Q1. Please talk to us about your latest release and the inspiration behind it. 

In the process of making the track, I was trying to create something that sounded disco-ish. My reference was producers like Breakbot and Fatima Yamaha. I first started with the bassline, which is also the lead in this track. I used to sample a lot of soul and disco music, which I always had a strong connection with. I’m very happy that I have developed my skills enough to be able to create my own tracks with those sounds instead of sampling other tracks. That’s what you hear back in Rollerskates. 

The reason the track is called Rollerskates is that I skateboard a lot and when I was younger I used to think in boxes (I hated rollerskates, BMX, scooters etc because they were annoying at the skatepark). I have grown to be open to other things that are not per se the things I love or enjoy. During the process of creating that song, I was thinking about colorful theme’s that was epic in the 70’s & 80’s, and I already had Cadillac’s, glitter’s and rollerskates in mind. Therefore, it’s called Rollerskates, which also demonstrates my open-mindedness towards it. 

Q2. How is this track special compared to other tracks you’ve released throughout the career? 

It’s super groovy, and it sounds almost like a song with live instruments. People know me from the chill and housy tunes so this track shows a different side of me. It also has a more leading bassline than the chords which is also special as I used to put the chords as the leading part of my songs on previous tracks. 

Q3. How are listeners reacting to it? 

Really good, they like the groove but also the funny promotional video’s I create myself for my social media. For example, I compiled an Earth Wind & Fire and Shin Chan video, with some rollerskaters grooving on the track.  

I feel that the listeners who have been following my music from the beginning feel more connected to me and to this song compared to my other recent releases. I don’t make music for the numbers and plays or to end-up in random Spotify playlists which have listeners who have never heard of me or my music. I try to make music that resonates with who I am as a person and for the listeners who are actual fans not for any other reason. 

Q4. Can you pick 1 or 2 must plays in your recent sets and why?

I think I would choose my own remix of Rollerskates :-) I’ve made a slow soul jam of it inspired by Roy Ayers. It’s good for opening a show!

The second one is probably a track of one of my homie’s club edits. JAEL’s remix of Thundercat’s “Them Changes”. That’s a banger!!

Q5. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan.

So much love to all of you for being interested and supportive in my music. Japan is one of my favourite counties to visit, so I hope to be back in Japan soon for some shows!! Arigato