5 Things: Yves V on the Global Nature of Music

A That's series where we ask a personality to tell us five things specific to his or her life.

Yves V is one of the most well-known EDM DJs in the entire world. The Belgium-native is best known as one of the main resident DJs at the famous Tomorrowland Festival. But he also regularly tours around the world, in countries like Brazil, Dubai and India. And he is slated to perform in Shanghai on Friday, April 8 at MYST and in Beijing on Saturday, April 9 at Elements for the first time ever.

Before he was a professional producer who travels the world playing party music for fans, Yves V was a teacher. Since he was young, he had a passion for music and he was influenced early on by other DJs. He caught his big break after he recorded ‘Cloudbreaker,’ his first track on Smash the House. And the EDM superstar has been on fire ever since.

We spoke to Yves V as he preps for his upcoming shows and asked him five questions about life on the road and the global nature of his music.

What do you enjoy the most about touring around Asia?

I love the culture! I try to see as much as I can when I visit. I’m so lucky to get to travel and meet new people all around the world with my job. All the fans are so great out in Asia – and I love Asian food!

Why do you think your music has such global appeal?

I hope that the audiences that come and see me – at my own shows and at Tomorrowland – realize the happiness that music can give you. I want to make party music with a positive message and to put a smile on people’s faces. We really wanted to show that idea in the video for ‘Unbroken’ with Quintino and Gia Koka, too.

Who or what is your biggest influence?

The people I work with are my biggest influence. Every time I jump in the studio with someone new I learn something, which is exciting. And I’d say all the places I get to travel to. I try and find influences in local cultures, like music and food – another reason why I like Asia so much!

How do different cultures react to your music?

I think it would be [that there's a] different energy. Some places, like across Europe and the US, the fans all dance wearing crazy bright clothes and jewelery. But then in Asia, for example, the crowds will be more dressed up and take in the vibe – but they still know how to party!

What does a typical day look like when you’re on the road?

I’ll be traveling to my hotel before the venue and then I’ll grab some dinner and take a look around. I’ll sometimes do some interviews and promo in the evenings before my show, and if I have a day off I’ll try and plan something. I went skydiving in Dubai and that was insane! Excited to do it all again and see you soon in Beijing!

Show organized by Xin Wang 信望 event and booking agency.

Shanghai: Apr 8, 10.30pm-late, RMB150. MYST.

Beijing: Apr 9, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Elements, 58 Gong Ti Xi Lu, south of Workers' Stadium (by Lantern Club) 朝阳区工体西路58号 ,工人体育场西门北侧 (6551 2373)

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