There’s exciting stuff about to happen in the music scene in India. For one, Nick van de Wall who popularly goes by his DJ name AFROJACK is in town. For another, he can’t get enough of India!
A Grammy winning producer with many hits such as “Math” & “Do My Dance”, he’s one of the top 10 DJs of the world. The talented musician has worked alongside some greats – David Guetta, Mike Brown, Diplo – even Madonna – and performed at all the biggest gigs across Europe and the United States.
One thing’s for sure – he loves India and its mad vibe – which is why he’s back for a 5 city tour in the country with India’s premiere party people, Percept Live-Sunburn. The festival in Goa has been a mammoth stature in the Indian EDM scene since 2007, bringing in world class DJs over the years. The Pune leg comes in as a collaboration with Percept Live and Big Dream Entertainment.
Afrojack is known for luxury cars, his love for toys, and is the DJ of the millennial generation. We caught up with the man himself, just before he takes over the Pune stage for a quick chat about his music!
The Quint (TQ): You started playing when you were 18 and didn’t want to stop till all of Holland knew your name! What was it like playing then?
Afrojack (AF): When I was a kid there was a gigantic afro on my head, so people always called me Afro. Jack is a word synonymous with dance music hailing from house music’s past. I came from nothing, grew up in a little town called Spijkenisse in Holland. When I first walked into a club and saw people communicating through music, I knew I wanted to do it, too. 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’d never been so happy!
TQ: For our readers who DEFINITELY know who you are but don’t quite understand the genre of music you play and produce, maybe educate them a little bit?
AF: The thing is, like, I have so many different styles of music and genres of music I like to produce, and I just really felt like instead of hiding that music away because it doesn’t completely fit that ‘Afrojack idea’, why not just start a moniker, you know?
TQ: EDM is exploding here, do you see India as a major party destination?
AF: I love my fans in India – they just don’t quit! I don’t know if the rest of the world knows yet, but every DJ already knows that the passion and love is real in India, which is why we all keep coming every year! Right now the entire music scene around the world is really interesting. You have a lot of new genres and sounds popping up, and this is something I’ve always been interested in. So right now, the music I’m working on is not just about making great songs or making great club tracks; my main focus is to make a sound that is not describable. I want to use instruments where you’re unable to tell what it is.
TQ: Any Indian talent that has caught your musical ear and can be the next big thing to hit the circuit?
AF: Not yet but, yeah why not? Show me some fresh talent and I’m geared!
TQ: What do you think of Bollywood music? Can we see any collaborations in the future?
AF: Yeah why not?
Here’s a shout out to all my lovely fellow musicians, I’m coming to India, come see me if you have an exciting offer.
TQ: And finally, Pune loves Afrojack! Do you have a message for all the fans who’ll be screaming your name soon?
AF: I love my fans irrespective of where they come from. For me, it’s all about connecting with India as a whole rather than one or two cities. I feel I have fans in every corner of the country.
The man behind this crazy Afrojack big ticket production – Harindra Singh (Vice Chairman & MD, Percept) – adds:
“Sunburn always has surprises and fresh angles for all events. For Afrojack, we have come up with a fresh setup and all-round experience for the fans. Along with our production partners, we aim to create a memorable evening where people will come together for the love of dance music. After all, what can be simpler than Live, Love & Dance?”
Aryan Navale, Founder of Big Dream Entertainment, the partner for this event is of the opinion that a big artist deserves a big venue and infrastructure. Speaking about Pune specifically he says – “EDM is gaining popularity in this city and the exposure is growing. All our events feature a mix of music and entertainment and hit international standards. The fan is always left with a beautiful memory of the event!”
Afrojack’s India tour hits Pune on the 28th of November along with supporting acts Gregor Salto, Apster & Oliver Rosa at Amanora Town Centre.
Don’t miss it!
(A massive EDM junkie and a Jedi Padewan, Radhika believes in taking life by the fork and knife every day. She has been a media woman for the last 10 years with a huge passion for video technology. While working in content management is her day avatar, nothing gets her foodie side going like a good spicy misal pav!)
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