Belgium’s Finest: Our Interview with Yves V

I can guarantee that you’ve heard a Yves V track during your last visit to a festival, no matter where it was in the world. The Belgian DJ/producer broke into this year’s DJ Mag Top 100 at #55, and looks to continue tearing it up as the summer continues to heat up. He has worked with plenty of big names including Sidney Samson, Promise Land, Don Diablo, and the big guys Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. Each of those tunes has gone on to be highly successful, and supported by names that are too numerous to list. We had the chance to talk to Yves about his musical inspiration, future plans, and his favorite songs. Check it all out below!

1. What artist or musical act has inspired you the most while in the studio?
   I don’t find inspiration from one artist or act in particular but across a lot of things. I can get inspired by friends, fans, people I meet on the road and the beautiful places I am lucky enough to visit. I’m a Green Day fan which might surprise some people and I’m a fan of Tove Lo’s sound that’s coming through, so that is what’s on my speakers at the moment!
2. You recently worked with Sidney Samson, Promise Land and Don Diablo – what appeals to you to collaborate with other producers in the industry?
   It’s the same as my answer above really, if I feel inspired surrounded by friends and my peers in the industry, then it makes sense to feed off this positive energy and create something magical.
3. What artist or musical act would you like to work with next?
   Coldplay would be a dream to work with.
4. How has your production process changed over the span of your career?
   I’d say definitely learning to let things flow naturally, if a production or another project has to beforced or just isn’t working; it isn’t working for a reason. My view has always been aboutdelivering quality over quantity, I take a lot more time on perfecting my sound these days because I want the track to be absolutely perfect.
5. How would you describe the feeling of walking onto the stage at Sportpalais Arena for your headline show? Tell us about that!
   Electric but at the same time it felt like a total dream! I was joined by Sidney Samson, Regi, MegaMen and a load of other friends to just throw a huge party. I had the Tomorrowland team produce the show so we had fireworks, watershow, lazers and huge screens that all added to the vibe. Looking out and seeing that many thousands of people erupting with cheers and energy for my debut headline arena show, was just out of this world.
6. How does it feel to see the Tomorrowland family expand to add TomorrowWorld and Tomorrowland Brazil?
   The electronic scene has been exploding in the US for a while, so I thinkit was only a matter of time before TomorrowWorld was born. It’s an amazing feeling and an amazing family to be a part of also with Tomorrowland Brasil, Brasil has one of the fastest growing electronic music markets in the world, so to be able to take the huge productions and top artists down there as part of the Tomorrowland family, was always going to be huge when it finally did happen.
7. What songs do you have prepared for your set at Tomorrowland this year? Any special previews?
   I’ve got a new solo production I’m working on and a few special edits in the bag, all will berevealed!
8. You have had many hit releases on fellow Tomorrowland resident’s Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s Smash The House label – how is it having such a great relationship with the pair?
   It’s great, we have been friends for years and to have the support of my fellow Tomorrowland residents – and #2 DJs in the world – shows that hard work and dedication can make anything happen.
9. What has been the best moment of your musical career so far?
   I couldn’t pick just one, there have been so many but most recently? I’d have to say my Sportspalais headline arena show, performing at the first Tomorrowland Brasil and entering intothe Top 100 DJs poll last year, those three are moments I will never forget.
10. What is in store for Yves V over this coming summer?
    I’m excited to head back to Ibiza for my residency at Privilige’s SupermartXe this Summer! I’ve also got some very special collabs in the works that are going to light up my sets but I can’t reveal who with just yet…

Finally: – can you please list your top 10 tracks of the moment for us?

1. Otto Knows – Next to Me (Original Mix)
2. R3hab vs. Skytech vs. Fafaq – Tiger (Original Mix)
3. Yves V & Promise Land – Memories Will Fade (Original Mix)
4. W&W vs. Blasterjaxx – Bowser (Original Mix)
5. Michael Calfan – Treasured Soul (Original Mix)
6. JDG x Samual James – Mumbai (Original Mix)
7. Yves V & Mystique – Step Into This World (Original Mix)
8. Eric Prydz – Generate (Original Mix)
9. Spada – Sun Sun Sun (Original Mix)
10. Alpharock – FAWL (Original Mix)