Belgian DJ and producer Liam Summers has been a name captivating the scene as of late. He can incorporate everything from electronic to urban in his productions making him a rising star in the industry. In 2014, one of Belgium’s most renowned international DJs, Stromae, collaborated with Summers on their hit track “Moules Frites”. A few months after his release with Stromae, Liam was asked to become a resident DJ on one of Belgium’s most premiere radio shows, Radio Contact. He’s taken part in multiple collaborations since and had a track sampled by Jack U.
In 2015 Liam would go on to release his debut EP and also a remix of David Guetta’s, “Hey Mama”. Later that year he would achieve his first chart hitting single with his fire release of , “Close 2u”. Now signed to Sony Music, his first official release of 2016 came only days ago. “When U Do Me Like That” Ft. Mikaela Coco is a blending of multiple genres all packed into one incredible song. With elements of tropical, future, and progressive, Liam has outdone himself on this diverse track. Liam’s talented production skills fused in with Mikaela’s high pitched and uplifting vocals make for the perfect pair with this latest release. RaverRafting had the opportunity to talk with Liam about his latest release, work with Mikaela, and future plans with his career. Be sure to check out our exclusive interview below!
You’re originally from Belgium, can compare the scene there to the US?
Liam: We’re surrounded by countries like France, the Netherlands, Germany and England, which has given us a lot of different influences. You have the early UK sounds coming from the UK, evolving to the now EDM of Dutch stars Martin Garrix and Tiesto. Belgium has some great EDM stars as well like Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Stromae, Lost Frequencies. People have a great background in music, and a good knowledge of the industry. We have probably the biggest EDM festival in the world, Tomorrowland, on our doorstep so I’d say the scene is pretty good. I don’t know the US scene personally but I know that it is a melting pot of all types of EDM, and where you have to go to make it in the industry.
Tell me a little bit about your latest release, what went into producing it?
Liam: I wanted to make something a bit different to the music that we hear at the moment. I like to mix different genres, so for ‘When U Do Me Like That, I went with Future house, Trap and Tropical for the main body of the track. Then, for the vocal I wanted to keep things a bit more old school – a bit RnB. When I heard Mikaela’s voice it sounded like the perfect match!
What was it like to work with Mikaela Coco?
Liam: Amazing. We were able to work despite a long distance thanks to the Internet! She’s a great singer – everything came together so naturally.
How would you define the exact sound of this latest release? How would you define your sound as an artist?
Liam: I’ve been a producer for pretty much my whole life, producing or collaborating with different artists. I think my sound came from there. I’ve produced a lot of different styles of music (RnB, Hip-hop, EDM, Pop) and I think the Liam Summers’ touch is a mix between all of them!
Do you have a preference to sticking to one particular genre or sound?
Liam: No, I like to adapt. I love all music and so I like to try and express as many different genres and influences as I can. In all my tracks that I’ve released, I hope that people can hear these influences, and that the melting pot of sounds will appeal to different people all for different reasons.
Is there any location you really want to perform at?
Liam: Tomorrowland, of course! That’s the biggest Festival on the planet and it’s from Belgium!
Can we expect future releases or even album to come at a later date?
Liam: I hope so! To be honest I have a lot of tracks already done, I just need to get them out!
I see you released your debut EP not long ago, what was that like for you?
Liam: It felt like it was the real start to my professional musical career. A lot of things happened for me thanks to that EP. My first single ‘Close2U’ was on it and that ended up getting played on the radio all over Belgium and Spain.
What are your favorite electronic tracks at the moment?
Liam: DJ Snake – “Middle” definitely my favourite ‘mainstream’ song right now
Dillon Francis – “Need you”, I really like the flow of that track
Mike Posner – “I took a pill in Ibiza” (Seeb Remix)
What has been your favorite moment so far as an artist?
Liam: I would say my deal with Sony Music because it’s a huge accomplishment! But also I would say my collaboration with Stromae, because that guy is so talented, I learnt so much just by standing next to him.
If you could go b2b with any artist, who would it be?
Liam: Sia, because for me she’s one of the biggest singers of our generation, I just love her voice.
If it were with a DJ, it would be David Guetta because he’s a huge inspiration to me. He’s part of why I started making music and producing. He influenced so many DJ’s. I hope one day I can do the same…
And of course DJ Snake. To me, he’s the new Guetta. I love the way he works and the way he is with his entourage, his team is very inspiring. That’s something I look up to – keeping that team spirit!
Anything you want to say to your fans?
Liam: Thank you. I couldn’t do anything without my fans. And I hope I’m able to put a big smile on all their faces when they listen to my future releases.
Connect with Liam Summers:
https://www.facebook.com/iamliamsummers
https://twitter.com/iamliamsummers
https://www.instagram.com/iamliamsummers
https://soundcloud.com/iamliamsummers
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