Get to Know Brooks, the 23-year-old EDM Sensation

© Siam2nite

If you search for DJs who have become massively successful under the age of 23, the name ‘Brooks’ would be near the top of the list. When he’s offstage, though, the Dutch DJ goes by Thijs Westbroek.

His distinct style in rhythmic electro house and melodic future house has brought him to international events all over Europe, America, Asia, and Africa.

Brooks’ genius and skills led to a collaboration with one of the world’s top DJs, Martin Garrix, on “Byte”. The track has gained over 100 million views on YouTube and paved the way for Brooks into Martin’s record label, STMPD RCRDS.

He has also worked with David Guetta on “Like I Do”; the song quickly became a favorite among EDM fans with over 96 million views on YouTube.

Festival-goers can get ready to groove to Brooks’ sets at Songkranzonic 2019. The event is happening at Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark in Pattaya on April 19-20. Before then, just read more to find out about the Dutch DJ!

Can you share with us where you are answering these questions?

I am currently sitting in my studio in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

What is distinct about the Brooks sound, and which tracks would you choose as an introduction?

I think the unique thing about my sound is that it’s very futuristic, festival ready, but can also be played on the radio. I think that this combination makes my style unique and that people like to listen to my music because of this.

Listen to his tracks on Spotify!

Your latest release, “Better When You're Gone”, is a collaboration with the seasoned industry veteran, David Guetta. How was it to work with him, and what can you share about the creation process?

It was great! You’d think there’s a lot of pressure involved working with such big artists but that wasn’t the case at all, David actually is one of the nicest people I’ve met in this scene.

We had a couple of shows together in Ibiza and we worked a lot in his studio during the day. And that’s how we got the first version of Better When You’re Gone.

At only 23 years, you have already collaborated with DJ Mag Top 5 artists such as David Guetta and also Martin Garrix. Is it a gift or curse to be this successful at such a young age, were you able to enjoy a “normal” youth, or did your career put you on a fast-track into adult life?

At first it was very unreal to get to work with the biggest DJ’s on the world. But when you sit with them in the studio you quickly notice that they are just normal people like you and me.

When you are in the studio it’s all about the creation process and not so much about what you have accomplished already. I don’t really know if my “success” is a gift or a curse. I can do what I love most, so I guess it’s a gift that I can work with people like David and Martin!

In 2018, you were nominated for "Best Talent 2018" by SLAM!. Where and how do you find inspiration for your music, and how do you approach music production?

Most of the time it’s when I’m on the road! I think it’s a combination of me getting random ideas from different cultures or shows, or even meeting new people & me not being able to be in the studio until I get back home from the tour.

Whenever I get back to the studio after a couple of weeks of touring that’s when the magic happens!

What’s on your agenda 2019? Are there projects you are able to share?

There are a lot of things on my agenda. I am playing Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, Parookaville and I have my first residency at KAOS in Vegas.

Music wise, I am currently working very hard on finishing my new tracks before the summer kicks in. At this moment I unfortunately can’t share anything about my new releases, but if you watch my live sets you might hear some new ID’s.

You have performed all around the world, which countries have impressed you the most, and what were the best, worst and/or most memorable gigs you have played?

That has to be all the first times I’ve been to Asian countries. It’s just amazing how different most of them are regarding their culture and food etc.

Besides that, the crowds there know how to party! I did this show in Myanmar last year. [I] think it was about 10,000 people and I’ve never seen such an energetic crowd. Absolutely loved it and will 100% remember this one forever!

You are returning to Thailand to headline the Songkranzonic music festival, alongside the likes of Nicky Romero and Thomas Newson. Did Thailand leave a lasting impression on you when visiting in 2017, and are you excited to return?

Can’t wait to be back! [I] actually stayed there for a couple of days last time so also excited to see everyone again that I’ve met last time! Last show I did there was a really cool club show so can’t wait what the festivals over there look like.

Follow Brooks and his work through his social media below!