DJ Álvaro, also known as Jasper Helderman, performed at ASOM recently. He chatted with K Bhardwaj about taking Dutch EDM to a new level and collaborating with artistes like Will.I.Am, lil Jon and Pitbull
You have performed in India before (Goa). What was your takeaway and what do you look forward to explore this yearIJ
Performing in India has always been fabulous. It’s like a dance floor on fire. People here are so enthusiastic and ever involved in the act that one doesn’t feel out of track while performing. India is a hot destination for different kinds of music and it’s an experience performing here. India is one place where one will experience varied genres of music and that is what makes all the artistes hooked to Indian songs. In fact, it won’t be surprising if India becomes a hub for EDM. Indian music has variety in it. It is a mix of folk, pop, classical and many more. This gives a varied dimension for us to work on and come up with our DJ mix. I would like to collaborate with AR Rahman. I would also love to work for Salman Khan.Whenever India is calling I always look forward to great energy. And also I love India’s delicious cuisine — butter chicken — to be specific.
You have collaborated and created music for global icons (Will.I.Am, lil Jon, Pitbull, Diplo, Major lazer) in the past. Share some experiences of working with them.
It was an honour to work with global icons. Working with big names always gives you an exposure and educates you about different things that you can create.
Tell us about your gear setup.
Currently my gear setup is in my friend’s studio. Actually, my gear setup is quite simple, I do not use any kind of hardware, it’s just my laptop. I have one Focusrite Forte soundcard and have two KRK VTX8 studio monitors with one subwoofer. As for software I use Fruity loops studio and VST’s like Sylenth1 and Nexus.
How do you keep fans hookedIJ
Penetrating different markets helps you know about different music and people’s preferences. One needs to experiment to keep fans hooked.
Which city, according to you, should be dubbed as the capital of EDM and whyIJ
Belgium should be termed as the capital of EDM because it hosts the world’s largest festival of EDM, Tomorrowland.
What are the new trends in EDMIJ
EDM is healthy — in fact, thriving. Drumstep, Trap and New Age techno are some of the new trends in EDM.
New boys are really working hard and coming up with good music. If you are a good DJ and are able to hold people on the dance floor with the kind of music you play then you can help clubs and organisers earn tonnes of cash.
EDM and music in general is constantly adapting to the times and changing with trends. Electronic music is going through its best phase and is becoming a rage these days. So, I would advise youngsters to try different things and step outside their comfort zone, it’s only then the audience would be listening to some new sound tracks.
Tell us about your journey as a DJ, early influences and inspirations.
My career started with a lot of love and interest for music and I have been actively involved with EDM for more than five years now. With the love and affection of my fans and well wishers, my performances have helped me gain not only attention but also respect from the legends in the music industry. I have produced many songs like Welcome to the Jungle, Na Na Na, United and I believe that people have liked the style of my music, rhythm and energetic way of performance so much so that it has been widely accepted. It’s an honour when the biggest DJs in the world constantly play my numbers. This success has given me a boost and is inspiring me to be more dedicated than ever to become one of the best artistes.
By God’s grace I got an opportunity to work with the greats like Tiësto and Calvin Harris. I collaborated with Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas), lil Jon, Pitbull, Diplo, Major lazer and Far East Movement and the list is not ending here, there is a lot more to come.
What are your forthcoming releasesIJ
There are many things in pipeline and I am sure I’ll be able to make them as big as my early tracks.