YvesV has been a staple for a really long time on the EDM scene, not only has he been playing the mainstage at Tomorrowland multiple times, but he is also a very accomplished and talented music producer. We are extremely excited to share the amazing interview we did with him. We really feel privileged that he took the time to answer our questions and make a great exclusive guest mix for you guys!
You can stream the exclusive mix on Youtube, Spotify, Google Podcast, Breaker, RadioPublic, and Soundcloud. Get to know the legend and stream his exclusive guest mix below!
Tracklist:
YvesV feat. Afrojack & Icona Pop – We Got That Cool [EXTENDED MIX]
Sagan – Lowly (Ft. Sam Russel) (Extended Mix)
Brother Leo – Shine (Yves V Remix) [EXTENDED MIX]
Brooks – Waiting For Love (feat. Alida) (Extended Mix)
P!nk feat. Cash Cash – Can We Pretend (Yves V Remix)[EXTENDED MIX]
YvesV – My Friend V [EXTENDED MIX]
Robin Schultz, Erika Sirola – Speechless (Lucas & Steve Remix)
KSHMR & YvesV feat. Krewella – No Regrets (Kaaze Remix)
Asketa & Natan Chaim – Real Love Ft. Kyle Reynolds (Extended Mix)
Interview:
How did it all start for you? Tell us how YvesV is born.
I began playing the violin when I was at school and I bought my first record when I was 15, I think, and electronic music as a whole is a very familiar thing in Belgium. I first started experimenting and then eventually DJ’ing a little over 20 years ago now so you could say my career was born out of a lot of hard work, determination and a passion for the music.
How did your Tomorrowland adventure begin?
I’ve been a member of the Tomorrowland family since the very beginning, so for me, it feels natural but I also get that it’s totally crazy! I was the very first mainstage resident recruited and as a Belgian, it felt – and still feels – like a total honor to be involved and watch the event grow to one of the best and most respected in the world.
How does it feel to be the first Belgian DJ to climb the Tomorrowland mainstage?
Crazy! Sometimes I pinch myself when I visit once again, there is no place in the world like Tomorrowland – I always say that everyone should try and go at least once in their lives; a total bucket list move!
Who is your biggest inspiration / influence in your music career? Why?
I don’t have one specific inspiration or genre, I’m influenced by so much. Growing up, I was into bands like Green Day, Pearl Jam and then trance and techno, guys like Tiesto, Push and a lot of varying styles. But really, my travels, my loved ones, my fans can all inspire me when the mood takes me.
What do you consider to be the incisive moments in your career?
I think with no artist there is one specific “Ah-hah!” moment. For me, playing Tomorrowland every year never gets any less special, making music both in the studio solo for Spinnin’ and also with great collaborators is always so much fun, I feel very lucky to be able to do what I do so for me every show, every track feels like a moment.
Before becoming a world renowned DJ/producer, were you big on going out to concerts/festivals? What night out has been the most memorable for you?
I loved seeing live music, anything from stadium rock over to big techno shows; Rock Werchter with Daft Punk Live was memorable.
How much do you think growing up in Belgium had an influence on your sound?
I think the environment of where you grew up will influence you, even if you don’t want it to consciously do so. Being into styles of music like trance and techno, especially the faster tempos and BPMs, definitely came from the Belgian influence of those sounds being popular back at home.
Do you have a favorite destination? To perform? Just to enjoy?
Brazil, I love it!
Tell us about your Ibiza experiences?
I love Ibiza, I held my own V Sessions party there a few years back which was just insane, but I’ve also played sets at Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s House Of Madness party at Amnesia and also with the NERVO girls at Ushuaia. The versatility but also the magic of the island is so special, there is something for everyone from hardstyle to techno and even pop and R&B artists these days will do sets at Mambo or Ibiza Rocks, for instance. It really is so magical but it’s crazy to see how the scene over there has grown in recent years, the influx of people from all over Europe is huge and prices have risen both in the clubs and overall on the island but it hasn’t put fans off taking the trip. Ibiza feels as crazy and special as ever!
If you weren’t producing EDM, do you have any other genres that you would like to produce? And did you ever release songs in complete different genres?
I think probably progressive sounds, Eric Prydz-style but he really is another class!
What genres of music do you usually listen to (except EDM)? Give us a few tracks that you’ve been hooked on lately.
I love techno and pop music – I’m really liking all the Camelphat remixes right now!
What do you usually start with when preparing for a DJ set?
It really depends on if I’m playing a festival crowd or a club crowd and where I am in the world! Asia really like the big-room, EDM heavy tracks wheras in Europe, I can go a little more experimental and broad with what I play. Overall, I always like to play a heavy mix of classics (from a mixture of genres) that will get people dancing and recognising certain toplines or melodies, along with my own tracks and then a few of the big-hitters of the moment or season. I like to make my sets inclusive but unique!
If you could eternally be stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would it be?
I think the 90s, everything from classic rave to rock was great
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
Deadmau5 – ‘Strobe’!
What is your dream collaboration? Which artist would you really like to collaborate with (dead or alive)?
I would love to collaborate with Tiesto but also a really cool vocalist like Tove Lo, I’ve always thought she has such a fresh sound – I also recently released a collab with both Afrojack and Icona Pop called ‘We Got That Cool’ which was super fun and had this big electro vibe that was also pop between all of our styles. I always enjoy jumping into the studio and learning from other artists, not just DJs and producers.
Of all the places that you performed, do you have a favorite venue (maybe except the Tomorrowland mainstage ^^)? And any dream venue/club/festival you would love to perform at?
I really enjoy playing at Green Valley in Brazil which always comes up near the top of ‘Best Clubs in the World’ lists, it’s in the most amazing nature setting. I’d love to perform anywhere in Australia, still never been and I’d love to visit my fans there!
What are your plans for the near future and what do you want to focus on for 2019 and 2020?
Lots more new music before the end of the year with what has already been a big studio one for me already. 2020 will be the same but bigger and better, I always try to push myself as much as I can as an artist and performer.
Can you give us a sneak peek of something you are working on?
You’ll have to wait and see but you can follow me on social media to keep up to date 😉
More about YvesV:
The enthusiasm that emanates from YvesV, who climbed an impressive 21 places to #34 in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll, continues to burn with the stellar magnitude of a supernova, with his place in the 2015 ranking marking him out as among the highest climbers in the industry.
His sets have illuminated the mainstage of iconic events that include Sensation, David Guetta in Concert, Don’t Let Daddy Know, and Mysteryland, whilst taking over dancefloors such as Green Valley, Nikki Beach, Amnesia, Privilege and Pacha. With a staggering 9 nine times gracing the decks on the Tomorrowland mainstage, the electro house hot-shot has become an integral part of the festivals music make up. Yves has also catapulted his own V-Sessions brand to new heights hosting his own arena at Tomorrowland for the past 4 years in a row, as well as continuing to grow his internationally respected radio show and exclusive events to top tier status in the scene.
In the studio Yves’ music has been released on a plethora of the best record labels including Armada Music, Dirty Dutch, Spinnin’ Records, Doorn Records and Smash The House, whilst his remix work encompasses A-list artists such as Timbaland, Missy Elliott and Ginuwine. All of which has picked up support from heavyweights like David Guetta, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Radio 1’s Danny Howard and Pete Tong.
Follow YvesV Online
Facebook
Spotify
Soundcloud
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
