 114) is also one of my favourites.”
You are only 21 but already getting props from the likes of Laurent Garnier who remarked about your album “this is a very, very good album. Very cinematic at some points, very musical, raw, organic”. There are so many different textures of Electronica music inside it – who influenced you musically growing up that enabled you to make this masterpiece?
“When I was 14, a friend of mine gave me a DJ set by Ozgur Can on my mp3 player with records from Petter, Kosmas Epsilon and some other underground producers. It opened my eyes to this new scene and I thought the music was amazing. After visiting the early Border Community nights at the age of 16, I was dedicated to making music so much that I simply couldn’t take my mind off it. But I mostly get inspired by watching good movies.”
How important is playing live to you as an artist?
“I think playing live is important to me because people listen to your music differently in a club. My tracks are always different in live sets, which is cool to do in front of a crowd because they don’t know what’s gonna happen.”
You are tipped as one of the most up and coming talents with your music being played by the likes of Sasha, Hernan Cattaneo and Anthony Pappa – how did that feel, and who do you think is the biggest DJ in the world right now?
“It’s cool that they are playing my music. Hernan is a big supporter and he’s a cool guy in person too. I think it’s a bad thing trying to be the biggest DJ in the world. You will end up playing annoying commercial tracks in front of too many people. But I like DJ’s who try to play good records. The best at the moment are Superpitcher, Ryan Davies and Michael Mayer, in my opinion.”
What is the greatest album ever made and why?
“‘Angel Milk’ by Telepopmusik. It’s amazing because they use so many genres in their own way. I should check if they have a new album!”
What is the best club you have ever been to?
“The best club is Tivoli De Helling in Utrecht. It’s a dark hole with a huge sound system and good line-ups. But I have never been to Japan or Berlin, which have great clubs as well I hear.”
What is the best and worst thing about living in Amsterdam?
“The best thing is that most of my friends live here. The worst things are the mice! They are everywhere – sometimes in my studio too! Last night there was a mouse on my laptop whilst I was making tunes.”
Prior to ‘A Slaves Commitment’ you released a series of EPs – what one single do you think has been your finest?
“I think ‘Joey’s Mouse’ EP is the best. It’s been played by a lot of DJs. The three techno tracks on the EP were made at my parent’s place when I was 18. I like the ideas of the tracks, which is the most important thing.”
Who are your favourite producers in the world and why?
“James Holden influenced the whole Techno scene with his records and record label. At this moment, I’m most impressed by the new generation of bedroom producers. Alt Fenster, Limbo, Jesse Somefay and a few Back Home artists are making some serious records. And one track on the Moderat album is amazing.”
What will be your next studio project?
“I’m working on a new album, which is going quite well already. There is one record on it which is amazing. I’m almost depressed I cannot share it yet. But I will play it live at my next gig, i can’t wait!”
How did your parents react to your chosen career when you began?
“They like what I do. They think I have to finish school, which I am trying to do but it’s hard. My dad tells his colleagues that they should buy my records, which is cool. They have been to one of my gigs and were impressed.”
What one artist in the world would you like to make a record with?
“Radiohead. The best band in the world.”
What music do you like to chill out with at home?
“Portishead, Mogwai, some DJ sets from producers I like, and I love the old Coldplay stuff. I also listen to pop music when I’m chilling out with my friends.”
And finally, have to ask – what is behind the name of the single ‘Nottingham Hobbits’ on the album?
“One of my good friends, Russian Linesman, lives in Nottingham. I came over for a weekend to drink a lot of beer and thing’s – god forbid. After a good club night we went to the woods with his friends. We did some funny stuff like talking to wild horses and climbing in trees, stuff like you do when you’re young and totally wasted. That night we agreed that we should be hobbits.”
