“To be honest, I’m happy to be ranked, but on the other side a number does not necessarily sell tickets for you. It’s the artist that people fall in love with, or it’s your music that makes people want to listen.”
-Quintino
Quinten van den Berg, aka Quintino, has had a huge year and he's not done yet. The Dutch DJ released massive tracks in ‘Devotion', ‘Aftermath', remixes of Sam Feldt, Galantis and many more. Oh, he's also been performing shows around the World while uploading new episodes of his weekly SupersoniQ Radio show and of course working on new music. Saying that Quintino is busy is simply an understatement. With Christmas and New Years right around the corner, he has an early gift for us all in the release of a new collaboration (officially out today, December 18th) called ‘Unbroken'. The track is a collaboration with Yves V and is just an awesome progressive house banger. I had a chance to ask Quintino about this latest release, his thoughts on DJ Mag's Top 100 Rankings, and many others. Check out the full interview below and be sure to support Quintino and his latest track ‘Unbroken'.
You are getting ready to release ‘Unbroken' with Yves V this Friday, tell me a little bit about the track and how it all came together? What was the process like?
“Well actually, I’ve had the melody for a long time, but couldn't find the right vocals. As far as the process goes, sometimes all pieces just come together and you have that match that you want and are searching for.”
What would you say the highlight of 2015 was for you?
“For me, it was doing so many big shows and a steady release schedule. I feel like I started a steady base to work with and from this point it can only get better and better.”
What can we expect from you in 2016? What are your goals?
“It’s a New Year and new goals. Of course I’m already blessed with all the people who’re coming to my shows, but I feel like I want to take it to the next level. I am really looking forward to 2016 and what’s next.”
What else to do you have in the works as far as new material? Any other collaborations?
“I finished my collaboration with R3hab and I’m also giving away a free EP of 4 tracks that I used to play at my shows. They’re just straight club bangers. I wanted to give something back to the people who always supported me and bought my music.”
Congrats on being in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJ's. What are your general thoughts on the rankings? Do you think people put too much stock on a number and being ranked?
“To be honest, I’m happy to be ranked, but on the other side a number does not necessarily sell tickets for you. It’s the artist that people fall in love with, or it’s your music that makes people want to listen. This is only a small recognition that you are doing well but it also works as motivation to work even harder.”
What are your thoughts on the current state of EDM? Where do you think it's headed in the future?
“I see that the overall dance scene is getting bigger and bigger. I don’t like the term EDM and I feel that it’s just music. Music you can dance to, and the BPM doesn’t matter. It’s just important to make good music, and I can see a lot of good music coming through. There are so many talented people out there! The future is bright.”
