Q1. How has this year been so far?
This year has been really busy already, I’m playing almost every weekend 2 or 3 shows, amongst others STRAF_WERK, Amsterdam Open Air, Loveland, Awakenings is coming up and of course Japan was a very good experience. I have a full schedule this summer. I’ve been a lot in the studio last months and I’m starting to develop a more specific sound I feel comfortable with and I’m happy with that. Some of my work is coming out on big labels, can’t wait for you all to hear it. Life treats me well.
Q2. How was your performance in Japan?
It was quite something else, I’ve never been to Japan so I didn’t know what to expect but I heard some very satisfying stories from fellow DJ’s and friends especially about WOMB in Tokyo so you can say I was looking forward to the gig. When I arrived in Tokyo I received a warm welcome from the WOMB crew, so that was already a huge +1. The club was so epic, huge dancefloor, massive sound system, led screens, lasers, everything. People totally went for it, it was just like playing on a good party in Holland, the crowd received everything I played with hands in the air.The day after WOMB I played at Club JB’s in Nagoya, a more intimate club. I was playing more groovy and minimalistic stuff, because I love that in smaller clubs and I’m glad the party peeps liked it too.
Q3. What was your first impression of Japan? What was the most surprising or impressive experience? Something within your expectation?
Of course the people, everybody is so kind and treat you with respect. Something that people in Holland can learn something from ;) After the 2 shows I did I went to Kyoto for 2 days to do some sightseeing, rented a bike and saw a lot of beautiful temples. Although everything was cool, the best thing I liked the most from Japan was the food. I love the asian kitchen, but eating it in Japan was of course way better.
Q4. Can you pick 1 or 2 must plays in your recent sets and why?
That’s gotta be Macromism - “Groover”. It always delivers. Like the title, it’s a groover. Cool catchy vocals, wicked groove and a dope (almost techno) bass to it. The second track I play a lot recently is Jansons & Senzala - “JNZ”. It’s a more sexy track, characteristic vocals, rolling more tribal groove and a catchy bass. Works everytime.
“Macromism - Groover”
“Jansons & Senzala - JNZ”
Q5. Please talk to us about your latest release and the inspiration behind it.
My latest release is an EP called “Parallax”, Two tracks I’ve made last year that found its home on Jamie Jones’s Hot Creations. Releasing on Hot Creations has always been a dream of mine, so I started making tracks a bit more Jamie’s style so I hoped he would like some. The main track of the EP called “Parallax” has been played a lot by Jamie. It’s just a badass groove with some weird sounds and in the break an epic riser made of snares and drops completely dry combined with a bass square sequence thats driving everyone mad on the dancefloor. To be honest I didn’t know this track would work that good in the club haha. The 2nd track “Dimension” is the first track Jamie supported of mine, so that one was a bit more special to me. Same idea as “Parallax” but a bit more complex in my opinion. 2 tracks I’m super proud of and absolutely thrilled releasing it at Hot Creations.
*Luuk van Dijk's Parallax EP (ft. a remix by DJ Skull) is out 20th July on Hot Creations. Listen/pre-order the release here.
Q6. How is this release special compare to other tracks you’ve released in the last months.
The EP is more special to me because it’s on Jamie’s label of course, for me the coolest label out there and Jamie is my biggest inspiration so I couldn’t be more happy ;)
Q7. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan.
Thanks for having me in your amazing country, stay awesome and I hope to be back very soon! Arigato.