You are already known under your aliases ‘Shadowfact’ and ‘The BeatKrusher’. How and why did you come up with the project ‘Never Surrender’?
When I started my music career, I started as The BeatKrusher, with mainstream Hardcore. Later on, I started creating some faster tracks (such as ‘Hedde Drugs Op’ and ‘Het Is Tijd’). These tracks quickly rose in popularity and received more attention than the mainstream Hardcore I was working on back then. This was why people started to call me an Uptempo DJ. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that. I like Uptempo music and like to incorporate that in my sets as well. It just did not feel like me anymore. This made me miss the melodic chords, real instruments and melodies when I was working in the studio. That was when I started ‘Shadowfact’, my Freestyle alias with which I created music with a hands-up feeling, chords, melodies, vocals by a singer/songwriter.. simply putting more feeling/emotion into it.
Last year, I realized that my real love is and will always be mainstream Hardcore. When I realized this, I decided to restart my Hardcore career with a new name and a focus on the music I love most: Mainstream Hardcore, with Never Surrender! Now, I know I have really found my place.
Of course, I also still perform at Shadowfact here and there, but my main focus is Never Surrender!
You can find more info about this story in my first episode of “Behind The Music” on: YouTube.com/neversurrenderdj
How would you describe the sound of Never Surrender?
A mix between party sounds, real live instruments, orchestral influences and breaks. Always with a true message and story in the music and of course always with lots of melodies and rough kicks!
We saw on your Instagram page that you can play a couple of instruments. Which instruments do you play and how do you incorporate these skills in the production of your music?
When I was 6 years old, I started by playing the bass guitar and a few years later, I began to play the guitar. Unfortunately, I did not practice enough at that age to really master the instrument fully. When I was a bit older, I studied a four (4) year long music education where I learned to play the guitar, drums and piano. For some of these instruments I studied the basics enoughto be able to record and use the sounds in my music. The piano however became some sort of second love,alongside producing. To this day, I start my studio session every single day by playing the piano.
A few years ago, I also took some violin lessons. I did it because I really love to make orchestral breaks and the violin s my all-time favorite instrument. This instrument is such a challenge! You have to do this for the full 200% to really master it. Sadly, I didn't have enough time for it because my hardcore music also needs 200% of my effort. It's still a dream to pick up the violin again in the future.
Instruments have a lot of influence on my creative process; When I start brainstorming for a new song, I start jamming on different instruments and, by doing that, decide the main sound of the song. I always incorporate real instruments in my songs. In my opinion you can always hear if the instruments are real or samples, real instruments just give a deeper sound and dimension to a track.
Which artists do you admire and/or are your biggest inspirations?
Tha Playah, Nosferatu, Angerfist, Noisecontrollers, Headhunterz, Keltek and many more. But I also love to listen to cinematic music! It inspires me a lot because I love to work with those elements.
What can we expect from your set at Easter Rave? Will you play some exclusive new music?
Yes! You can expect a lot of new music, edits and bootlegs. It will be a mix between party sounds and Hardcore! Of course, we will all party our asses off and…you will sing as well :)
Aside from being a DJ/producer, what are your interests or hobbies?
I like to be in the gym (fitness) and enjoy snowboarding. I'm also a really big Christmas and winter freak (yeah I know.. It sounds weird, haha). Beside that I like to hang out with my girl, my family and friends and I love to party at festivals and events!