Momentous interviews with  Martin Garrix,  Roger Sanchez  and  Max Vangeli

 

Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

The luminaries are coming to conquer the Middle East on October 31st. Sensation is all set with a star-studded line up for the very first time at Meydan racecourse. Saudi Gazette caught up with the world’s top DJs and EDM producers exclusively for our Middle East readers. Are you ready for revelations like never before? Hold your breath.



Joining the ranks on deck duty are Martin Garrix, Roger Sanchez, Max Vangeli, Hard Rock Sofa, AN 21 and resident DJ Mr. White.



 So far, the international festival has catered to 100 indoor editions entertaining a colossal crowd of two million in 32 countries. Their new outdoor edition ‘Source of Light’ features stunning performances including carnival festivities with acrobats, state-of-the-art visuals and fireworks during Halloween. Dress in white and join 15,000 people to celebrate the love for music in the city of Dubai.  Hurry and get the last few tickets online to watch your favorites perform live.

 

Martin Garrix



SG: You’re eighteen and taking over the world. How does that feel?



MG: I am happy with the way things are going and I’m very excited for what the future may bring!



SG: What were your alternate dreams- if you hadn’t become a DJ or Producer- what were you planning for?



MG: Maybe a classical guitar-player!  I just love making music and I couldn’t see myself without it.



SG: How do you feel knowing even non-English speaking countries know your music?



MG: It feels amazing sometimes I’m still shocked about how many people I can reach with my music.



SG: Do you think it could get better than this?



MG: I will see what the future has got in store for me. I am very grateful for everything that came on my path and I’m just going to keep doing what I do.



SG: Do you have advice for aspiring producers? Do you think technology can make anyone a DJ/Producer



MG: The technology made it easier to make music but as it’s so accessible for everyone, a lot of people are trying to become a famous DJ.



The only advice I could give is that you should work very hard and stay true to yourself. Try to be original and expand your network.



SG: What’s your style of music?



MG: Energetic and Melodic



SG: How does it feel when you get gigs playing alongside your idols?



MG: It feels great, I have been looking up to these guys for years. To be working next to them is like a dream come true.



SG: Favorite DJ?



MG: My favorite DJ has always been Tiesto, I remember looking up to him as a kid. Tiesto and me became great friends, it’s truly amazing.



SG: What has been the reaction of family and friends? What have you learned since Animals took over?

MG: My friends and family have been very supportive. I try to take them to my gigs if the possibility is there. It’s great to have people surrounding you who are motivating you.



What I’ve learned since Animals, is that you can never pretend that your track will become a huge hit.



SG: How do you feel about coming to the Dubai?



MG: I haven’t been to Dubai yet and I’m very excited! I’ve heard great stories and I’ve seen beautiful pictures. I think it will be an amazing experience.

 

MAX VANGELI





SG: Tell us about your latest project and what we should be expecting from you this year.



MV: Me and Antoine just finished our song called “Tonight”. I also did another record called DNCE which will be out very soon as well.  Lots of good music on SIZE coming your way this year!



SG: How do you think your label plays a role in facilitating your music?



MV: Well I would say there is a lot of freedom in general, but SIZE has definitely shaped me into something unique in guiding me in general.  It feels nice to have a home honestly.



SG: How do you think the EDM industry has evolved in the past decade?



MV: Oh wow that’s a crazy question because so much has changed I don’t even know where to start.  Let’s just say it’s all over the place now, which is a good thing.



SG: What has been the biggest accomplishment for you and what is your ultimate dream?



MV: I would say releasing an Album on SIZE and now my next goal is to one day release another album, but solo this time.  But with that said I have no idea when that would be, it’s not an easy task that’s for sure.



SG: What’s your summer jam?



MV: “Tonight” with Antoine on SIZE, to be released soon!



SG: What do you listen to?



MV: Everything BUT the house music itself.



SG: Favorite DJ or producer?



MV: The Prodigy



SG: How do you feel about performing at Sensation Dubai?



MV: I am so excited!  It’s going to be magical, one of those very very special moments.

 

Roger Sanchez



SG: Tell us about new music.



RS: I have been working on my S-man projects and collaborations with artists like Huxley, Oliver $ and other fresh names on the scene. Lots of music coming soon!



SG: How has the EDM industry evolved?



RS: It has become massive all over the world and taken over mainstream radio.



SG: Your biggest accomplishment and dream?



RS: To do what I love for a living is a big accomplishment and I look forward to continuing it! Having a loving family that can enjoy life and flourish is always my dream.



SG: Your advice to existing and aspiring DJ and producers.



RS: It’s important to follow your heart musically and be open to new influences but most of all, WORK HARD.



SG: What do you listen to?



RS: I listen to everything from House music to Hip Hop, Jazz & Latin. I’m into Bonobo, The Weeknd, Schoolboy Q and many other artists.



SG: How do you feel about performing at Sensation Dubai?



RS: I can’t wait to get behind the decks and rock with Dubai again!