Yves V interview: Telling stories through the beat

Image: Yves V

Belgian big-room behemoth Yves V has enjoyed another momentous year as his popularity continues to soar. Featuring in DJ Mag's list of top 100 DJs and stepping up to the mark on multiple main stages across the world, the producer can count Tomorrowland, Sensation and ADE as some of his finest triumphs.

A slew of releases dropped throughout 2016 have seen Yves work with independent dutch label Spinnin' Records as well as Armin Van Buuren's Zouk imprint. His latest track,'Condor' is a fist pumping rampage of chunky pianos and pounding beats which sees the Belgian hit top form and gives his set an almighty bolstering.

Yves Y comes to Underground Liverpool on Saturday 5th November and we caught up with him ahead of this rare UK show.

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After breaking through on the Tomorrowland main stage (watch above) and playing numerous massive gigs like Mysteryland and TomorrowWorld, do you ever find it difficult to play smaller venues and have a more intimate experience with crowds?

I don’t think so. Tomorrowland is like my home, my family, but I enjoy playing the smaller clubs and venues just as much.

It’s important in places that are outside of central Europe, like the UK and Asia with residents, I always enjoy seeing lots of people come out to watch my sets that might not have been able to experience Tomorrowland. I want to get them excited by the music and energy and a small space is still great to connect with the audience.

You are the resident DJ for the festival, what similarities do you think there are between your role and a resident's role in a club?

It can be more difficult but it can be easier. For example, Tomorrowland has so many people visiting from across the world and some people might be waiting at the main stage for a headline act and then enjoy my set. But then some might not. It can be the same with club residents but I think it’s a good way to create a relationship between a club and an audience.

What do you enjoy the most about playing festivals?

New faces, new music, catching up with producers and DJs that I may not have seen for a while and the festival energy.

You hooked up with Protocol for an ADE show recently – what’s it like DJing alongside Nicky Romero and co?

It’s always fun to play alongside Nicky. I also did the Protocol show at Miami Music Week. ADE was super, I played a late set at the Melkweg with Nicky, Florian Picasso, Stadiumx and the other guys. I find it interesting playing with other artists I’m a fan of. It helps me to get inspired and excited and learn more about myself as a performing DJ. 

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How long have you been working on your latest track 'Condor' for, what inspired you to create it? 

I really wanted an upbeat track to work on towards the end of the year and I’d been working on 'Condor' for a while. The sound has developed since I first played the track at Tomorrowland Brazil in April, but the emotion and the energy are still there.

I didn’t want to include any vocals or toplines on 'Condor' like I have done with some of my other releases. I wanted 'Condor' to be bold but tell its own story through the beat which I hope people enjoy at the live shows and on their speakers.

Was it good to be involved with (Armada) Zouk again? What do they bring to proceedings?

It’s always cool to work with Armada, I have a great relationship with their team. It must be about four or five years since my last release with Zouk. It’s fun to get the process going and Armada have an efficient team that work with my own, so we can promote and distribute with the best effort. Armada is one of the best in the business, I don’t think I need to say anything else.

You’ve been on a prolific run production wise in 2016 with plenty of releases coming from you. Have you felt particularly inspired over the last year? Why so?

2016 has been a big year because you know I’ve been touring all across Asia, Brasil and Europe mainly but I like to get in the studio with my engineer whenever I can at home to work on some ideas.

I’ve collaborated with Laidback Luke, Quintino, Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman and a lot more on Mixmash, Spinnin’ and Armada in 2016, I like to keep busy. But as with the Protocol show at ADE, I try to take inspiration and learn something from each artist I work with and each track we release. 

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You're featured in DJ Mag's Top 100 this year, after featuring in the previous runnings, how important are those accolades to you?

It’s an honour to be included in the list at any position. The poll helped my brothers Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike for sure as they have been in the top two for three years now and it’s something promoters in Asia look closely at. If I’m #10 or #100 I still feel proud that the fans and the industry have taken the time out to vote for me in the list as one of their favourites. 

Do you think that these polls put added pressure onto DJs to have a massive social reach and following?

Not really, I don’t think it’s just about social reach or following, it’s a number of things that can change the voting. Smaller guys could get higher placing than some of the bigger DJs with a lot of followers, it doesn’t mean that all of those fans will take the time to vote. There are a lot of factors.

You’re heading to Liverpool for a show later this week, what are your experiences of the UK when you play here?

I enjoy coming to the UK but not the cold weather [laughs] I’ve always had such a good response when I’ve played but I hear the Liverpool crowds are totally different in a good way, a lot of energy. Excited to play out some big tunes and I hear the new venue Underground is fun.

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