Afrojack on his music: It’s not about being cool

MANILA, Philippines - There must be people liking electronic dance music because it’s “in” and it sounds cool enough for their partying ways. Not that it really captures their sense of musicality to the core. 

In a one-on-one interview with Afrojack, one of the genre’s biggest stars, he debunked the idea of such music as just audibly embracing the essence of being cool and nothing more.

He expressed, “Just like in every culture, there are a lot of fakers that abuse a culture to become ‘cooler,’ and when it’s not cool anymore they need to find another or they feel ‘uncool.’ EDM, dance music, whatever you want to call it, is about sharing a passion, a love — not about being cool.” 

The 25-year-old Dutch DJ, who has done notable remixes of tracks from the likes of Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas and Psy, is currently working on new material as listeners would have to expect the unexpected come its release. 

He related, “I like to keep things fresh, do different stuff and surprise people with what I do. I want to step outside the box and I don’t want to settle to my fans’ expectations, but to exceed and overwhelm them.” 

The recipient of last year’s European Border Breakers Award, Afrojack performed in Manila last April during Close-Up’s Summer Solstice held at SM MOA Concert Grounds. 

For the experience of entertaining Filipino partygoers, he promised to return, especially that his schedule during the visit didn’t allow him to go around the country. â€œIt was a very hectic time, so I haven’t been able to do a lot of different things,” he remembered, “But just sightseeing and to be introduced in an amazing new culture was great. I’ll definitely be coming back soon.” 

Prior to that concert, a scheduled press conference was canceled apparently because he was not feeling well. But of course, with his craving for fun and love for sharing music with people, he shunned the idea of canceling or delaying his appearance at the gig he was headlining. 

He shared, “It really wasn’t a big deal. I never thought of it to cancel anything. It would have to be very, very, very serious for me to cancel a gig. I’m at my happiest when I perform, and whenever anything is wrong it all goes away when the music starts.” 

He added, “I love to be on stage and connect with my fans! That’s what I love most about my job. To share my music and feeling with thousands of party people and fans.” 

A month after his Manila visit, it was the turn of those aching to see the American pop trio Before You Exit. 

The Orlando, Florida-based band was among those who performed at The Circuit Fest Music and Skate Festival held at Circuit Makati late last month. 

Composed of the McDonough brothers — Riley, Connor and Toby — the band treated its fans (collectively called Republic of Philippine Exiters or ROPE) to a fan-encounter event held at Trinoma Activity Center prior to its Circuit Fest gig.

Before You Exit signed copies of its EP and welcomed ROPE members with personalized greetings. Connor noted, “We’re excited being here, especially that the percentage of our fanbase is so high in the Philippines.” 

The troika has just released its latest video, I Like That, exclusively on Seventeen.com. The new EP of the same title was released last February.