Exclusive Interview with Joey Dale
LEVELS presents the Thailand Debut of up-and-coming 21 years old Dutch DJ & Producer JOEY DALE. Only 2 years after graduating high school he already released his first track on the prestigious "Spinnin Records" record label and since then he has cooperated with artists such as Justin Prime, Alvaro, DVBBS and Hardwell - the collaborative track with Hardwell (Arcadia) was amongst DJ Mag’s Top 15 tracks of 2014. Expect a night of high-energy Electro- & Progressive House.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Joey Dale, shortly before his performance at Levels Bangkok on 19th March.
You are DJ & Producer from Rotterdam (Netherlands) that started producing House music at the young age of 16 years. In 2011 you graduated from high school and in 2013 you already released your first track on the prestigious “Spinnin Records” records label. Since then you have released several highly successful tracks and collaborated with artists such as Justin Prime, Alvaro, DVBBS and last but not least: Hardwell. Your collaborative track with Hardwell “Arcadia” was amongst DJ Mag’s Top 15 tracks of 2014. How would you describe your own music in just a few words and what other tracks, remixes or mix sets would you recommend as an introduction for someone that is not yet familiar with your sound?
I would describe my own music as energetic and melodious. Other tracks similar to my music are for example tracks of Hardwell, Blasterjaxx etc.
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and how did you learn and get into DJing and music production?
I got into dance music when I was 15. All my friends were listening to the CD's Hardwell mixed and everyone liked it, except for me. I was into hiphop and R&B and I thought dance music was boring. After some years I began to like it a little more and also wanted to make the people dance. That's when I started making house music, almost 7 years ago. I practiced every day for years and years and now I am here!
You enjoy a remarkable success at a very young age. Is it a gift or a curse? How do you manage to keep your feet on the ground?
It is definitely a gift. I worked so hard for it and gave up my education, study and work. It's really easy to keep my feet on the ground because where I come from we enjoy the little things in life that matter. The moment I land and I am back home I realise; yeah, this is normal life..
Your can look back on a highly successful and eventful 2014. What were the most memorable & the most terrible gigs you played and what were the funniest things occurring during your performances?
The best gig was in Prague during Magnetic Festival. I played as second DJ as part of a HUGE lineup with names like Fedde Le Grand, Quintino, Firebeatz, and the crowd was SO energetic! They jumped my whole set. The worst gig is a gig I did in The Netherlands. I'm not naming the promotors haha, but I played for literally 5 15-year-old girls............. But you got to start somewhere!
This year you are confirmed to open for “The Flying Dutch Festival” – also on the lineup are Fedde Le Grand, Showtek, Hardwell, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, W&W, Armin Van Buuren, Yellow Claw, Oliver Heldens, Nicky Romero and Afrojack. How do you feel when you see your name on the lineup amongst these huge names, especially as it takes place in your hometown Rotterdam?
I can't describe how PROUD I am to be part of this festival.. Playing in my hometown is always good but as a part of this lineup, it's amazing. My mother is coming with me cause she wants to see me perform and almost all my friends are coming too! Will be a great day.
What else is on your agenda for 2015 and what are you currently working and focusing?
Lots of gig for 2015 in a lot of different countries! Focussing on my releases now, end of March my new EP will come out on Revealed which I'm really excited for. Also finished the collab with Thomas Newson and a beautiful vocal track with Rico and Miella! LOTS of music this year!
Last year you made your first ever Asia tour and played in Taiwan, South Korea, India and Indonesia. How was your experience here in Asia?
I loved it. The crowd is always good and the venues always look great! Can't wait to be back in Asia.
On 19th March you will return to perform live here in Bangkok at Levels. Have you ever visited Thailand before? What can the Bangkok crowd expect of your upcoming performance?
Well, a funny fact is that I actually lived in Bangkok for more than 2 years.. When I was 0 till my 2nd birthday haha. My dad works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and when I was born he worked in Bangkok for 3 years. So I'm REALLY excited to be back in the city where I lived for 2 years haha.