2013 was the year that saw Russian prodigy Arty’s
transformation from a next-gen hero of the trance scene
into a DJ titan who’s performed at some of the world’s
biggest festivals. New singles ‘Together We Are’ and
‘Grand Finale’ both showcased his growing turn towards
the main stage and progressive house, and he was given
the chance to showcase them at UMF in Miami, as well
as Tomorrowland in Belgium, which he nominates as his
year’s highlights.
“It’s impossible to explain the feeling when you are
standing in front of thousands of people and doing what
you do best and love most,” Arty told DJ Mag.
57
ARTY
?29
From: Russia. Style: “Progressive house.” Best
known for: “‘Together We Are’.” Tune of 2013: “Mat
Zo ‘Lucid Dreams’.” Breakthrough DJ/producer of
2013: “Arston.”
58
Have DJs’ fees got out of hand? “Is Gareth Bale worth €100 million?” Has dance
music become the new pop? “Dance music is where it belongs right now.” If you could
be any animal what would you be? “A kitty, because everybody loves them.” Do DJs
have a duty to speak out about drugs? “It’s a duty of people who take drugs to be
aware of all possible consequences.” Should DJs do ‘heart hands’? “I do that, so why
not?” What would be on your fantasy rider? “To bring my family to all the shows.”
FADIL El Ghoul is R3hab, the Dutch DJ
and producer who is now one of the main
players in the Dutch house scene alongside
more established names like Afrojack and
Chuckie. Having made a reputation for
himself based on some mega remixes for
the likes of Lady Gaga, Madonna, Jennifer
Lopez, Calvin Harris, David Guetta and
Katy Perry, DJ Mag asked what he thinks
makes the perfect re-rub version?
“Embracing the original and giving it a
great swing,” R3hab explains. “I enjoy
creating that avenue for people that didn’t
necessarily like the original but end up
loving the remix.” Happily making the
most of MP3 culture for his sets because
“they save space!” R3hab is also enjoying
making his radio show. “On my radio
show, I let the records play and try to give
people the newest stuff every week,” he
explains, “while a live set, you play what
the room is asking for.” With a hectic
year that included shows in Vietnam and
China, plans for 2014 apparently include
“more music, more fun, more bass, more
girls”. DAVID MCCARTHY
?15
R3HAB
From: Holland. Style: “Energy.” Best known
for: “Jumping.” Tune of 2013: “Calvin Harris ‘Sweet
Nothing’ feat Florence Welch.” Breakthrough DJ/producer of
2013: “Lucky Date & Deorro.”
098 djmag.com
As he shifts increasingly towards the main stages,
Arty resists the idea he’s necessarily producing house
exclusively for the big rooms. “My music is on the edge
of different styles, and it still sounds more progressive.
My last remix for London Grammar ‘Hey Now’ can totally
prove this. And yeah, trance is still massive! Armin van
Buuren and Above & Beyond are headlining every big
festival, and they have huge support every time.”
As an artist who rose to fame on the back of his
innovative work as a producer, Arty says there are
challenges inherent in stepping up as a DJ. With
experience though, the whole world becomes his studio.
“You start to work in hotels and planes, then you test
out your tracks at shows and tweak it after. I think it’s
a good opportunity to develop your track in the right
direction.” ANGUS PATERSON
Have DJs’ fees got out of hand? “I don’t think so.” Has dance
music become the new pop? “It has de?nitely got more
popular to say the very least.” If you could be any animal
what would you be? “I would be a leopard because it is one
of the most beautiful animals in my opinion, but I wouldn’t be
mad about being a lion or a tiger. I love cats!” Should DJs do
‘heart hands’? “I don’t mind, it’s all about LOVE!” Do DJs have
a duty to speak out about drugs? “I just want everybody to be
safe and have fun at shows.” v?Bv?V?B&R????W"f?F7??&?FW#?( ??76vR&Vf?&RF?R6??r'??Vv?f???( ??