In the heart of Amsterdam’s vibrant electronic music scene, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as industry insiders gathered for the much-anticipated Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). Amidst the dynamic exchange of beats and contacts, Nexus Radio had the pleasure of sitting down for an invigorating conversation with the eclectic Southern California-based producer and DJ, Dark Intensity. Known for his genre-spanning tracks and hit remixes, Dark Intensity’s work extends into Tech House, Piano House, and Future House, influenced by powerhouses like Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, and David Guetta.
Upon meeting at the Nexus Lounge ADE edition, Josh from Nexus Radio broke the ice with casual exchanges, “Hey there, this is Josh here for Nexus Radio at the Nexus Lounge ADE edition, and I’m joined today by Dark Intensity. Hello, what’s up?” Dark Intensity, grinning ear to ear, replied, “Not much, how are you today?” Despite being fresh off recovery from ADE’s relentless nightlife, he displayed unbridled enthusiasm for connecting with fellow artists and labels, a key highlight he looks forward to each year.
In discussing his musical inspirations, Dark Intensity revealed a fondness for nostalgic 2000s drum and bass that initially drew him into the industry. His latest project, a drum and bass mix dubbed “Take Me Away,” marked his adventurous foray into the genre. With nostalgia as a key inspiration, he expressed excitement about potentially exploring this new direction further, depending on audience reception. “I’m excited to see what happens,” he confessed, a testament to his adventurous spirit.
Although not working personally alongside Steve Aoki, Dark Intensity was approached to remix Aoki’s recent single, “Heavenly Hell.” This collaboration pushed him to innovate within his artistic repertoire.
Discussing the uptempo challenge, he excitedly noted, “It’s so exciting. I got to do a little bit faster tempo, type of production normally. Like I said, I do the housey stuff, so it’s around like 126, 24 BPM. This one was a little bit higher range, like 140 BPM. So I was really excited to do something new.”
As the interview delved into lighter topics, the ever-approachable DJ humorously shared his celebrity crush from his youth, Christina Aguilera, and his admiration for musical peers like Ian Van Dahl. Despite the professional recognition, such as being named “Best Remixer 2018” by The Remix Top 30 Countdown, he continues to draw inspiration from his industry peers and approaches his craft with refreshing modesty and passion.
Concluding on an exciting note, Dark Intensity teased the release of his upcoming track “Escape, You and Me,” expressing its revivalist essence. As the conversation wrapped up, the energy of ADE remained palpable, reflective of the synergy between Dark Intensity’s dynamic creativity and the ever-evolving music landscape.
For fans of innovative beats and remix brilliance, the full interview with Dark Intensity at ADE is a deep dive into the mind of an artist who perfectly blends the nostalgic with the novel. Be sure to tune in for more of Josh’s engaging interviews on Nexus Radio, where the pulse of the electronic scene is always alive.
