Afrojack had a fruitful 2014, to say the least. As the year winds down, the 27-year-old Dutch DJ/producer can start tallying up his successes, starting with his debut album, Forget the World. The project displays his undying passion for music, along with stellar collaborations alongside artists ranging from Snoop Dogg to Sting.
Following its release in May, Afrojack took his album on the road, performing at the biggest EDM festivals around the globe. That's without even mentioning his current residency at Hakkasan at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which has only bolstered his presence on the nightclub circuit. All told, Afrojack netted a cool $22 million this year, as well as landed at No. 12 on DJ Mag's Top 100 list. Not too bad for an individual who has yet to reach his plateau.
Complex got the opportunity to speak with Afrojack about his debut album, the possibility of an Afroki project (with Steve Aoki), and why he wants to work with Kanye West. If all goes as planned, that dream will soon turn to a reality.
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Interview by Edwin Ortiz (@iTunesEra)
You’re performing at Hakkasan on Saturday, Nov. 1. Is there a different approach you take when playing at a nightclub as opposed to a major festival?
No matter where I play, my only focus is on the crowd and my fans. I want to lead the crowd on the best journey they’ve ever had and to make the night as memorable as possible for them. Obviously there are differences in elements of production, but there is not one thing I can say I do differently in regards to the tracks I choose to play. I always try to bring the best energy and music I can and put a lot of personal feeling into every set.
During a recent trip to Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to attend Hakkasan nightclub. It was without a doubt my favorite night of the trip. What is it about Hakkasan that sets it apart from the rest of the clubs in Vegas?
The production behind the performances is some of the most creative I’ve experienced inside a nightclub yet. I am currently working with their team on something VERY special for next year. Can’t give away too much yet, so you’ll have to just come and see for yourself!
You released your debut album, Forget the World, this past spring. It was a project you worked on for over two years, and the time spent was well worth it considering the crossover success you've gained from it. From a personal standpoint though, do you feel like the album made the impact you wanted it to make?
Absolutely, so much has unfolded since the release, and it’s all things I am grateful for. The album took things to another level for me, and it was awesome to work with so many talented musicians and artists. With the album I wanted to try new things and show my versatility as an artist, and it’s a great feeling to know I was able to introduce my fans to a different side of me and my music.
Now that you’ve had a few months to let the album marinate, do you have one record in mind that you connect with the most? How about the best crowd-pleaser?
The track I connect with the most would be “Keep Our Love Alive,” because it’s a dedication to all of my loyal fans who have stuck with me on this entire journey. The biggest crowd pleaser would be the track I did with Wrabel called “Ten Feet Tall.” I have pretty sick visuals that I use, and it’s such an easy track for fans to single along with.
Guests on Forget the World range from Sting to Snoop Dogg, and big names like Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa are balanced out with newer acts such as Spree Wilson and Wrabel. Still, there’s cohesiveness to the project that comes through in each collaboration. What did you do creatively to make sure each artist was used effectively, but still also followed the theme of the album?
That’s probably why it took so long to finish! My goal is to always make music that puts people in a good mood, and I think all of the artists who were featured on the album carry a good vibe with them, and that translated over onto the tracks. This album can connect with so many different people across all sorts of genres, simply by just putting them in a good mood from listening! We had fun creating music together in each session, so it basically sounds the same way as the experience of making the track.
You released Forget the World through Def Jam, a label that has historically been aligned with rap and R&B music. Now they’ve branched out into the dance/electronic world with you, Alesso, and the recent addition of Axwell and Ingrosso. What do you think this says about the music landscape in 2014?
The music industry is constantly evolving. For me, when I hear something that I can connect with it doesn’t matter the genre. In the end, we all just want to make music that our fans can connect with, so it only makes sense to have all types of music artists on one label. That’s what I connected with at Def Jam. The team allowed me to be myself and try new things regardless of the genre.
Forget the world, and do what makes you happy—that’s the Afrojack mission statement.
You’re now on a label that houses artists like Kanye West, Rick Ross, and Jeremih. In the near future, could we potentially see you linking up with them in the studio?
I would love to do a track with Kanye. I have even already sent him some stuff. His song “Runaway” was a huge inspiration for me. All those guys are so talented with their lyrics and beats I can only imagine the kind of sound that would be created with a collaboration or remix.
You sent Kanye West some music. How would you describe the batch of beats you sent him? Has anything come of that submission?
I am really inspired by Kanye and think his sound and style is sick. I’ve gone to a lot of his shows and even met him in person, so it would be an honor to work with him.
Wall Recordings has become a staple independent label in the electronic scene, as evidenced by budding artists like D-wayne. That said, how do you balance out running your own imprint and staying at the top of your game as an artist?
When you love what you do it never really feels like work. I have surrounded myself with an amazing team and together we make it all happen.
You’ve made some major records with other prominent DJs, such as David Guetta, Diplo, Steve Aoki, and more recently Martin Garrix (on “Turn up the Speakers”). In the studio, what are you looking for when collaborating with other artists?
I don’t start out with expectations from anyone. I simply want to see what we can create together, how our mood and ideas bounce off of each other, and we hang out and make music until the magic is made!
What are the chances that Afroki (you and Steve Aoki) becomes a full-fledged project? I feel like the fans would certainly approve of this.
Me and Steve have a long history together. Both of our careers as DJs budded around the same time. Maybe one day if our schedules ever matched up…. Never say never I guess.
Your face was recently immortalized on a postage stamp in your home country, along with other Dutch DJs Armin van Buuren, Dash Berlin, Hardwell, and Tiësto. How does it feel to be honored in such a unique way?
It feels great to be honored by my home country. It humbles me while at the same time lets me know I’m doing something right.
You’re nominated for two MTV Europe Music Awards this year: Best Electronic act and Best World Stage Performance. The show will be hosted by Nicki Minaj. So riddle me this: What would an Afrojack/Nicki Minaj collaboration sound like?
It would be dope. She would bring a whole new style to one of my tracks. It would be something so different than any other artist I’ve worked with because of her unique style and rhymes. Hit me up, Nicki!
2014 has been your biggest year yet. What can we expect from you in the New Year? A sophomore album? More eclectic collaborations? Share the mission statement of Afrojack for 2015.
2014 has been a crazy year for me, and I am so thankful for everything that I have accomplished. Next year fans can expect new music, a new tour and some exciting new collaborations. Forget the world, and do what makes you happy—that’s the Afrojack mission statement.
