The dynamic Dutch duo of Andy Samin and Jelle Keizer are renowned for their energetic DJ sets and big room remixes. We put them to the test with our quick-fire questionnaire.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Jelle: When I left school the papers said I was a graphic designer. Things turned out quite different!
Andy: Living a student life, drinking beer and studying my ass off.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Do what you love most.”
What inspires you?
We usually get our inspiration from our gigs and tours. As we don’t work on the road, we always jump in the studio when we get home. So far this has always resulted in a new release.
What’s the next big thing?
Our latest single ‘Bitches’ ft. Bizzey on Wooha! Records (N.E.W.S.), featuring a JoeySuki and a Synthaesia remix. Or cats with bread on their head.
Best club experience?
Tough question. We’ve had some insane gigs the past year: touring Summadayze Festival and sharing the main stage with Snoop Dogg in Australia was a highlight; a sold-out show in an ice hockey stadium in Vancouver; headlining a 5,000 people venue in Budapest together with Skrillex… the list could go on for a while haha.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Jelle: Working as a graphic designer. Haha!
Andy: Pizza delivery boy.
How do you know when a track is finished?
When we finish a track it’s usually the tenth version or so. Most of our recent releases have been tested on the road for months, changing tiny details after each show and listening to them hundreds of times at home. When we find nothing annoying anymore, and when people won’t stop dancing during the whole track, then it’s finished!
When did you realise you could give up your day job?
When we had to push all remix deadlines to just one week off, we quit the regular life and jumped full-time into DJing and producing. Which resulted in getting confirmed for Dance Valley and our first Australia tour that same month.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Avicii – ‘Levels‘. That track exploded! But man, pretty much every track in our DJ sets that isn’t made by us. For now we really love Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl feat. Georgi Kay – ‘In My Mind (Axwell Mix)‘. It’s so well made, it has all the ingredients and people love it everywhere. From small clubs to big festivals – all go nuts to it.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Not by producing underground house for sure! But in our experience, the best way to get on is to spend as much time in the studio as possible, making quality tracks. Quantity will not work, as when people hear something bad from you they won’t take the time to listen to your newer material later on.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
We guess our first releases ever. My favourite is always our latest release, so if you’d put our releases in chronological order that’s also the worst to best order!
Recommend us a film.
Jelle: Blood In, Blood Out
Andy: Project X
Recommend us a book.
Gomorra by Roberto Saviano.
What or who is underrated?
Even with a crazy career, I’d still say Axwell. His productions are insane. Like, the mixdown, mastering, melodies, sounds, arrangement – everything is beyond perfect. Each release, for years in a row now. I’m honestly jealous of his creativity and skills. And the Swedish women he shares his country with… damn.
What or who is overrated?
Chocolate. I guess thats a girl thing.
What are you addicted to?
Spare ribs and DJing at festivals.
What do you lust over?
Boobies.
What one thing would most improve your life?
A hit record 😉
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
Has to be a show in France a few years ago. We travelled 11 hours to get there and there were just two people. Luckily that doesn’t happen any more these days.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
As a duo we collab together already. But we’re also big fans of working with other producers, even if nothing comes out there’s still a lot of experience and tricks to be shared.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Jelle: A$AP Rocky – ‘Keep It G (Feat. Chace Infinite & Spaceghost Purrp)’. It’s kind of the only track I’ve been listening to lately anyway!
Andy: Snoop Doggy Dogg – ‘Ain’t No Fun’
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?
FL Studio. We’ve been working with it since version 3. We’ve experimented with Logic, Ableton, Reason and always ended up coming back to good old FL.
Art or money?
Art! Imagine having all the money in the world and not being able to listen to music. That would suck.
Must-read blogs/forums?
9gag. Perfect entertainment at the airport.
What’s your single biggest frustration within the music industry?
The best music out there generally doesn’t get the recognition or exposure it deserves.
Favourite label?
Our home label, Lektroluv. We’re happy to be a part of a label that delivers so much quality. We’ve played many of their releases over the years.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Writer’s blocks by FAR! We once had a six month writer’s block. Even when you’re feeling creative, still nothing comes out. It’s really frustrating to spend hours in the studio without results.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Don’t stick to one style; get inspiration from other tracks (don’t try to re-invent the wheel). Finally, if you can, test your music in your shows.
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