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Molek FMSandro Silva: The New Vanguard
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It seems like almost every DJ that comes out of the Netherlands these days makes a noticeable mark on the scene. Sandro Silva is part of the new wave of exports that the tiny country is churning out, and the classically trained pianist aims to keep his name up there with the rest of the best. JUICE has a chat with the affable producer about his thoughts on the scene and what will become of it.
The Dutch scene has fostered a lot of up-and-coming artistes, what is it about the electronic culture in the Netherlands that there are so many burgeoning producers concentrated in a relatively small country?
The Netherlands has always been a forerunner in electronic dance music. Since the ‘90s there were new trends and competition was always very high. That benefits the overall quality of dance music and challenges every producer and DJ to be the best in what they do.
With so many people in the scene, how did you craft your unique sound to set yourself apart from the crowd?
I was and I’m still thinking outside of the box. I think that’s the key to setting yourself apart from other people. For me the sound I am trying to create has to work and I have to feel it as well. I’m not gonna do something that works for a lot of people but not for me.
You grew up with a musical background as a pianist, primarily. Would you ever consider moving out of the electronic sphere that you’re in to do something more analogue?
Good question and it’s something that I definitely want to incorporate in my future songs, I’m not gonna make a switch but the mix between analogue and electronic music always touched me. Right now my songs are mostly functional with big drops, but I try to show my piano skills in the breaks. I want to do more with this musical background in the future, so people will definitely gonna hear it in my future songs.
What has been the standout moment for you in your career thus far?
For me the success of my own tracks. We gave EDM a new face with the big room drop, and I’m so proud to see it works so well live no matter the crowd!
If you weren’t into music at the moment, what do you think you would be doing?
I would do something with sports I think, l’m a big soccer fan!
If you could collaborate with anyone at all, who would it be and why?
Calvin Harris. He is supporting me for a while now and let me remix his single ‘Bounce’ when I was really young. That means a lot to me, because he is a big example for me to follow!
Any upcoming plans for the rest of 2014?
A lot of new music is coming up! I’m working hard in the studio and results are really good! Also a lot of shows planned and I can’t wait to play out all my new songs to all my fans!
How did the “Silva” in your name come about, and does it have anything to do with your ancestry?
A little bit! Silva is a common Brazilian name and Sandro is my real first name. So when I put Silva behind it, it was a perfect match. My parents are from Surinam, that’s next to Brazil, so that’s why I chose for something from that region.
Where do you see yourself in five years, as well as the EDM scene in general?
EDM is changing fast, so it’s hard to say where it’s gonna be in 5 years. I hope to see myself as a steady name in the rankings and doing great shows like I’m doing now. I really enjoy touring all over the world and play out new music that I produced in my studio.
What are your favourite softwares that you use to produce music at the moment?
Reason 7.0 is my favourite software. I’ve been working with it for the last 5 years and it has never let me down!
Are there any up-and-coming artistes that you think we should keep an eye out for?
I made a record with a guy called Arston. He is amazingly talented and he is definitely a guy to keep an eye out for.
Sandro Silva is set to play at Mysterious on Saturday 26 April ’14 at MIECC.