Trance legend Paul van Dyk will be helming the decks this weekend at the Marquee Singapore. He has become one of the world’s most recognised DJs, and we managed to catch up with him before his set this July 16.
How has the pandemic affected your career? How did you remain inspired to create music?
Like everyone else, the last two years have been rather challenging. Instead of living our social lives the way we were used to, we have to be isolated and confined by our own four walls, and that has been challenging for me as much as it has been for everyone else. With regards to music, obviously, it has a different inspiration when you travel and attend festivals/clubs as compared to being at home in the studio and seeing the same thing every day.
The source of inspiration now is life in general – my life as I knew it and how things are going back to the way it was. Previously, the music I made was inspired by energy from travelling and parties. Also, back then I put a lot more thought into thinking about the future, about being insecure about what was going to happen and forming numerous plans ahead, which was challenging and mentally draining. This time, the inspiration is of a different kind. More thoughtful in a way you would say.
Could you tell us what you were doing during the lockdown? What music were you listening to a lot during quarantine?
Of course I listen to music! We did every Sunday something that was called the Sunday Sessions, which was live-streamed. What’s special was the technical aspect of it – where people could actually join in and see themselves behind me virtually. There was interaction too, something that was very important for me as well.
Did you pick up new habits/learnt something new during the time?
No, not really, I didn’t cook something new! All in all, I was waiting for the nonsense to be over and to go back to normalcy, meeting family and friends, and just being social.
Did you perform at any virtual events within the last two years? Any particular highlights worth mentioning?
Two years ago I was part of Marquee’s birthday celebration and that was special and significant to me. I’ve done a lot of similar festivals including Tomorrowland and Mysteryland. Such events are important to me and to emulate such energy, I did the live stream every Sunday during the lockdown where people from all over the world could see themselves. For people to understand why the live stream is formed, connecting to others – we have people in Singapore reaching out to people in New York and giving each other hope – that’s important for me.
What was the first live music event after quarantine that you performed at as a DJ?
The first big event I did was in Berlin, it was a big outdoor open-air arena. The venue was for 20,000 people but only 2,000 people were allowed due to the quarantine regulations going on. There was a lot of distance between people but it was still an energetic and exciting affair. We also get different traction in different parts of the world like the first regular club shows in the States and the UK, and the first one in Asia is going to be Singapore.
Was it a surreal feeling to get behind the decks at big events after lockdown? How did the crowds react to your music after so long?
The thing is you can still feel some sense of insecurity among fans. We have some people who have bought tickets but decided at the last second not to go. But for those who came, they truly put the value of social gatherings and being with other people. They talk to other partygoers and just be there for each other. Instead of being fearful, they just celebrate more than ever. These festivals I played at were well received. I came back from the weekend at the Balaton Sound festival – one of the biggest festivals here in Europe – and it was just really cool. The dynamic is back to how it has always been.
View this post on Instagram
What can we expect from the upcoming show in Singapore?
First of all, I have a clear idea about the music I would like to play and then everything else boils down to the interaction with the audience. That's the great thing about Singapore. It has an audience that just doesn't want to listen to the latest top ten, but they want to listen to something interesting music, that's meaningful, driving and inspiring. And that’s exactly what I do to my DJ sets and that’s going to be really cool, I’m really looking forward to it.
You’ve been to Singapore a couple of times – what did you love the most about the city?
Singapore has always been exciting. I like the architecture, the modern feel of Singapore – at least what you see as a tourist – and the friendliness of the people. I like the street food too, I love the spicy stingray and all that sort of stuff.
Describe your perfect night out: where would you go, what would you eat and what will you do?
It will definitely involve some good food, friends and good music, wherever that is.
So we heard that you’re releasing new music. Could you tell us more about it.
The whole concept will be released in three sections: Off the record, For the record and The Record. Off the record showcases the different inspirations behind it and its elements and it will be released throughout the next few weeks. For the record: What people know me for the 138 bpm festivals involving faster music and The Record will be the accumulation of what we have released plus even more material. So you get new music throughout the whole year.
READ MORE:
Ground Floor Coffee: This hole-in-the-wall coffee shop operates out of a HDB flat
Compete in Netflix's Squid Game reality show and maybe win $4.56 million
New Khatib Nature Corridor will have three new parks