This week we speak with Dutch artist De Hofnar, who has recently released two fantastic tracks through Crosswalk Records. Be sure to keep up to date with his highly contagious brand of dance music…
1) Who are three of your all-time favourite artists, past or present?
It’s difficult to say. I love a lot of different genres of music and also a lot of artists. It differs from deep house to pop and hip hop to classical music. But artists that combine such genres – like Worakls – are really inspiring me. It’s another guilty pleasure, as Justin Bieber is doing the great thing of combining pop with dance.
2) Is there a particular tune that you have never got sick of?
A part from the classic hits that everyone likes as The Dire Straits – “Sultans of Swing,” which I just cannot get sick of. There is also one particular tune from Joris Voorn, his Röyksopp – “I Had This Thing” remix. It just goes right in the feels, combined with the deep production. That’s a masterpiece.
3) Describe your perfect day…
My perfect day is really simple. Just chilling with my friends with a barbecue in the sun, talking about the stupid and funny things we did in the past. But the perfect day doesn’t exist – it depends on your mood. For one moment, the perfect can be the high of playing at a major venue, the day after it can be just chilling with friends.
4) What would people who know you well say about you in three words?
Social, wilful and easy going.
5) Ideal studio layout…
Yeah, this is a good question. I spend a lot of time in the studio, so having a nice workspace is crucial for me. It all depends on workflow, I don’t need a lot of gear or things to get creative. So I would try to narrow it down to the essentials, remove all the clutter. One good interface, a really fast iMac, a midi keyboard and 2 good monitors is enough for me. I like to have a nice couch in the studio and some plants as well, just to give it a bit more vibe. If I could go all out with money I would just upgrade everything I have now: A better space, better monitors, more plants, but still keep that one couch.
6) What is your most valued material possession?
I’m not a really materialistic guy. You can call me a minimalist. I appreciate giving money to experiences more and doing things with the people I care about, rather than giving my money to materialistic things. Which doesn’t mean I don’t like awesome stuff. I only spend my money when it’s necessary and then I can spend quite some money on something, because I if I need i,t I want it to be a quality purchase. But to answer your question: let’s say the feeling that I had from my first money I earned as an artist and buy my iMac was just brilliant.
7) Is there something musically you would like to do more of next year?
It has always been a dream to perform with a huge orchestra. So hopefully one day I could achieve that dream.
8) Where do you want to be in 10 years?
The most important thing in life is doing what you want and surrounding yourself with people that you can trust. Producing music is the thing that I really like to do, and it’s my goal to do this until I’m 60 years old. Of course, like every DJ, I want to play at the biggest festivals. But I have had a tougher period just right before I broke through as an artist. This period made me more conscious about everything in life, and of course sometimes I would like my career to move quicker. But I would rather be a respected artist for several decades, than be a one hit wonder.