Exclusive Interview with Chuckie
Chuckie has been awarded several times for his work and received his first Award for "Best Urban DJ" in 2004. Nearly after a year, he prolonged this title and won the "Best Club DJ Award". In 2006 he was nominated by the Dutch TMF Awards, along with Tiësto, Armin van Buuren and G Spotts, for the title "Best Dance”. He has been the headliner in almost every Dutch credible event, such as: "Luxurush", "T-Dansant", "Indian Summer Festival", "Loveland Festival", "Heineken Fast Forward Parade", "Mysteryland", and , last but not least, in 2008 he’d been performing at Sensation White! In the summer of 2008, Chuckie was personally invited by David Guetta for his event at Pacha in Ibiza. "I discovered this Dutch DJ in Amsterdam. He is mixing the hip-hop vibe with house Music like no one else!" said David Guetta.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Chuckie, shortly before his performance at 808 Festival at BITEC Bangna on 9th December.
You have roots in Suriname (South America), but were raised in the Netherlands. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I was actually born in Suriname but moved to Holland with my parents when I was kid. In Holland I first discovered hip-hop but then I got into electronic music too. I was listening to breakbeat and drum & bass initially but then I also discovered, house, electro and techno. I was surrounded by a lot of different musical styles whilst growing up and I think that has had a lasting affect on my approach to making and playing music.
You are beyond doubt Dirty Dutch’s figurehead. How would you describe Dirty Dutch in general and your music in specifically in a few words?
Dirty Dutch and myself put out upfront electronic music that embraces various styles whilst creating something totally of its own. We have some really amazing producers signed to Dirty Dutch and it is always a huge pleasure for me to help bring through these guys that deserve attention.
Your track "I'm In Miami, Bitch!" with LMFAO was an international chart success and one of the biggest electro tunes of the decade. Besides that track - out of all tracks you have produced - which would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I don’t think you can really give a true representation of what an artist is truly about with just one or two tracks. I think that you need to have listened to a good few tracks to start to understand and get a feel for what a producer is doing, so I would just say head into my back catalogue and start playing tracks as and when you like. I’m proud of all the music I’ve ever made.
You have an impressive record of remixes for stars such as Michael Jackson and David Guetta. Could you point out some remixes that you are especially happy about?
Remixing a big artist is always a lot of fun and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some really great people throughout my career. Doing the only official remix for Michael Jackson’s “Hollywood Tonight” was definitely a career highlight. I always remember getting sent the parts and feeling as though I was alone with the King.
You run your own highly successful event series called “Dirty Dutch”. What can you tell us about the concept?
Dirty Dutch has always been about making music fun and bringing lots of different styles together in one place. Our ethos is one that embraces good music in any genre. This approach means that our crowd is always very open minded and that makes for a great atmosphere on the night – something that is always in full swing at our Dirty Dutch events. I’m really proud of that.
What are you currently working and focusing on and what’s on your agenda for the near future?
I’m touring a lot at the moment, plus working on lots of new music. We are always looking to constantly develop Dirty Dutch too. Lets just say I’m a busy man!
Besides your musical career you spend a remarkable amount of time in charity, amongst other things you are a ambassador of UNICEF Den Haag. What can you tell us about your engagements and what inspired you get involved with it?
UNICEF do such amazing work all around the world. I am lucky enough to be in a position where I can help people and I see it as my own personal duty to do so. It’s been very interesting getting involved with UNICEF and I hope we can work together for a long time to come.
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?
It’s all about packing light! Only take what you really need. The absolute essentials for me are phone, wallet and itinerary – without my itinerary I am lost. Travelling so much can be a pain in the ass at times, but it is always worth it by the time I’m playing music in front of a crowd.
You’ve been to Thailand several times already and played at Bed Supperclub in 2011 and twice in 2010. Did you keep that shows in good memory? Are you exited to return to Bangkok?
Yeah, I am always excited to come back to Bangkok. It is an amazing city to visit and the crowd has always been fantastic anytime I have been here before. You get a great mix of people at the shows here and I have never had anything other than a completely positive experience in Thailand.
On 9th December you will play here in Bangkok at the 808 Festival – alongside Bassjackers, Bingo Players and Steve Aoki. What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
Bangkok can expect a lot of energy in my performance. I am going to keep the crowd guessing, keep them on their feet and take them on an explosive journey through electronic music. In other words, I’m gonna be bringing the Chuckie vibe to Thailand!!