On the 2nd of July we attended Sensation ‘Angels & Demons’, a concept of ID&T, in the Amsterdam ArenA. One of the reasons that increased our anticipation for the event was definitely the anthem created by YAX.X and vocalist Brad Mair. So we decided to have a chat with Youri aka YAX.X at the event. Check out the interview below!
Thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us Youri! To kick off: you’re from Amsterdam, how many times have you visited Sensation already?
No problem! If I’m correct this is my 7th or 8th time at Sensation Amsterdam. I’ve had the honor to perform at the Deluxe area last year and at the mainstage in Mexico. This year I got the chance to make the anthem with Brad Mair which makes this my most special gig so far in my whole life!
Alright so you’re already very familiar with the concept of Sensation thanks to that. You made the anthem, how did that come about?
Well, I had sent some demos to Sensation and the music director decided that I would really be the fitting artist to do the anthem together with Brad. Sensation is of course a massive stage so the track had to feel big and I wanted to add the right amount of emotion in there that would connect with the theme ‘Angels & Demons’. I’m very happy with the result and I’m glad you guys like it!
Interesting! Your Sensation anthem could be characterized as progressive House but your focus is much broader than that right?
Yeah that’s true, in the past I’ve released on Pacha Music for example of which the sound is very different from the anthem. I can reveal that I’m currently working on a track with a Japanese DJ/producer. It’s correct to say that I’m broad as a DJ and producer but I do have some elements which are very important to me in a track; there’s got to be a good house vibe, it needs emotion and a certain kind of warmth.
We’re very curious about that Japanese track. Let’s discuss your performance tonight. It’s called ‘The Battle’ vs Mr. White. Considering you’re dressed in black I assume you’re a demon?
![Fotografie door @[303580366505611:Wildschieters]](https://i0.wp.com/www.festivalling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/YAX.X-Mr.-White.jpg?resize=480%2C320&ssl=1)
Haha yes I am! I don’t want to spoil too much but it’s going to be a real battle against Mr. White. We’ve spent months preparing this and I’m so excited to play this set. Considering genres prepare for something totally out of the box: hip-hop, trap, rock, it will all be a part of it. I really hope the demons will win!
Alright, you’ve made us even more curious now for sure! Obviously as a DJ/Producer you’re trying to balance out your life between studio-time, gigs & personal time. What’s your no.1 thing to do to relax?
I like to go to the gym you know. Sometimes that can also trigger inspiration for me but inspiration can come from anywhere.
Okay, time for the final question. Where will everybody be able to see you perform in the upcoming months?
I’ve got 2 massive bookings coming up soon about which I can’t reveal anything yet unfortunately. But obviously on the 16th July I’m playing at A Day At The Park and I’m a part of the Circus of Life stage on the 27th August at Mysteryland Netherlands. Really looking forward to those gigs!
We’ll keep our eyes focused on your channels & we’re sure our readers will do the same. Thanks very much for this interview!
No problem, thanks!
Make sure to follow YAX.X:
https://www.facebook.com/DJ.YAX.X.PAGE
https://play.spotify.com/album/1NTOJTBsMNUts0qS69YqRD
© Festivalling.com
Interviewer: Alexander Bouten