Having enjoyed a successful run of quality output from the likes of Amy Root, Mees Salomé, Klangstof and OIJ since forming back in 2018, burgeoning Dutch imprint Reflektor Records continues its fine run of form into 2020 as it announces Crouwel as the next exciting addition to its ever-expanding label roster. Warmly welcoming the hotly-tipped Dutch talent for his eagerly anticipated Reflektor Records debut, Crouwel looks to emulate the success of his inaugural, critically-acclaimed EP ‘Chasing The Morning Sun’, as he presents his exquisite new sophomore package, ‘Floating’.
We sat down with the hotly-tipped Dutch talent to find out more…
Hi Crouwel, how are you today?
Im quite alright, thanks! How are you?
Where in the world are you answering this interview from?
I’m coming live from Amsterdam.
For members of our community who may not be aware, who is Crouwel?
Crouwel is a DJ / Producer who makes a blend of techno, indie dance, melodic techno/house. A blend of danceable dark beats with bright spacious melodies. I’ve been making music for a while, across different genres and have found my heart in this corner of the musical spectrum.
How did you first get involved in the music industry?
I started playing piano at a very young age. Ever since this has evolved into different musical adventures. Starting with playing in a band, to making edgy electronic pop until where I am now.
We’re loving your new EP ‘Floating’. Tell us more…
Floating is an EP that breaks down a track’s elements into different tracks. The main version of the song has a deep dark beat with a spacious ambient melody that can really take you on a ride. The track would be quite well suited in a DJ set, whether it is in the beginning or later in a set to add a little breather to get lost in. Because of the way the track is built, we were able to remove the beat and with some small adjustments create a synthapella that is the full ambient experience. The edit version is a quicker journey that hits on the core parts of the song more rapidly.
Creatively, was there any difference in your approach to making Floating, than to your previous releases ‘Do You Wanna Feel and ‘Chasing The Morning Sun’?
I usually have a similar approach to making songs. Often it starts with a groove and then I meet up with someone to collaborate on adding more elements. This time I worked with Chris Mulder (Yakumo Orchestra a.o.). He is amazingly good with modular synthesizers and has a rig that is very suited for ambient atmospheres. Together we sculpted the track to the next phase. I always love working together with others, and then tweak it a little on my own before looking back on it together.
How and why does the record fit on the Reflektor Records catalogue?
Ever since I was introduced to the people over at Reflektor Records I’ve had a great connection with them. They’ve done a great job with their Amy Root releases and seem to really understand the genre. I’m very glad to be working with them and look very much forward to this release!
If you had to describe your sound in three words…
Journey, together, deep.
Moving into some personal stuff, can you share a classic tune you can’t live without? One that really made an impact on you?
I have grown up listening to many different styles of music and still do, to keep myself open minded and aware. There are many songs that have had a big impact on me. I still listen to ‘Weval – Gimme Some’ quite often. It’s such a great song that I don’t seem to be able to get tired of.
What’s your favourite part of being an artist?
I love creating and sharing the things I’ve created followed by a response from an audience. To be able to affect others in a positive way is a very rewarding experience.
And you least favourite?
When playing live there is often quite a bit of waiting involved. In between soundcheck and show. Now that I’m focussed a bit more on DJ-ing it is less of a wait though and with my laptop I can entertain myself quite well. Luckily the positives way outweigh the negatives!
Do you have any other releases planned in the coming months? Can you give us a sneak peek?
I am currently scheduling upcoming releases. There are some cool collaborations among them including the amazing Colin Benders and Sjamsoedin. We are finalising them in the coming weeks, so hopefully I will be able to share more definitive information then.
Do you have any plans to tour as Crouwel once this COVID nightmare is over? Or is this more of a studio project?
I do plan to tour with Crouwel once COVID has stopped taking this grip on our lives. I look very much forward to it!
Any final words for the dance music community?
Thanks for taking the time to listen to my music. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy creating it.
Crouwel – Floating EP OUT NOW
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