Where are you currently based?
First of all, thanks for interview! My studio is based in Amsterdam, I live in the city center next to the canals and I really like it there. Walking around in this neighborhood in the evening, for me is the perfect setting to get inspiration from.
How did you first start playing music?
I started DJing at local clubs very long ago, learning how to beat match and playing with vinyl. Just at the moment I got that under control, the technology had evolved and the CDJs came with a sync button, which made the art of beatmatching less relevant. To be able to stand out again I thought it was the right time to start making my own music and so bought FL Studio (this was in 2007), which after a while I switched for Logic Pro.
What’s been happening recently?
I spent a lot of time in my studio developing my own sound, as want to explore the space in-between indie bands and electronic club music. I just released my album called ‘Enroute’.
Your album Enroute which is a collection of single releases dating back to 2017 is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting over this period?
After we parted Volt & State in 2016, I wanted to focus on making music without looking at what label to release on, or what would be right to do career-wise. Also with Volt & State we did lots of shows, what made me adjust all music we made, into playable version for the crowd to enjoy live. The music I make now, still has the progressive house melodies but is not 100% for clubs or festivals, but also very suitable for listening.
How did you go about writing the music?
When I’m in the studio I always start with writing a melody as a base, and I’m super picky about that. Sometimes I can spend 3 months straight, only writing melodies on a piano preset. If they don’t completely blow me away, I don’t finish them and just continue searching for perfect loop that exactly brings me the emotions I’m looking for.
Where and when did you record/produce/master?
The melodies of the first records, such as Moving On, Arrive, On Your Mind, Higher and Hold You Now, were made in Paris (France) and in Arnhem (The Netherlands) where I lived during the Volt & State era. The other tracks mostly from Amsterdam as I currently live there.
What programs/equipment did you use?
Logic Pro, Dynaudio bm5a mk2 speakers, Apogee soundcard, Korg MS 10 and a basic keyboard.
Josha Daniel is featuring artist on 4 tracks, how did you come to work together and what do you like most about his voice?
A few years ago, we (Volt & State) were working on a track with Devi from NEW_ID, when he invited us to come along to a live show of the band where his brother was playing in. I really liked that show, and later in the Armada studios we met again and found out we shared the same taste and ideas about music. Josha is also working in that crossover field between dreamy energetic electronic music mixed with indie band influences, which I think is really unique. Also I was blown away by his songwriting and voice. The fact that he can write, sing but also is a super talented producer, having his own style, I think is really special.
What’s your vision for the Quentyn project and your label Enroute Records?
With Quentyn (and my label Enroute Records) I focus on music that makes you feel you’re in a movie, cruising at night or daydreaming at a party. It’s right in that space between indie-bands and electronic club music – often influenced by the 80’s. What I used as inspiration for my album Enroute, soundwise would be if Swedish House Mafia or Avicii would meet Justice, Roosevelt, M83 or Metronomy. Also CHVRCHES, Miike Snow and Eric Prydz have been great influences for me.
With Enroute Records I want to build that bridge between Indie bands and EDM, genre wise it could be described as Synthpop, Indietronica, Electropop, Indie Dance but I’m not sure there really is a name for this genre yet.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Currently to Cobra Man, Metronomy, Roosevelt, Still Corners, Vargas & Lagola, Thomas Azier, Luttrell, Solomon Grey, Apparat, Justice, Klahr, problem solved and M83. Most of the time tho, I’m listening to the ‘work in progress’ Soundcloud playlist of Josha Daniel’s second album, it’s almost finished and the tracks are insane!
What do you like to do away from music?
I think about music way too much so mostly it would be chilling with friends, while talking about music haha. I love to take my little boat and go on the Amsterdam canals with my friends or chill in the parks. I love walking or running at night to get inspiration. My family lives in Norway and also really love to visit them over there.
How has your musical style changed since your previous alias Volt & State which you parted ways in 2016?
More freedom, which feels great!
What’s planned for 2021?
First we’re going to release remixes from my album tracks. I’m very excited about this as the remixers will be J.Laser (toured and collaborated with M83), Big Data, Roisto and Anoraak. After this I have some collaborations lines up with Lodola, Pikes, Antoine Larsen, Kashika and Andrew Shier. Some of these tracks will even be more indie band influenced. Also super excited we’re going to release Josha Daniel’s second album on Enroute Records, I think this really outstanding!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Eating pizza near the Amstel during the summer, would be my favorite spot and food combination. Already looking forward to that!
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