Local Rockstars: Bram Fidder explains why DJing is like chemistry

Local Rockstars: Bram Fidder explains why DJing is like chemistry

Dec 31, 2012 |  by  |  Music
About the author
Born and raised in Amsterdam, lives to dance and dances to live on electronic music, has a small vinyl addiction, appreciates a little sarcasm now and then, thinks musicals are annoying and loves those moments where you lose track of time completely.

Whether you went out last weekend to check out an uber-geeky beat magician or a depressingly awesome indie rock band, we all know there’s always some serious musical talents rocking around the Dam. You might not recognize them all yet, but don’t worry, you will soon. In this series of interviews we talk to remarkable artists about their music and their inspirations.

With his 20 years, Bram Fidder is one of Amsterdam’s youngest DJs. His music doesn’t sound young though, his techhouse sets are awesome and have an old soul. He was discovered by Studio 80 in 2011, which was the start of his fast increasing success. He is now a Studio 80 and Lazy Sundays resident, played at a sold out Paradiso a week ago, and has his Berlin début coming up in Katerholzig in 2013. This kid is definitely one to watch. He just might be our musical future.

Up first, before we continue to the deep stuff, some quick questions to get to know Bram a little better on a superficial level.

Favourite holiday: “Queen´s Day.”
Favourite club in Amsterdam: “Studio 80.”
Favourite Amsterdam based DJ:Steve Rachmad.”
Favourite Amsterdam party organization:GZG.”
Favourite festival:Welcome To The Future.”
Favourite food: “Good Italian food.”
Favourite drink: “ Bacardi Breezer. Haha no, probably vodka. Although I’m into whiskey a lot lately.”

You recently turned 20. You’re only a few months older than me, which doesn’t happen very often. How did you first come into contact with Amsterdam electronic music scene? You must’ve been 5 years old or something.
“I skipped one class in school, so I was always the youngest. My parents listened to music such as Sting and Toto, so I’ve been surrounded by good music my entire childhood. I played the drums as well, for 10 hours a day and it drove my parents insane. My plan was to go to the conservatory, but my parents didn’t approve of the artist’s life and though I was too smart. Then I started to study journalism. When I came to live in Amsterdam my sister’s boyfriend took me to Paradiso and Studio 80. That’s when I started to learn how to play; I made a lot of demo’s and mixes which I send to all the clubs. Studio 80 noticed me and I got to play before Kollektive Turmstrasse.”

You’re one of the resident DJs of Studio 80 and it’s also your favourite club. Tell me about the vibe, what makes it such a special place?
“Without Studio 80 I wouldn’t be where I am now. Studio 80 is my basis. I used to be there 4 nights a week, to look at my role models such as Villalobos. The vibe is warm and everyone just looses themselves to the music. There’s also a great sound system for house, and the light technicians are great because they really react to the crowd. The line-ups are always the best. All international DJ’s want to come play there. ”

Techno and house, and every genre in between such as techhouse, deephouse and nu-disco, seem to become more popular every day. How do you see this developing?
“This music used to be more like rave music, but now it’s available for a bigger audience. There are a lot of parties, and not all of them are good. There will always be parties where I wouldn’t like the crowd. However, music is language. If you understand it’s all right. The genre will become bigger and bigger, just look at De Man Zonder Schaduw playing at Sensation and Joris Voorn remixing Swedish House Mafia. Underground will always exist though.”

Tell me one of your favourite tracks that does it well in clubs.
“Fathoms by Chymera! It’s great to enter a nice vibe. I use these kind of tracks to create some depth and tranquillity in my sets. This peace creates energy that the crowd can use to go crazy again on the next massive club track.”

What would your perfect location for a set look like?
“A beach where the party has been going the whole night, when the sun comes up. There are people on platforms as well to create warmth. Or 1000 people that are completely wasted at a warehouse with little light, hard music, stroboscopes and smoke.”

Do you have special rituals before playing? How do you (mentally) prepare?
“I chill at home and listen to hip-hop, such as The Roots or Cyprus Hill, or piano music. At home I’d rather not listen to techno. When I listen to different music I get inspired and transform those vibes into house music.”

Do you have tips and tricks for young DJs? Tell them your secret.
“Really commit to it. Be smart and think about what you want, make sure you play excellent, and utilize yourself at your full potential. Don’t just play and go out, make some mixes and put them online as well.”

What’s your ultimate DJ dream?
“Play at a party such as Time Warp at a proper time, like 04:00. I want to be able to play the crowd like Mathias Kaden. It’s simple, energy is chemistry. When you give energy, energy is created as well. When a DJ puts in a lot of energy into his sets, the audience will follow. Kaden is the best example of doing this. I would also like to make an album with my own tracks in the future.”

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