Dutch DJ/producer Brooks is quickly rising through the ranks in the dance music scene with his hard work and dedication. The young DJ has already caught the attention of big names in the music industry due to his unique and inventive sound. We caught up with him fresh off a collaboration with David Guetta and Martin Garrix to discuss how this track came about, his journey, and advice for future DJs…
Q1. Hi Brooks, thanks for speaking with us. What was the first record you ever bought?
Sensation Black CD, 2006.
Q2. Have you always been passionate about music? If you hadn’t have taken the musical route, what would you be doing now?
It actually all started with DJing. My cousin had an old pioneer CDJ set stored in his basement. Every time I went over to his place we would just find loads of different electronic music, burn it onto some CDs and spend hours mixing it all together! I wanted to know how the music was actually made so I researched production on the internet and read about the FL studio software. I downloaded the latest version, and from then on I just taught myself how to make things sound good!
Q3. What’s your most memorable career moment?
I think it was the very first time I got to play a decent-sized show abroad. Getting to fly over to a city you have never been to and playing to a crowd of fans you didn’t even know existed; it’s the most mind-blowing experience and made all my hard work totally worth it! To know that I have fans in all kinds of places is really heart-warming to me. I keep working to make them all proud.
Q4. Any advice for upcoming producers?
As a producer, you need to find your own sound or signature style and then work really hard to refine and perfect it as much as you can. It’s also super important to build a loyal fan base and to constantly entertain and engage with those people, no matter how few or how many there may be, via email and social media like Facebook and Instagram. It’s the little things that’ll turn in to big things if you’re dedicated and appreciative of both yourself and others.
Q5. Top 3 songs?
Sem – Reasons
Droeloe – Many Words
All Around The World (Jay Eskar Remix)
Q6. What are your plans for the rest of 2018?
I have some big shows and some even bigger tunes to release, but I’m afraid I can’t say any more than that! Keep an eye out for my announcements and follow me on my socials to stay up to date.
Q7. Can you tell us a bit about how the collaboration with David Guetta and Martin Garrix for ‘like I do’ came about? How was it working with them?
David sent the idea he had to Martin and I, and we both were really digging it! From then on, we all worked on it while FaceTiming and via email, each of us adding our own touches until the first version was finished. We tested it in our live shows, and Guetta even decided to premiere it on his arena tour. It was pretty soon after that when we finished it all up and then prepared everything for the release.
Q8. How do you wind down?
Sleep! My schedule is mad; I stay up all night producing, pretty much. I’m almost nocturnal some days. My down-time is spent crashing and sleeping.
Q9. Who influences you and your music?
I originally started out making hardstyle when I first got into production. I was a massive fan of Noisecontrollers! The small details in their tracks blew my mind. I always aim to include that sort of impact in my own tracks; interesting effects and tiny details that sound amazing when layered together!
Q10. Tell us a secret about yourself.
Still haven’t got my driver’s licence…
Q11. What scares you?
Losing my hearing! Wearing ear protection is of utmost importance for artists and fans alike.
Q12. What’s been your most embarrassing moment?
I tried to do a backflip a few years ago on holiday and I landed with my face on a bench. It still haunts me sometimes.
Q13. Due to your busy touring schedule, you’ve travelled all around. Where has been your favourite place so far?
I love Asia. Any shows in Asia are always super exciting – it’s just a whole different world, the fans are so switched on and ahead of the curve when it comes to dance music. But above all, I’ve got to say it doesn’t get better than playing in my home town.
Q14. What’s your top travel tip?
Always bring spare underwear!
Q15. What’s your favourite meal?
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it forever: pizza!
Brooks Facebook: @MusicByBrooks Brooks Twitter: @MusicByBrooks
Interview By Lucy Rix
