Popularly known as Afrojack, the Dutch music producer and DJ Nick van de Wall is no stranger in the world of electronic dance music (EDM). Afrojack is consistent in the list of top DJs across the globe. The 28-year-old talked about his journey, music and past experience in India.
How did you venture into the world of music?
I came from nothing, growing up in the little town of Spijkenisse in Holland. My mother was living on welfare, that's it. When I was in school I wanted to do something. When I first walked into a club and saw people communicating through music, I knew I wanted to do this. Of course, my mom thought I was ‘crazy’ but it was my grandmother who eventually told me to follow my heart and passion. I was trying to produce music for 11 hours a day, non-stop. I remember the first time I got to play in a club, there were only 20 people and I had the best time of my life. I’ve never been so happy!
Anyone who inspires you?
I get my inspiration from all around the world. For the last five years, I’ve been travelling non-stop. Most of the time it starts with a melody inside my head and I immediately work on it on the road and finish it later in my studio. I just follow my heart.
You’ve worked with big names like David Guetta and Hardwell. Is there anybody left on your wish list?
I want to work with Red Hot Chili Peppers. I want to bring rock to EDM and show the power of it. I want to make the most beautiful song in the world with U2. They could do that by themselves, but I’d love to be a part of it.
Do you think there’s any difference between pop music and dance music anymore?
I don’t think EDM is the ‘new pop’ because it’s not pop. I think its fan base which now includes people that probably used to listen to pop, or still do, but dance music will always have a different sound.
How does it feel to be so successful?
People always ask me, “How does it feel to be so successful now?” I’ve been successful since I was 17 when I first started DJing. When I had my first gig, I was 18 in January 2007. I was playing for 10 people in a 250 people capacity venue and got paid for it. The promoter wanted to book me because he liked my music. I played a couple of songs that made people dance. To me, that rush has always stayed the same.
What do you like the most about your profession?
I draw energy from my audience so I never want to unwind from the mayhem. I find peace in that happiness when I can see like a million people smiling because of my music.
How do you see the dance music scene in India?
I love my fans in India, they just don’t keep quiet. I don’t know if the rest of the world knows but every DJ already knows the passion and love is real in India and that’s why we all keep coming every year. Every dance music fan in the country is a prime example of what the scene is about. You have a lot of new genres and sounds popping up, and this is something I’ve always been interested in. My main focus is to make a sound that is not descriptive. I want to use instruments where you’re unable to tell what it is.
