Interview: @Willem
Blowing up in the scene after his 2021 LTEC set Willem has become a huge name in the Naarm scene, especially after his release of his long awaited "Youtopia EP" this year! & his collab track with Naarm producer Cybernet titled "Exit Phase"
Willem has supported the likes og big international names such as as Schacke, Marcel Dettman, SPFDJ just to name a few! Willem is also the curator of Naarm event group labelled "Gold Haus" where they host rave like events in Naarm supporting ther dance scene. Willem is also later on playing at the next LTEC & supporting Sven Vath at the next smalltown street rave!
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Willem has already proved he can put on a show in front of a big crowd & can also produce his own sound by the ways of trance,breaks with a touch of rave like synths in his productions throughout the year with releases on labels such as Goddezz & Meganesia & playing at pretty much most clubs around here in Melbourne you can think of!
"Youtopia" was such a huge release for Willem during the year & I can see from this release we are in store for so many incredible tracks by this bloke. Being front & center of his LTEC 2021 set I knew from that day on I wanted to get Willem on the mag & it means so much to finally get him here! We recently caught up with him for an interview about his career so far as an artist & what we can expect from him in the future.
Q & A:
Question 1: When did the drive to start mixing/producing & being involved in Dance music be a big thing for you in your life?
A: Music has always been a big part of my life, but I think travelling to Europe in my
gap year and experiencing the world class clubs and dance festivals is what
really got me hooked. When I got back to Oz I bought my first pair of decks and
haven’t looked back sinceMusic has always been a big part of my life, but I think travelling to Europe in mygap year and experiencing the world class clubs and dance festivals is what
really got me hooked. When I got back to Oz I bought my first pair of decks and
haven’t looked back since.
Question 2: Who has given you the drive to get where you are today?
A: I think there’s a lot of different factors that drive you and your own goals, but I
reckon seeing my favourite DJs live and hearing world class mixing and sound is
always super inspiring and makes me strive to reach that next level.
Question 3: What is the main focus for you right now in your music career?
A: Right now I’m dialling in to try and get a number of projects finished before the
new year to start sending off to labels and hopefully start 2023 with some
releasees lined up. Also planning on hitting Europe again next year so teeing up
a few shows over there would be unreal!
Question 4: Red hot off your LTEC set this year are you excited for the new year?
A: Absolutely! Cake is my favourite day of the year and it’s always an honour to play
on the big stage there.
Question 5: Who do you think is the hottest up & coming DJ/producer in Naarm atm?
A: It’s gotta be the great Alfredo !
Question 6: Your most recent EP "Youtopia" has been a hot release for you this year what is your favourite track from the EP?
A: Thank you! It was so nice to be finally able to share with everyone and working
with Spider Dog from Meganesia was awesome. TC 43 has picked up some nice
attention but I think my favourite track on the EP is actually the breaks mix of
Youtopia. I really loved stripping it back and creating a chill euphoric break with
the melodies from the original track.
Question 7: All time fav track?
A: Hahah this changes every day.
Question 8: What is one piece of advice you can give to those just starting out in the industry?
A: I think the best thing you can do, whatever it is you want do in the industry, is just
practise your craft as much as possible and try to be super open minded and
patient with yourself as you learn. There’s a lot of frustrating moments and times
when things aren’t going your way, but just hang in there and chipping away and
good things will come.
Question 9: Name your style in 5 words!?
A: Speedy, Rhythmic, Eclectic, emotive, FUN
Question 10: What is your dream?
A: Play dancefloors, clubs and festivals all over the world.
Question 11: Do you feel like the Naarm community is growing stronger & stronger towards
electronic dance music?
A: I think we’re quite fortunate to live in a city where dance music and the underground dance
scene has always been quite strong but I’ve definitely felt the last few years has seen a huge
increase in popularity for clubs, events and festivals which is super exciting. Post covid this was
super evident too.
Below you can find Willem on all his social platforms & his most recent EP!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Spotify:
Instagram: willem_trax
Soundcloud: