Another young superstar only at the age of 21, Oliver Heldens is making exceptional progress in his professional career with 8th place in 2016 DJ MAG Top 100 DJs Ranking. He is definitely going to be one of the key players in expanding the EDM scene with his Future House music. After signing a contract with one of the biggest labels, Spinnin’ Records, the entire world put their eyes on him. In 2014, he showed up on the stages for Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, EDC and Electric Zoo, creating a huge buzz and was ranked 12th in last year’s Top 100 DJs ranking at the age of 20. And this year, 8th place is an astonishing result for the DJ/Producer. Let us share an exclusive interview between DJ MAG Japan and him asking about his new release and DJ Mag in general.
Q1. We heard your new track “Good Life” is stored on 11th of November. Can you tell us more about your new track?
Good Life is a track that I made together with the Danish singer-songwriter Ida Corr. It is a kind of disco influenced track with soulful vocals. The end result turned out really great, can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
Q2 What was your first impression of Japan? What was the most surprising or impressive experience? Something within your expectation?
I had heard a lot of awesome stories about the culture, the people and everything, so I was really excited to visit. The first thing that stood out to me was that the Japanese people are so kind! What was most surprising about the trip was playing the Fuji Rock Festival. I didn’t know what to expect there, but it turned out to be such an awesome location. It was beyond what I imagined. Hopefully I can return to Japan soon and do some more exploring.
Q3 Who or what is the most musically influenced to you? If so, why is that?
I actually get influenced by many styles and artists. I really like the UK deep house from a few years ago, but also acts like Disclosure and Flume. Alongside that there is also some older stuff by Fedde Le Grand, D Ramirez and Chocolate Puma for example that I find inspirational and currently I’ve been experimenting a lot with disco influenced sounds as well.
Q4 What do you personally consider to be the most important moment in your artistic career?
That is difficult to say because the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of important and amazing things. To choose one thing, I think I have to say that it was the moment Gecko was released, because that’s when the madness started. I’m still really thankful for that!
Q5. What would fans be surprised to learn about you?
That I actually was one of the best chess players in my age category in the Netherlands at one point.
Q6. What do you have coming up next?
As you previously mentioned on November 11th my new track with Ida Corr will officially be released so that’s what I’m working towards at this moment. Other than that I’m always working on new stuff and some awesome shows are coming up!
Q7. What is DJ Mag to you as a DJ and producer?
A lot of aspiring DJ’s/Producers are looking up to DJ Mag because it features a lot of inspirational and passionate artists, and is kind of its own concept in the scene. To be in DJ Mag I hope to be able to inspire a lot of those new, aspiring artists to do what they love and create awesome music!
Q8. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan.
Hi everybody in Japan! You guys have been amazing! Don’t forget; my new track ‘Good Life’ with Ida Corr will be released on November 11th! Hopefully I will get to see you guys again soon!
Despite the fact that he’s achieved quite a few things with very young age, he doesn't have an intention to stop. He produces his own radio show “Heldeep Radio”, which gets updated every week and these are the things that earns him respect from other top DJs. There is no doubt that Oliver Heldens is going to be creating a new scene, making the crowd go even more wild. There is only high expectations from him and we hope to see more and more from him!