It’s the beginning of October and one of the world’s biggest electronic dance music events is coming up, Amsterdam Dance Event, inside the capital city of the Netherlands. The whole city is lighting up, parties are being held on every corner and over 2000 artists are playing. Also record label Armada is contributing their part. On the 14th of October they are organizing a new event, showing the deeper side of their music: Armada Deep.
We got the pleasant opportunity to interview DJ/producer, label manager of Armada Deep and Subjekt Recordings Kevin Duane. He talks about the event, his career, experiences and his musical view. Check out the exclusive interview below.
Can you tell us a bit about your history, how did you start your career as a DJ?
First of all thanks for having me 🙂 !
My personal Dj career happened really naturally, when I was 12 years old my dad and I went to Ibiza to see a friend of his and I came with. This friend had this fully designed Dj setup with Technics and Cdj’s and I just started to try it out. This of course led to the addiction I still have with DJ-ing.
When I turned 14 I bought my first little Dj set and started off at these super fun house parties where I kind of learned how to keep in mind what people want to hear and what people don’t, which is an important factor in the music industry.
How did you become the label manager of Armada Deep?
Funny story actually, I met Maykel Piron (CEO) at this party where I was playing some cool old records about 3 years ago and we got into a conversation. We had the same idea about the change of Music, especially in the Deep House Genre. After less than 2 weeks we met at the Armada HQ and came up with a plan to start building on Deep House music under the Armada Music umbrella. At first we worked on already existing Sublabels where we slowly introduced a bit deeper music until we were on a certain point where our followers were aware of this change. So 1 year ago we started the brand ‘Armada Deep’ which I’m responsible for at the moment.
Has becoming a DJ always been your dream?
My biggest dream was to do something within the music industry because I have a huge spectrum of music that I like, I love overall good music. But I must say that DJ-ing is really my favorite thing to do.
What inspires your music?
I guess other musicians who really define themselves with their music. I also get inspired by different cities and colors.
You seem to feel pretty comfortable in the deep house scene, is this your favorite music genre? What music do you prefer?
It is one of my favorite genres in music, I can’t really say what my absolute favorite is, better than I like overall good music. In a big company like Armada where we release pop, deep house, trance, progressive house, future music and much more, we don’t want to think in genres or boxes.
This is the very first event DEEP of Armada. What’s the special thing about it, according to you?
Firstly, we already have had some DEEP parties in Ibiza this past year, on a boat! Really cool events supported by artists like ANOTR and Lost Frequencies. The good vibe at these events inspired us to take it to the next level.
Furthermore, I think it’s super special because we have an amazing line up with artists I personally like. But also because we have the most exclusive location in Amsterdam, this will be the very first party there.
And I’m also a bit proud that we have a perfectly organized Party during the best week in the Music Industry (ADE) after an existence of only 1 year together with all these DJ’s which have all released at Armada DEEP.
How was the location for Armada Deep selected?
By exclusivity and the view, which everyone has to see for themselves! Visitors who’ll come early get the chance to walk around in the Heineken Experience!
Lost Frequencies is confirmed as the headline of the event. What ensures their success, according to you?
I think the catchy and poppy side in his music, but also his new hair color haha.
Is it difficult to manage both Subjekt Recordings and Armada Deep? How do you manage this?
Yes it is difficult but both labels release super cool and forward thinking music which keeps it interesting for me. It’s taking a lot of time but if you do something you love time is not an issue, just be creative and plan everything wisely, then it’s manageable.
Thank you once again for having me! Kevin.
Connect with Kevin Duane:
https://www.facebook.com/KevinduaneDJ
https://soundcloud.com/kevin-duane
https://twitter.com/kevinduane_
Connect with Armada DEEP:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/armadamusicofficial/playlist/455gfStHYs7s0EUhhS591b
Tickets: http://www.souniquemediagroup.com/#!tickets/c244o
Promo: https://www.facebook.com/armadamusic/videos/10153269656928843/
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