Exclusive Interview with Lenzman

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Lenzman, shortly before his performance at Grease on 18th July.

You live in the Netherland's political capital The Hague now, but grew up in nearby city Leiden. In the 90's you were into Hip Hop – even rapping yourself. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music – and especially Drum and Bass – in the first place?

My mother moved to the United Kingdom when I was quite young, and I grew up with my father in the Netherlands. I used to visit her very often, all my school holidays I spent in the UK. Over time I became good friends with some locals there. As teenagers they were already into House and Techno, going to illegal raves etc. In the early to mid 90's (I really can't remember exactly when) they started making me takes of UK Hardcore and gave me some LTJ Bukem mixes. After a while it was Drum & Bass / Jungle and I kind of saw the connection between that and Hip Hop. I also became intrigued by the art of Djing. So by '96 I started buying my own records, having no idea where that would take me eventually.

In 2009 you quit your job to focus full-time on your DJ/Producer career. Looking back on the last 4 years, what can you tell us about that time, the changes that brought it to your life and the remarkable success you met?

The main thing here is that I haven't regretted it for a second. At first it was hard as it was really still very early in my career, so I didn't have so many gigs etc. But things have taken off since then. It's obviously not as 'secure' as having a 'regular' job, but I am my own boss, I get to see the world, I get paid for something I love doing, what's not to like?!

How would you describe your music in just a few words?

Deep soulful Drum & Bass.

You are signed on Goldie's Metalheadz record label. How did you get involved with the prestigious label and how did it influence the way you produce today?

My connection to Metalheadz is something that happened over time. When I first started breaking through in the scene with my first couple of vinyl releases, I just started sending my music to Metalheadz, as it's one of the classiest labels out there. To my surprise Goldie was very supportive of my music right from the start. Over time the relationship developed into an album project. With Metalheadz, they don't put any pressure on me to write a certain type of sound – I think they just want me to do my own thing. But I do put some pressure on myself as I feel Metalheadz has such a rich history as a label, so I am doing my very best to make my album live up to that.

Your most recent single contains the new original track “Empty Promise” and a Remix by Makoto of “Broken Dreams” – a track of yours from 2011. You on the other hand just recently made a Remix of Makoto’s track “Woe” which is featured on his new Remix Album “Souled Out Remixed”. How did you guys meet and how was it working with him?

We first met when I was promoting nights in The Netherlands. We booked Makoto there as I have been a fan of his music for a long time. We've kept in touch all this time. I've met him in Japan a few times and we've seen each other in Europe too. I can't remember how this went exactly, but we just decided to do a swap of remixes. I absolutely love what he's done for Broken Dreams. I think Makoto is kind of underrated in the scene, for me he's a legend.

Out of all tracks you have made, which other tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?

I guess one of my most succesful tracks is Open Page – so that is something I might tell them to check. I personally am very pleased with my remix of Bright Lights by DJ Die, Interface & William Cartwright.

What are you currently working on? What is on your agenda for the near future?

I'm currently putting the final touches to my debut album for Metalheadz. That's taking up most of my time. But I have just sent a VIP of Ice Cold Soul off to be mastered which will come out on CIA soon. Other than that I'm just Djing a lot. I've got a few great festivals coming up soon too.

You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?

Essential to have with you when travelling is a good book to keep yourself entertained waiting around the airports / and on planes.

What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?

It's hard to compare gigs I find. One of the best gig's I ever did was Metalheadz at Cable. It was the first time I played prime-time at a Metalheadz event in London. It was a full circle moment for me! The worst one... in Russia when the stage was stormed by special forces in a drug raid... It's a funny story now, but it was scary at the time.

What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?

A funny thing that happened recently was just after I had played. Some raver came up to Break (from Symmetry) while he was playing and screamed at him very enthusiastically in the breakdown of the track “LENZMAN YOU ARE F**KING KILLING IT!!!!!!!”

On 18th July you will perform live here in Bangkok at Grease. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?

Yes I'm looking forward to it. I've been to Thailand twice before and it's one my favourite places ever – so I can't wait to return. I played for my friend and local legend DJ Dragon back in 2006, but I haven't been back since.

Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?

I love Thai food, and I love trying new things when it comes to food. Spicy food too, bring it on!!!

What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Grease?

Some fresh soulful beats, a few golden oldies, some album tracks, some rollers! You'll have to come and see to find out...