Dutch DJ’s at Zouk Out

Singapore’s definitive dance music festival returns for the 11th consecutive year. 28,000 dance music lovers from all over the world attended this all-night beach party with a brilliant program that featured Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren, DJ Chuckie and other of the world’s top DJs, and bands.

Interview with Dutch DJ Chuckie

Is this the first time in Singapore?

No, I came before to Singapore, I love it here, the people are nice and the food is delicious.

This week you were in Thailand and Jakarta,  how is the Asian crowd?

It is a great crowd, mixed people, they are very on track.  I often use the microphone to listen to the crowd and the participation is rewarding.

Now at Zouk Out, is this your first time?

Yes, this will be my first time at Zouk Out. I already heard amazing stories from other colleagues DJ’s. I am really excited to play at the biggest Asian dance festival with great artists as Avicii and Armin van Buuren.

How do you stay competitive with these world famous DJ’s?

We have different styles. I like hip-hop and electronic music and that’s what I try to pass through. I try to mix and cross over into various different musical styles.

With your style you created your own brand and club in Amsterdam; do you still play at your ‘Dirty Dutch Club’ in Amsterdam?

Yes, our club has evolved the past years, from 6,000 to 30,000 visitors. The yearly Dirty Dutch end of year’s event where I play in Amsterdam RAI is already sold out. Even though I have a busy schedule and travel around the world, I am always there at the ‘Dirty Dutch ‘event.

And another album came out?

‘Who is ready to jump’ is the album called, selling very well!  I just heard one of the songs was in the top 10 in I-tunes.

More and more of these big dance events are coming up in Asia, what do you think of the electronic / dance scene in Asia?

It’s great to see how Asia’s got has developed and to see how it has its own huge electronic music scene. It’s very different from the rest of the world, but I love it. People seem to enjoy our music. Clubs and events are very well organised.

What do you think of the future of Asia in this industry?

I think Asia will raise a lot of great super-producers. You can see the scene growing at this moment. Asians are very creative – the Asian electronic music scene will get bigger and bigger, and I’m happy to witness this with my own eyes.

You grew up in Suriname, worked in The Hague, developed your own brand, have one of the biggest club in Amsterdam and are now a BBC Radio 1 DJ. Where do you see yourself in the future? 

I see myself supporting a lot of new talent in the future. I use my Dirty Dutch platform to do that. At the moment I’m trying to help guys like GLOWINTHEDARK, BetatraXx and Gregori Klosman. I want to give people the same chances I got when I first started.

Any advice you can dispense to set up your own brand and be successful?

It is like music. Try to be original, innovative and find a signature that makes you different from the rest. Talent and creativity will always be recognised. It’s just a matter of time…