There must be something in the water in Holland, the country that has produced some of the world’s biggest and most famous DJs. One of the newest names added to the roster of Dutch megastars is certainly none other than Oliver Heldens.
I first saw Oliver Heldens play at Mysteryland in 2014, back when he was lesser known but quickly rising to the top of the scene thanks to a little track called Gecko. I’ve had the pleasure to meet with Oliver Heldens a few times since… From TomorrowWorld to Pacha and, most recently, Coachella.
Aside from being immensely successful at an age where most of his peers are playing beer pong at frat parties, Oliver has maintained a genuine sense of humility and humor that makes you genuinely happy for his house music reign in return.
Here are reasons why Oliver and his future house groove makes him a mainstay for the future of electronic music…
On the one hand, I’m working on more melodic and emotional tracks, and on the other hand some real club bangers with lots of bass.
He solidified his claim in modern music with a performance at Coachella
It’s one thing for a DJ to play Ultra or Tomorrowland – it’s another for that same DJ to play Coachella. Earning a spot on Coachella’s coveted lineup earns artists a top position across all genres of music.
”I’m really amazed by Coachella – lots of people told me it’s the best festival in the world, but it really is. The location is unique, but it’s the crowd that makes it so special. They’re really here for the music.
Also, the music is really diverse. There’s so many good, fresh names on the lineup that I want to see, but not just in electronic music – pop music, too. I’d love to see Kiesza, The Weeknd, Hozier. It’s people with identity.”
He’s got the Midas touch
His tracks really do turn to gold. After Gecko, his other original tracks like Koala, Pikachu and This enjoyed equally notable support and success, which helped him earn Best Breakthrough Artist and three other nominations at this year’s IDMAs. His latest single, Melody, made the Top 10 on Beatport only a couple days after it was released.
“Melody is doing really well, I’m really happy with it! It’s something different for me – it’s all instrumental and written with classical melodies. For Coachella, I brought four string performers on stage to play it with me.”
Even greater things are yet to come
Earning a residency at Omnia in Las Vegas and embarking on an aggressive world tour across Europe, South and North America, 2015 is off to a great start for the 20-year-old producer.
“I think this year will be one of my busiest years, in terms of touring. There are so many festivals I’m playing that I haven’t done yet.
[Regarding new music], I’m working on a collaboration with Tiesto, I did a remix for Calvin Harris’s Outside featuring Ellie Goulding) and I’ve got a new dance called Bunnydance that I’m really excited about.”
“I’m trying to develop my sound and expand my musical horizons. On the one hand, I’m working on more melodic and emotional tracks, and on the other hand some real club bangers with lots of bass.”
Heldeep Radio is giving rise to new talent
Heldeep is Oliver’s own radio show and outlet to premier new music. Approaching 50 episodes, Heldeep Radio earns roughly more than 300,000 plays per episode across YouTube and Soundcloud.
“I find so much new, young talent. I just did collaboration with Shaun Frank for a track called Shades that premiered on Heldeep about a month ago. It’s really amazing to see and I hope these artists get to play at festivals like Coachella or Tomorrowland next year.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bSPW7xZ4xs
He’s just spreading the love
When we asked Oliver last year at TomorrowWorld, “What is the key to happiness?”, he answered, “For me, the key to happiness is creating music, making more people happy, and being able to share my love and feelings with the music.”
Almost ten months later, we’re glad to see he’s still doing just that.
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