Who is the DJ Yves V behind the decks?!

Yves V

ML&L - When did you start DJing and what or who were your early passions and influences?

Yves V - I started DJing over 20 years ago back in my home of Belgium, but a lot of people know me from the last 5 years or so I’d say, since my releases on labels like Armin Van Buuren’s Armada, Laidback Luke’s Mixmash, Smash The House and Spinnin’. My early passions and influences have definitely shifted but I still listen to techno and trance like I did when I first fell in love with music, but I’m also lucky to be able to work with guys like Luke and Nicky (Romero) who are inspirations and amazing guys to work with in the scene.


ML&L - How long does it take to produce a track?

Yves V - That really depends! Sometimes my studio engineer and I will refine a melody, tweak a vocal or add something more bombastic like a big kick or bass, so we could work on a project where the “bare bones” of it could be ready in a day. Sometimes, with collaborations especially, it can take a little longer to swap ideas, refine everything down and come to a finished track that we are all proud of and happy with, especially with such a busy touring schedule.


ML&L - Where do you draw inspiration from?

Yves V - I get asked this a lot and truth be told, travelling is one of my favourite parts of the job and I particularly love immersing myself in new cultures. I get inspiration from the places I visit and the people I meet – believe me, I’ve seen the most amazing sunsets in India, for example, that have completely filled me with energy that I’ve turned into a melody or synths on a track that I’ve wanted to ooze that feel-good feeling. Inspiration can be found in the most unexpected of places and also the most obvious.

ML&L - What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

Yves V - Guy Gerber & Chaim’s ‘Beaches’ is a phenomenal track, over a decade old and it still gives me goosebumps


ML&L - How do you see the balance between giving the crowd what they want and treating them to something new? 

Yves V - I think, as a performing DJ, it’s important to give both but it is a game of give and take. If the crowd are up for it and energetic, it’s great to play some classic edits and tracks that will get everyone involved. Like at my mainstage Tomorrowland set last month, I played everything from Daft Punk to my new collaboration with Carta that I’m super excited to be released soon.


ML&L - What event has been the most memorable for you?

Yves V - Tomorrowland, for sure! Not just being a resident of the festival but as a Belgian and an electronic music lover, Tomorrowland really is head and shoulders above the rest. Every year I return I think I’ve seen it all and then they blow my mind again! I always say that everyone should visit once in their lifetime.

ML&L - If you could eternally be stuck in one year's music scene, which year would it be?

Yves V - Maybe early 90s trance? That seemed like the crazy peak of it all across Europe, super fun and original.


ML&L - Can you tell us more about V Sessions?

Yves V - V Sessions is my party concept that I also extended into a radio show that is syndicated across the globe. I wanted it to be an extension of what I do, so at the parties we bring DJs, producers, vocalists that I’m a fan of over to play events at the likes of Privilege in Ibiza, for example. We have also hosted an exclusive V Sessions stage a Tomorrowland for the past few years, names like Eric Prydz, Kura, Quintino and more coming down to play sets. The radio show gives people a chance to hear my sound and style wherever they are in the world. I hope to keep evolving V Sessions further as the years continue on.


ML&L - What an artist must do to keep evolving?

Yves V - Haha, great question! I think staying true to what you want to do and following your gut is very important. With some artists it is better to stick to what they know and music that they are comfortable, tried and tested with. Other artists branch out and experiment and it can be the best thing they ever do.

May.Life & Live - Thank you for your time and for nice interview. May.Life & Live wishes you all the best! Keep destroying the decks!