Joining us at the Technics Space in the Nexus Lounge in Amsterdam, Vato Gonzalez spoke with us about his time in the music industry, the difference between Dutch and British dance culture, and his advice for young musicians coming to Amsterdam for the first time.
After nearly three decades in the music industry, Dutch producer, songwriter, artist, and DJ Vato Gonzalez has explored the boundaries of house music. After his iconic ‘Dirty House’ phase from 2007 to 2009, he found real success after his music was featured on BBC Radio 1.
In fact, Vato Gonzalez has always had a lot of success in the UK market, a fact which he is very proud of. Discussing the achievement he noted that getting a track to go silver in somewhere like Holland – where the population is far smaller – is a lot easier than finding that same success in the UK.
When asked about the source of his UK success, he pointed out that his tastes align well with the UK market. In particular, he noted that he likes bass, which has always been very popular in the British house scene.
That said, he had no desire to dismiss the Dutch contribution to his success. On the contrary, he noted how much the Dutch spirit of collaboration has helped develop a healthy industry where many DJs can thrive and create incredible music.
“Dutch people have always had a sort of spirit of working together. I think that is deeply embedded into Dutch culture for hundreds of years… When I compare it to other countries, there’s fierce competition among young DJs while usually in the Netherlands, everybody kind of knows everybody else in the scene… It’s always been a spirit of open collaboration rather than gatekeeping and competition.”
One thing Vato Gonzalez has been really focused on lately has been trying to make the best rave parties he can. Unfortunately for him, he says that means making the parties he’d like to go to but ultimately he says that’s how it should be when you’re creating an experience.
Leaving things off, Vato Gonzalez had one piece of advice for all new artists coming to ADE.
“I see so many fresh faces, so many new people, and one little piece of advice I’d like to give to all those artists - take it from a guy who’s been in the industry 29 years - stop looking so serious! Have a little fun. You’re in Amsterdam, you're an artist. You’re not gonna be the next head of a humongous army. Have fun. Smile a bit.”
If you’d like to learn more about Vato Gonzalez, his weirdest ever sample, his Dirty House record label, and why he doesn’t ever sing Karaoke, then why not check out the full, exclusive, Nexus Radio interview? You can also follow his social media on Instagram for all the latest about his upcoming releases/concerts
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