09/05/2023
Q: Please introduce yourselves.
Hey guys, thanks for having me. It’s a pleasure doing this ’14 Fakts’ interview. I am Dennis Quin, born and raised in Amsterdam, and I have been DJing and producing music for quite a while now. I am privileged to be able to make a living out of my passion, next to teaching at the official Dance-producer school called ‘Herman Brood Academy’ in Utrecht (NL)
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with and why?
That would be Kenny Dixon Jr. (aka Moodymann). I’ve just finished a remix for Louie Vega featuring the vocals of Moodymann, but I would love to have a coffee with Kenny for sure to see how he makes music, how he gathers inspiration, and just how he is as a person. Who knows if it will happen?
Q: If you were to have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Being able to time travel or jump in a time machine and travel back to the early 90s. I mean, I should have started earlier. I was focussing on my career in my daytime job in the early 2000s (no regrets whatsoever), but if I could go back in time, that would be nice and would improve my making records and playing music with the experience and sound I have nowadays.
Also, being back in the pre-social media era, absorbing vibes and living in the moment back then. I miss that sometimes. I’m not a social media hater whatsoever, but I would like to experience that again. It would need to be a big time machine with extra legroom required because I’m 6ft7 tall (lol).
Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?
I think I would go for the movie ‘Memento’. I love the mystery/psychological thriller genre and would love to make music that would fit the confusion/amnesia state of mind - building tension for a scene with a big orchestra and creepy noises.
Q: Who influenced you the most in your music career? And who influenced you the most in your personal life?
Definitely Kerri Chandler. He’s one of the main reasons I started producing music. He is a true professor when it comes to creating rich sounds and making timeless music. Next to that, I can call him a good friend since we’ve worked together on music and played back-to-back a couple of times. He’s one of the most genuine people I know in the industry.
Q: Tell us about your journey, the good and the bad that got you to where you are today.
I started DJing occasionally late 90s and only got into producing my own music in 2010/2011. Having no education whatsoever, just playing keys and being a total novice in the technical side of producing, I was lucky enough to work with some artists from 2012 until 2017 and get some ‘hands-on’ experience and training.
It’s been a long journey to be where I am today: staying consistent sound-wise and performing. The good aspects still are I’m focused and driven, but I can be down if I don’t have time to produce. For me, it’s a perfect way of clearing my mind.
Sometimes I am impatient and need to relax more, although the more relaxed you are, the more you should be working hard in the background. Things will happen eventually.
Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?
I used to be very disappointed when I wasn’t booked for a specific festival or event. The same goes for being rejected with my music, release wise. I realised ‘failing’ or being rejected makes me work even harder. For instance, some of the tracks I play don’t fit the established label imprints out there. So, I decided to launch my self-releasing imprint, ‘DQ Music,’ where I don’t have to discuss if it fits on my own label, and I can just let my creative flow lead the way.
Q: What is one pro work ethic that you would recommend to the readers/listeners?
Believe in yourself 100%. And as a producer, never stop making music. Even in the case of ‘writer’s block’, try to make edits, mix music, dig for records, etc. Don’t worry too much about what others think. Enjoy it and express your passion.
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
That’s a tricky question. I’ve always loved different (sub) genres, from soulful, moody and deep to raw tech(no) music. In general, I try to make good dance-floor-based music. I’m more experienced now and playing many shows, so I can see what works and what doesn’t. Finally, I try to make timeless music; it’s not about hype for me.
Q:If you had to follow another music genre, which one would you pick and why?
I would love to play the drums in a rock band! I had some drum lessons a couple of years ago, but unfortunately, I needed to stop due to a lack of time.
Q: What are 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
In random order:The Dutch House track that turned my head going out to a big club in 1993 is Pancake’ Don’t Turn Your Back On Me’ (WORK Records). The energy, the repetitive hook and the heavy kick drum really got me and still does. Aly-US’ Follow Me’ (Strictly Rhythm) is another example of the proper US vibe of house music that I first got on vinyl. The simplicity of the melody and the vocal gave me goosebumps forever. The last is Dreamer G, aka Kerri Chandler, ‘I’ve Got That Feeling’ (Madhouse). The record’s gritty groove, snare and total vibe make it one of my favourites.
Q: Recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would fit a perfect rave?
I recently played at ‘Noordwaards’ in Amsterdam, an industrial area where I think you could organise a perfect rave.
Q: Tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for this year.
My DQ EP, ‘The Gryphon,’ came out recently, which I am very proud of and got an excellent response. And after my Solid Grooves RAW single that just came out, my second EP entitled ‘Temptation EP’ drops end of June on limited edition fluorescent yellow vinyl. There’s already been some great support from the head honchos of Slapfunk (Samuel Deep and Julian Alexander) and Chris Stussy too.
I’ve got an EP ready to drop on Dungeon Meat, which will be vinyl only. Expect some nasty baselines and rawness for sure on this one!
This summer, my remix for Louie Vega feat. Moodymann ‘Seven Mile’ will be released as part of Louie’s Remix album ‘Expansions of the NYC’. And I also have a new PIV EP scheduled later this summer, which will be released across vinyl and digital.
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners don’t know.
I participated in the Dutch Strongest Man competition a few times, a kind of Highland games. Throwing hammers, pushing bars and lifting timbers... search for ‘Dennis The Dutch Windmill’, and you will see some videos from 15 years ago.