06 Jul 2017 
Posted by Howard Rhodes
“A Discussion With Hardstyle’s Prodigal Son, Devin Wild!”
I think we all have a special place in our hearts for Devin Wild. Over the past 3 years this young gun has been perfecting his signature; not too soft, not too hard sound and as a result, Dion has found himself among some of the most acclaimed artists of 2017. Alongside a swathe of top notch releases, this year Dion created the Emporium Festival anthem alongside trend-setters Sub Zero Project. ‘DSTNY,’ is a triumphant and exceptional collaboration showcasing the raw artistic talent that these two acts have.
With the festival season in full swing we decided to catch up with Devin Wild to talk about his thoughts on the Asian Hardstyle scene, his favourite clubs to play at and his experiences growing up in the industry!
– Yo Devin Wild, welcome to Alive at Night. It’s great to have you here! First of all, how have you been recently? What have you been up to?
Hey man, I’m doing great at the moment, thanks for asking! I’m super busy with a ton of new music for the summer, so make sure you keep an eye on my socials! ☺
– Alright, let’s get down to business! So, a little bird told me that you started producing at the age of 9! Is this true?
Yeah, that’s correct. I started when I was about 8 or 9. I bought some simple sample and loop-based software and eventually I started playing around with basic plugins. I loved how technical everything was and it was a great way to practice.
– You have had some rather large bookings this festival season playing at the U.V. stage at Defqon.1 and on the main stage of Intents Festival together with Demi Kanon! What have been your favourite sets so far this festival season and are there any sets you are especially excited?
Yes for sure! I had a blast at Emporium where I made the anthem for together with Sub Zero Project and also at the 15 YRS of Scantraxx event in Chile! There are a ton of other awesome festivals coming this summer so I’m sure it’s gonna be fun!
– Earlier this year you visited Bangkok where you jumped on stage with Noisecontrollers to play your track “Breakthrough” at AnotherWorld Festival, what did you think of the crowd?
I thought the crowd was outstanding. They all seemed extremely open-minded and dedicated to Hard Dance Music.
– Do you think Asia is ready for Hardstyle?
They most definitely are! Hardstyle looks like it has a bright future in Asia.
– What has been the craziest event you have played at?
If you mean crazy in a positive way, my gig in Thailand was insane. Not only because of how intense crowd was, but also being in a completely different environment to what I’m used to was an eye-opening and amazing experience.
– What has been your favourite club to play at?
That’s a hard question! I wouldn’t say I have one particular favourite club to play at. I recently played at Discoteka Shock in Italy which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I also really like playing at Bootshaus in Germany and Fabrik in Spain.
– Have you ever had moments during your career where feel as though It’s too much?
No not at all, and I hope it can stay like that haha.
– You’ve been coined one of the youngest success stories in the industry, can you tell us a little bit more about what it has been like growing up in the Hardstyle scene?
I am over the moon that I can do what I love as a career. Having a great team like Scantraxx behind me, giving me advice and opportunities, they have really made everything possible for me and for that I am forever grateful.
– For you personally, what is the best part about being a producer/DJ?
Making music started as a hobby and it still is. When I make music I’m also giving a part of myself and when I see that people around the world like my work it makes me feel blessed.
– You have an exceptionally eclectic palette when it comes to Hardstyle, what are some of your biggest influences as an artist?
Listening to a lot of different styles of music but also producing other genres helps me to stay open to new ideas and influences. What also works for me is working with other producers. Everyone works in their own way and I find it interesting to understand my colleagues workflows.
– You recently previewed a hardcore track on your social media’s, do you have any plans on releasing it?
Haha I don’t have any plans for that yet you never know! 😉
– 2017 has seen a revival of the “2012 sound”, why do you think artists are going back to the classic sounds?
I’m really digging some new tracks in the old “2012 style.” However, I think we need to focus ourselves on the future If we want to keep Hardstyle fresh and developed.
– With so many new producers coming through the scene, do you think it’s important for artists to vary their styles or stick to what they know?
I think variation is important for a musical development but I also believe artists should aim to consolidate a unique style or sound.
– One of you’re latest tracks “Breakthrough” is nothing short of a masterpiece! What inspired you to create such an emotional song?
Thanks for the compliment! Mood and feeling is a big part of my inspiration. I was really looking forward to the summer so that was the vibe I made this track with.
– Where do you see the Devin Wild sound in 5 years?
I think it will still be really melodic but also with a some harder elements to it. I like to vary my sound so maybe there will be more influences from other genres.
– Finally, what did you have for breakfast this morning?
Noodles for sure. I have noodles for breakfast all the time.
A big thanks to Devin Wild for this interview! We’re always excited by his journey, so to jump on board, be sure to follow this youngster at his social links below.
DEVIN WILD
