Bringing the vibes to the Nexus Lounge Amsterdam, Laidback Luke joins the fun in our Take 5 series!
When you hear the name Laidback Luke, you might picture someone chill, lounging by the pool with a mojito. But in reality, the Dutch-Filipino DJ and producer is anything but laid back. With a career spanning decades, Luke is a dynamo, balancing high-octane DJ sets, producing hits, mentoring rising stars, and even throwing punches—literally—in martial arts.
Laidback Luke has been a mainstay in the electronic music scene since the late ’90s, delivering a signature blend of house, electro, and techno. Tracks like “Turbulence” (with Steve Aoki) and “Leave the World Behind” (with Swedish House Mafia) have become staples on dance floors worldwide. But Luke isn’t resting on his laurels—he’s continually pushing boundaries, experimenting with new sounds, and delivering fresh tracks that keep fans on their toes.
Most recently, Luke shared how the Chris Lorenzo Break the House Down collab came about, and it’s pure serendipity. It all started when Luke highlighted his classic Break the House Down in a TikTok about his track history. Chris Lorenzo saw it, got inspired, and reworked the track. Chris Lake reached out for the stems, and Luke happily obliged.
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Before Luke even heard it, Lorenzo’s version was already setting dancefloors on fire, with Chris Lake and Fisher dropping it in their sets. When Luke finally listened, he was blown away by how respectfully Lorenzo treated the original. Chris Lake offered to release it on his label, and instead of a remix, they dubbed it a full collaboration. For Luke, seeing his classic reborn with Lorenzo’s signature touch was “like a gift.”
You might find Luke in a dojo when he’s not behind the decks. A dedicated martial artist, Luke practices Kung Fu with the same intensity he brings to his music. In fact, he’s even competed in tournaments, proving that he’s as sharp with a roundhouse kick as he is with a remix.
Luke often credits martial arts for helping him maintain balance in his hectic life. “It teaches discipline, focus, and respect—qualities that carry over into my career,” he says. His Instagram often features snaps of him mid-kick, showing fans that DJs can pack a punch in more ways than one.
Luke’s influence extends beyond his own music. He’s mentored countless young producers through his label, Mixmash Records, offering them a platform to showcase their talents. Artists like Avicii and Afrojack have cited Luke as an early supporter, proving that his impact on the industry goes far beyond his discography.
Doing a masterclass at Tomorrowland Academy is a dream come true for Laidback Luke. He thrives on connecting with young, hungry talent eager to chase their dreams. Sharing his journey, offering advice on navigating the industry, and discussing what it takes to succeed are things he genuinely loves.
The Academy is the perfect setting for Luke’s hands-on, open style. He’s not one to shy away from candid discussions or even a little controversy, always encouraging back-and-forth dialogue with participants. His ultimate goal? To see everyone succeed. For Luke, Tomorrowland Academy isn’t just a teaching moment—it’s a space where passion and potential come alive.
As always, Laidback Luke has a packed schedule, with upcoming festival gigs, new music, and more martial arts practice. Whether he’s on stage, in the studio, or perfecting his crane kick, one thing is certain: Laidback Luke is anything but laid back—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The future of Laidback Luke is shaping up to be more exciting than ever. With a relaunch planned for spring, he’s gearing up for a complete rebrand—a new look, new sound, and a fresh creative vision.
Luke is already giving fans glimpses of what’s to come through his current sets and evolving style. “If you catch me now, you’ll see hints of the change,” he shares, brimming with enthusiasm. With big plans on the horizon, Luke promises that the best is yet to come.
To know more about Laidback Luke, including his celebrity crush growing up, listen to our full interview below.
