NAKED AMBITION
Don Diablo’s fingers don’t just fall nimbly on the decks, they’ve also found their way into songwriting, production and label-running pies. And with that multitude of talent, this Dutch man’s produced two spanking albums of some electronic-hip-hop magic and remixed solid gold beats for Public Enemy, Laidback Luke and Mika – all of which have scored him chunks of chart and club success. Whilst in Singapore for his inaugural DJ set, we got talking to Don about his working processes, whether in the club, in the studio or in the nude.

Hey Don, tell us how your passion for DJ-ing come about.
I actually wanted to be in a band at first, as it seemed like a great thing to be able to make music with people who were just as passionate about music. But then, when I was unable to find anyone for my non-existent band and discovered the possibilities of producing electronic music, I decided that I wanted to be in the studio. Not only could I now be the drummer, but I also the guitarist, vocalist, product and so on.

Aside from music, you’re also known to have great tastes when it comes to fashion. Do you think music and fashion go hand-in-hand?
Without a doubt! As an artist, I have always been interested in the other aspects of the creative process, be it my artwork, press pictures, music videos or the clothes I wear. I think everything reflects on you as an artist. Music, art and fashion are all powerful combinations.

We heard you sometimes work in the nude…
Erm… yes and no. I don’t particularly like working in the nude. It’s just that sometimes I get so caught up in the studio, I don’t even think about putting on any clothes, or food in my mouth for that matter. There have been weeks where I don’t leave the studio and I sleep on the studio couch. It’s a very intense experience – it sucks you in and makes you forget about the world around you. And yes, my friends have to drag me out every now and then to have a bit of a social life on the side.

Yikes, but do you think you’ve more to learn as a DJ?
I do believe that technically, emotionally and performance-wise, I’ve grown as a DJ. I now play with four decks, go on the mic, have the guts to get out of the DJ booth every now and then to do the occasional crowd surf and I am able to create new beats on the spot, using several loops and a cappella with added FX. Having said all that, I definitely believe there is always more to learn! Better yet, I am still learning every day. I now approach a DJ set as a mini concert that should be entertaining in many different ways.

Read the rest of the interview in the February issue of JUICE, now out at these spots.

www.dondiablo.com

Text: Dianna Tai
Image and interview courtesy of: Zirca and IMD