Sherp Interview: Afrojack

Prior to his much anticipated Sunburn Arena India tour that kicks off tomorrow in Mumbai, The Sherp had a word with Nick van De Wall, the undisputed king of the Pop – EDM culture  

(Image Courtesy: Rukes)

His skills are some of the most sought after in the world, and with two Grammy Awards under his belt, it’s easy to see why. He’s recognized as one of the most popular faces in music, and having worked with pop music icons around the world, Afrojack is a force that has stormed to the top with devastating effect. Here’s what he had to tell the Sherp:

Hey Nick, this isn’t your first time in India, what do you have to say about the electronic music craze in India?

I think I was there from the start of dance music becoming more popular. In Europe and the United States Dance is already mainstream, a lot of people are familiar with it, in India this is growing and I think it’s getting bigger and bigger every day. I’m very proud to be part of this process together with all the other international and the Indian DJ’s .

What’s the biggest change in the scene you’ve experienced over the past decade?

The biggest change is dance becoming so popular, almost every radio station has a dance record on the playlist, it’s no longer just an underground scene.  Because music is so easily accessible through internet and the electronic devices getting more affordable, music in general has made a big step forward, at the other hand I think that is why there are a lot of people who started to visit clubs and festivals more often  to experience the music live instead of in a digital way.  

(Image Courtesy: Afrojack Instagram)

This was a big year for you, with your debut studio album releasing earlier this year. After being a part of the industry for so long, what made you think that right now is the perfect time to dish out an album?

I have worked on this record for 2 years, it was a very liberating experience for me to release my own record. There is never the right time, it just felt good to let it go at this point.  

What advice do you give to young aspiring DJ’s or producers?

Practice and never give up. Lock yourself up in a room for days and produce records, a lot of them. Go check the internet and look at producer tutorials who are all over YouTube, there is a lot to learn on the internet and almost everyone has access to it. I also tell them that you need to make music because it makes you happy. It is not about what other people think about you, just follow your own path and create something you feel happy about, that is what matters.

(Image Courtesy: afrojack.com)

What is the one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a really big fan of the Simpsons, I love to watch a lot of cartoons like Family Guy and South Park. Sometimes I’m not even watching but it’s just on in the background. 

(Image Courtesy: noisey.com)

Festival Five

If you had to get married at a festival, which one would it be and why?

I’m not sure if I’m getting married, but if I have to I would say EDC Las Vegas!

Who/what is your favorite festival buddy? Tell us why.



Steve Aoki!! Let’s get caked!

 
(Image Courtesy: RUKES)

A festival you would consider being sober at?



None I guess, it’s nice to have a few drinks when I have some time off. Festival are for partying right!

If you could take only 3 things to a festival, what would they be and why?



Headphones, USB-stick and some smokes.

(Image Courtesy: Mixmag)

Name a festival you would consider attending alone. Tell us why.

I think festivals are a social event that you need attend with your friends and to meet other people who love the same music.

Afrojack’s India Tour kicks tomorrow, click HERE to buy.

(Cover Image Courtesy: YourEDM)