I just wanna make people dance: DJ R3hab

With successful releases on Afrojack’s Wall Recordings and remixing for biggest pop stars like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Usher and more; R3hab has already made some buzz in the music dance industry.

The 29-year-old Dutch DJ and producer, who has been to India twice, is returning back to the country for the upcoming ‘Sunburn City Festivals’, which is coming for the first time to Hyderabad on Saturday.

During an interaction with the CityTab, R3hab talks about Sunburn, music, collaboration and connecting with fans in India. Read on!

(Excerpts from the interview)

How does it feel coming to India for Sunburn? What are your expectations from Indian fans?

I have performed at Sunburn earlier too, opening for Hardwell’s first tour in India. The kind of experience I had last year was overwhelming, hoping for some more fun this time. Performing for me is not only playing amazing music but it's all about the experience. It's my workout basically (laughs).

At what age did you start DJing? Where did the impulse come from?

I was always a big fan of music, I just started back home practicing and figuring out how to DJ. Then I started to play in local clubs just for fun, in the meantime I bought some software and tried to figure out how it all works. Those were the first steps to hone my production skills.

What’s your production process like when you’re in the studio?

I think it really depends on the vibe you're aiming for. If you’re aiming for a daytime vibe, you want something euphorically happy. Or for the end of the night, you want something that goes really hard, especially if your time slot during a festival is after someone like TIESTO or AFROJACK. Emotion though, that's what’s important.

How would you describe your music?

We tend to call it Chainsaw Madness, why it’s called like that? You listen and let it speak for itself.

Social media is a huge tool for artists to promote themselves and their work, how do you think this has affected your relationship with the fans, as well as your career?

I get really excited when I have a lot of social media activity before a gig. It is like people cheering before you enter the boxing ring. Keeps me updated about reactions from my fans.

Beyond making party music scene, what kind of impact do you want to make on a bigger scale?

I just want to make people dance! I always see people who work hard the whole week, save up their money to come to a show. What do they want to do? They want to come and just dance. It's not that complicated, but yet it is…

Is there any advice you would give to those pursuing a similar career?

Follow your dreams!

By:MEENAKSHI SENGUPTA