You´re in the scene for many years now. first as Psyko Punkz and now as KELTEK. Can you describe the change and development of the Hardstyle scene from your perspective?
Yes it all started for me in 2009 with Psyko Punkz, but as you all know that stopped for me in 2016. In those years I experienced so many cool things together with Wietse, and also in the scene there happened quite some things of course. The scene had a big development, by growing more internationally and the whole hardstyle genre got more accepted. Things like Coone playing Tomorrowland mainstage is something I wouldn’t believe if you told me that 5 years ago haha. I think that’s a good thing, so the hardstyle scene can grow worldwide and have more people listening to this amazing music style! Besides that a lot of things are different between now and back in 2009. Stuff like social media, the online appearance, is very important, and there’s also a lot more competition. More music, more artists, so I really have to push myself to the max everytime to keep the KELTEK profile interesting for my fans.
Since the beginning of your project „KELTEK“ you released plenty of tracks. What are your musical plans for the year 2019? Can we expect some new tracks at Easter Rave?
I just released my Reverze anthem, and the Defqon.1 anthem will follow soon as well. In the mean time I’m very busy with new solo tracks, and also working on different collabs with Sub Zero Project for example. So yes, you can defenitely expect new music at Easter Rave, I can’t wait to show them!
Can you tell us the story behind your track „Valkyries“? What does the track mean to you?
It actually all started as a submission for the Defqon.1 endshow in 2018. I produced this track with an old Defqon.1 endshow on my screen, to make a track which is made for a firework show. In the end, unfortunately, it was not possible to use the track in the endshow, but Q-dance still really liked it so we decide to release it there. Later on they used the track in the endshow of Electric Love and Mysteryland.
Can you tell us your personal highlight of the year 2018?
It’s difficult to mention one highlight specifically, because I had quite a few. For me Defqon.1 was very special, where the UV stage was completely packed, which I didn't expected. Also the successes of my music, especially Dark Sun and Valkyries is something I’m very proud of. But also playing at Q-BASE and Project One (Ziggo Dome) was really amazing!
Do you follow any ritual before playing a gig?
Well, not a specific ritual, but I use to drink a few wodka’s before I go on stage haha
Aside from being a producer and DJ what are your interests or hobbies?
I'm a glider pilot as a hobby / sport. The love for flying and music grew together from when was a kid. This is something I did for quite a while, but I stopped it for some time now because I wanted to focus more on producing. I think I’ll start soon again though! Besides that, I love spend time with my daughter and my wife.