What is your name and role within the band?
Bram Fidder, i’m a DJ and producer from Amsterdam city. Thanks for this interview first of all!
How did you start?
I started playing drums at quite a young age. I absolutely have a passion and big love for tight rhytmes and especially played a lot of hip hop grooves. Then i moved to Amsterdam and found out about DJ’ing, some months later i became a Studio 80 resident DJ, that’s where it started.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Amsterdam. Absolutely love the city and i’m living right on the canals in the city centre with my wife and three children which are our cats, we are one family. Next to that i love spending time in my home studio there.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
It al starts in my head, if the inspiration is there i can directly hear an almost finished record in my mind. Then i start with the production, in which i most often think quite simple. My process basically is first making the foundation of the track which is bassline (two layers, one you feel one you hear), sick ravey kick drum and some tough sounding claps or percussion. Then i work on the break and making the track interesting for myself as that is my reference. Now that i’m talking about it in this interview i can’t wait to jump into the studio again, as i’m in Asia right now typing this interview in a 6 hour taxi ride.
What are you working on right now?
Last week my track with Weiz on vocals came out, it’s called “Rave On This” and is the first release of Defected Records new imprint DFX. I’m super proud on the release and to be the producer of the first ever record of the new label, it’s a big honor. I am working on multiple follow ups. Next to that i’m working on a remix and a couple of new tracks with different vocalist, i’m loving this rap-ish urban way of producing and arranging a house record.
What is your gear setup?
Currently very simple. I’m using the best MacBook Pro you can buy, and just great KRK speakers. After my trip in Asia that i’m doing right now i’m going to build my new studio.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I love food, traveling and nature. Does it affect my music? A definite yes! Life outside of music directly works out on how i feel, so if i feel good my music is gonna be way more vibing.
How would you describe your music genre?
Powerfull house with an underground edge.
Do you know any music theory?
Although i know music history a lot, i don’t really know much about music theory.
What are your plans for the future?
There is no plan, but i have a couple big aspirations. I would love to put my own record label in the world, being able to push up and coming artists that i really think are talented. Also i would love yo build out my “Rave On” concept with which we’re currently doing the #raveontour shows in multiple parts of the world. Next to that i want to become a better producer with every record that i put out and stay able to evolve soundwise in something bigger.
How did you get into music?
I’ve always been in music since i was a kid really. My father played many Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, The Alan Parsons Project, Enya, Sade, Dire Straits and Beatles records. I’d always loved music since i can remember. Favorite moments were driving far away when we went on holidays, lots of music on those drives.
What are you listening to at the moment?
All kind of top hits from the 80’s (i’m still in the cab in Asia).
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Casey Neistat
Pharell Williams
Scooter Braun
Quincy Jones
Michael Jackson
When are you playing next?
Playing at Ibiza this thursday, day after i’m having my own night at Toffler Rotterdam for which i’m super excited! Next to that i’m definitely looking forward for my show at Mysteryland and other festivals this summer.
Featured Photo Credit: Fanny van Poppel Photography
