THE TAKE 5 SERIES
Blasterjaxx
Thom Jongkind and Idir Makhlaf, better known in the music industry as the producer/DJ duo Blasterjaxx, are nothing alike. While one is typically outspoken and bold, the other likes to stay in the shadows. Nonetheless, their shared enthusiasm for and love of music is one common thread that connects these two characters. So, keep your ears and eyes peeled for Blasterjaxx, who is undoubtedly the future of EDM!
In 2012, the duo released their debut EP “Reborn,” which brought their progressive, big-room, electro-house sound to a larger audience. They collaborated with D-Rashid for the two songs: “Reborn” and “Where We Go,” which earned Laidback Luke to sign the tracks at his Mixmash Records label. A year later, Blasterjaxx had one of the most memorable moments of their young career when they worked with Billy The Kit on their latest production, “Loud & Proud.” Again, Tiësto was the one who personally approached the guys to sign the music to his own record company Musical Freedom.
With almost 20 releases and remixes under their name in 2021 alone, Blasterjaxx’s most magical endeavor thus far, “Mystica Chapter 2 EP,” is teased will be released soon. It’s going to be an ode to their big-room core sound with a combination of fantasy and music.
In the meantime, the duo sat down with us and let us pick their brains. Did you know that they have never sung in the shower, despite their love for music? I know, it’s crazy! Listen to our whole interview below to learn more, including their thoughts on robots and lyrics:
Q: Before we dig in, what’s next for you?
We’re currently releasing our Mystica Chapter 2 EP. Five songs are being released every week. This project is based around the mysterious world of Mystca. Here magic, fantasy, and music come all together. Each song has a unique theme more than normal releases we’ve done before. Music-wise it’s an ode to our core sound; Bigroom, as to how our fans are used by us. With Blasterjaxx we’re doing more different styles lately, from Bigroom, Progressive house to Hard dance and Hardstyle. Taking our fans into the world of Mystica is like a homecoming for both us and our Blastersoldiers and can pure emotional Bigroom being expected.
Q: Why did you choose to make dance music?
Dance music those us (haha). Growing up in the Netherlands, dance music has always been part of our culture and since young boys, we’ve been fascinated and embraced this music. From huge dance lovers, it was only a matter of time until we discovered the music production software and started playing around with it at the age of 14.
Q: How important are lyrics?
Lyrics can define theme of the song, it can speak more to some people than only instrumentation does. Lately, we’re experiencing the songwriting process ourselves and have some own written lyrics done and in the pipeline for the future.
Q: What do you think of Robots making music?
We believe that music comes from the heart and should be made by lifeforms with soul. Since robots don’t possess this gift, we shouldn’t even try to think of AI creating things like music. Robots will probably be of great help in the future, but hopefully always as executive tools.
Q: What’s something everyone should experience at least once in their life?
That depends on each person individually. Do whatever makes you happy, become one with the energy called life. Life is such a gift that people often forget to embrace it and enjoy the beauty it contains.
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Q: Do you ever sing while taking a shower or having a bath? Why is this popular? Do you ding in tune?
We’re never singing under the shower, yet we understand why people do; the natural reverb being present in rooms such as bathrooms enhances the vocal qualities and could bring more depth to hearing your own singing. Other than that, maybe it’s that when people shower or bath, they’re mostly alone and most vulnerable and confident enough to drop that shame.
Q: What was the weirdest habit you had as a child?
Good question, should ask my parents….
Q: If you could go back in time and inspire someone to make a present-day invention, what invention would advance humanity the most?
We would search our answers in the health area. It could have saved so many lives back in the day if people would have known the impact of hygiene on their daily lives. From the black plague to usual hand sanitation before surgery, there’s much more common knowledge about basic hygiene today than ever before.
Q: Can you dream of having a dream?
As far as we know not, but since they’re many individuals roaming this earth it might be possible that someone has this experience. Maybe with lucid dreaming, it would have a better chance of succeeding.
Q: What double standard is ridiculous and needs to be ended?
Ufff you got us here some tricky question. Let’s be honest, aren’t most (all) double standards ridiculous? Equality and treating everyone as fair as any other should be the standard nowadays. As long as different views are not being proven by science they shouldn’t even have the possibility to exist.
