The music box man
Sidney, welcome to the DMC World. Your love of Hip Hop is well documented, still to do this day you drop an old piece of old skool into your sets…even the odd acapella! So what artists from the world of Hip Hop were you into growing up?
“I grew up with Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Timbaland. I’m still a big fan of their music. For me, Dr Dre and Timbaland are still one of the best producers alive.”
It wasn’t until you saw a couple of DMC World DJ Championship videos that you decided to become a DJ. Did you ever contemplate a shot at the DMC’s…?
“No, I never did. I need a lot of practice to compete with those guys. Scratching is ok but beatjuggling…”
What was it about the DMC’s that interested you?
“Just the magic of a turntable, with the needle on the vinyl. I still miss that way of DJing. It’s a whole new game when it really comes down to skills.”
What did your parents think of your career choice?
“My parents were my biggest support. They even suggested to follow my dream and quit school.”
How important was your residency at The Matrix Club for you, how much of an education was it working there?
“The Matrixx Club was my chance to show everyone what I could do behind the decks. They had a different line up every month, so it was the perfect setting for me to meet every big DJ in Holland. I had to compete with the best and that made me a better DJ.”
How frustrating was it for you trawling around the record labels with your unsigned tunes trying for a deal and having to try and convince some suit that you had seen your tunes work on the dancefloor. Is that why you started your label Rock The Houze?
“It was really frustrating because I know what works on the dancefloor. And indeed that was one of the main reasons to start my own label. I want to release what I want and when I want it.”
The hit that really paved the way for worldwide glory was of course ‘Riverside’ featuring a cheeky Tupac vocal you’d been sitting on for a few weeks. Did you know you had created a monster?
“No not at all. For me it was just another club track. I didn’t even play it for the first few weeks. When David Guetta started playing it everywhere I knew there was something big going on.”
Who were the stars of your gangster video?
“The two boys and the two girls are my brothers kids. I’m a proud uncle.”
Cool video! What are the current top 10 tunes you are spinning right now?
Sidney Samson ft. Lil Jon – Mutate
Sebastian Ingrosso ft. Alesso – Calling
Tiesto – Maximal Crazy (Bassjackers remix)
David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj- Turn Me On (Sidney Samson remix)
Calvin Harris – Feel So Close (No Body remix)
Sidney Samson – Thanks I Get
Sidney Samson – Music Box
Sean Paul ft. Alexis Jordan – Gotta Luv U (Sidney Samson remix)
Knife Party – Internet Friends
Sidney Samson – Street Is Ours
You have remixed some giants of the dancefloor, Laidback Luke, Martin Solveig, David Guetta and Roger Sanchez to name but a few – which rework are you proudest of and how do you feel taking apart people’s work?
“I really love my ‘Turbulence’ remix. But more big remixes are coming up. You can expect Sidney Samson remixes of Lady Gaga, Far East Movement, Cassie, will.i.am, Mary J Blige and Lenny Kravitz.”
You will have a lot of aspiring Sidney Samson’s reading this from around the world, what is your advice to aspiring producers and DJs out there…
“Believe in your own sound. There will be a day people will dig it.”
What was your summer anthem?
“Well…I have to be honest. ‘Party Rock Anthem’ from lmfao. The Audiobot remix killed it.”
You have just returned from a tour of Asia, what were the highlights over there?
“Everything in Asia is just great. The People over there are so friendly and polite. Every gig was just madness. I hope to be back soon!”
What has been your strangest request ever from a fan?
“Can you play Britney Spears.”
Which country gives you the best reception?
“The USA.”
Not many people know this, but Sidney Samson is very good at…
“Doing the moonwalk…”
What has been the most fun you have had in a club this year?
“I celebrated my birthday at Ruby Skye in San Francisco. Popping champagne and sharing my birthday cake with the crowd. An awesome night!”
‘Thanks, I Get It’ has just followed a long line of smashes including ‘Mutate’ feat. Lil Jon, ‘Duplex’ and ‘Tomahawk’ – what has 2012 got in store for us all studio wise?
“A lot of new stuff of course, more collaborations and crazy remixes. Big tracks with will.i.am are coming up.”
Who is the coolest person on your mobile phone?
“That must be Lil Jon. YEAHHHHH!”
Who in the music world would you really like to collaborate in the studio with?
“Beyonce. No question about it. What a voice and what a talent.”
What are you doing for Christmas?
“I will spend my Christmas with my girlfriend and family. No gigs abroad. Just chilling and enjoying the rare time I can spend with them.”
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
“Let’s say it this way…I need to leave the chocolate alone.”
And finally Sidney, what is the greatest record you have ever played to a dancefloor…?
“Michael Jackson – ‘Billy Jean’.”
Sidney Samson ft. Lil Jon ‘Mutate’ is out now.
Link to teaser video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yblp8N5aGg
