Digital Punk is the prophet of Raw Hardstyle that the U.S. has been waiting for. Though he has been in the game for quite a long time, it was with his ‘Unleashed’ series of podcasts and events that skyrocketed his name to the top of the list of “must know Rawstyle artists”. This man is a “Firestorm” of aggression and his dedication to his music and his fans are what makes his appearance on this tour vital to the progression of hard bass music in our scene. Digital Punk will be appearing in Mesa, Arizona on February 19th, Denver, Colorado on February 20th, and will playing at Basscon’s Wasteland on March 5th in Los Angeles, California!
What inspired your stage name?
There was a local DJ contest that I won! The only thing I didn’t have yet was a DJ name. I was a big fan of the track ‘Punk’ from Ferry Corsten. So ‘Digital Punk’ was born.
Were you a DJ first, or a producer?
Both to be honest.
How did you get into the scene?
A friend of mine was already a DJ. I already liked Hardstyle because every weekend I was going out to different clubs that played harder house music. So, naturally, I bought my first computer to produce music and bought my first DJ set. The first track I produced got me a contract at Seismic records back in 2005!
What was the first record you ever purchased?
Geal – Losin’ my Feeling (The Beholder & Ballistic Remix)
Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?
The Beholder & Max Enforcer!
Describe your first DJ gig ever?
It was terrible (laughs). I practiced a lot at home, but I had no experience whatsoever; so I didn’t know what to do with the delay in the monitors for instance. My second gig went a lot better!
What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?
Hard to tell actually… I have so many amazing memories. I guess my #1 is ‘Supremacy 2015’. I made the anthem for the party and got to fly over the crowd in a DJ booth when I was playing!
What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?
So many funny moments! But one of them was stage diving for the first time! MC Da Syndrome put me on the spot. I was jumping on a set of speakers in front of the crowd when he yelled ‘Catch Digital Punk! He is going to stage dive right now!’. I had no choice and jumped right in! Luckily they catched me, haha!
What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?
Music evolves constantly; It’s a natural process. Over time, music became more professional. Besides that, it has become very big worldwide.
Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?
I can’t wait to play in America. It will be my first time and I’m excited to meet my fans here. There are more shows planned so I can’t wait to Unleash the States!
What made you want to start producing Hardstyle music?
I was born to make music. When I was 4 I played guitar. When I was 10 I played drums. By the time I was 17 I produced all kinds of music. Hardstyle was becoming my biggest interest, because I wanted to make hits like The Beholder & Max Enforcer did! When I heard a new track from those guys I was like “Wow, I want to make music like this!”
What is your favorite track that you have produced?
Hmmm, I have a lot of favorite tracks. I guess ‘Firestorm’ is one of my favorites.
What advice would you give to up and coming Hardcore/Hardstyle producers?
Let yourself be inspired by other producers, but don’t be a copycat; do your own thing!
