Yves V is one of the best growing DJ talents from the Benelux.  He ranked #55 in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll in 2017.  His sets have illuminated the mainstage of iconic events such as Mysteryland, Sensation, and David Guetta in Concert.  He has 9 times graced the decks on the on the Tomorrowland mainstage, cementing his spot as an integral part of the festival’s music makeup.  He has been continually growing his internationally respected radio show and in the studio, he has been released on a plethora of the best record labels and done remix work encompassing many A-list artists.  All of this has picked up support from heavyweights like David Guetta, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Radio 1’s Danny Howard and Pete Tong.

When did you get into DJing?

I first started DJing over a decade ago but it took me a while before I built up my skills and moved into producing, before this properly too off as my career – I was working as a teacher before I became a full-time DJ so as you can imagine, it was a leap of faith to leave that career and follow my passion.

What or who were your early passions and influences?

I was influenced by a lot of different genres: Belgian trance, Detroit techno, American rock n’ roll – everything and anything I listened to!

How do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from all around but when my engineer and I work together, that could be out with our families, our travels, or even something we thought up in our heads like a melody, or a certain build-up or texture that we then work together to create and deliver as it seemed in our heads!  That is the true test, getting what is in our head out there into the world!

Where are people most likely to see you perform?

I perform all over the world but I am most likely known for being a mainstage resident of Tomorrowland alongside Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike – it truly is a festival like no other!  I also play a lot in Europe, Asia, and South America, which I really enjoy.

Do you have original music that is available online?

Yes!  I have may productions both solo and collaborations with guys like Laidback Luke and Don Diablo.  I release on Spinnin’ mainly and you can keep up to date with all my releases, past and present, on Beatport here and my new release ‘Durga’ with Mariana Bo was released Friday, September 14, 2018 and you can find it here- https://dharmamusic.release.link/durga

What is one mistake you see a lot of up and coming DJs making?

I think it is trying to do too much at once.  Trying to learn every production method, both traditional methods and more digital, modern styles, as well as experimenting with a lot of different styles that are totally different from each other.  No DJ or producer has to be such a chameleon that they lose their identity.

If you could be eternally stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would it be?

I think the 90s?  Amazing for rave music, amazing for rock music, amazing for all styles!

What is one tract that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

Tim Berg’s (Avicci) ‘Seek Bromance’!

What do you try to communicate to the audience through your vibe?

Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’

How do you prepare your sets?

It is rare that I fully prepare a set from start to finish as I like to read the crowd, and after all, you never know how a show is going to go.  I like to play a mix of classic track – from rock like The White Stripes, where I’ll mix in a recognizable vocal with a fresher electronic melody underneath – and sometimes I’ll bring in an old school melody with a new, amped up edit.  I like to bring a mix, basically myself and my interests, as well as the music I make, in one set.

Where would you most like to perform?

Australia!

What are your predictions for the music industry in the next few years?

That electronic music will continue to dominate and come close to overtaking pop music!  With guys like David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia that is near enough a reality and a lot more new artists and stations, especially in Europe, lean towards dance-heavy specialist shows and including bigger tracks on their day-to-day playlists.  Plus, if there is an audience for it, which there always is, dance music and electronic music, on the whole, will just continue to grow and grow.

What have you learned since you started out as a DJ?

To trust your instinct and everything will fall into place!  I’ve met a lot of amazing people – DJs, producers, fans, and guys in the industry that all play an important role in helping keep me ticking over when traveling, producing, and performing.  And I know it is the same for every artist, to have a team around you that are behind the scenes makes all the difference, not everything is as one-dimensional or straight-forward as it seems!

You can keep up with Yves V by visiting his website yves-v.com and follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.