LUCKY 7: QUINTINO

Quinten van den Berg could serve as the poster boy for electronic dance music in 2014. Known to the masses as Quintino, the DJ-producer’s chiseled good looks, angular jaw and brooding come-hither eyes are common features amongst the Dutch – as is the high velocity of DJs exported from the Netherlands to spin like windmills across America.

However, Quintino is not your boilerplate Dutchman with a magnetic mug and a set of CDJs. He stands out by putting forth a fully engaging live show that connects to American youth culture. During recent performances at EDC New York and Las Vegas, uproarious cheers bellowed through the crowd when Quintino dropped his Spinnin’ Records-released track, “Go Hard.” As for his anthemic remix of John Legend’s love ballad “All Of Me,” which he collaborated with countryman AFSHeeN to create, audible sing-a-alongs and sobs of joy are the norm when Quintino plays this guilty pleasure.

You can experience the real thing all summer long during his residency at Sin City’s newest hot haunt, the Drai’s Las Vegas—still, this isn’t the only reason why Quintino’s feeling lucky...

What is the track that really sums up your childhood?
“I would have to say 'September' by Earth Wind and Fire. I grew up with all their music as my dad was the biggest fan of the group. The most beautiful and ironic part of it all is that I was born the night of September 21, the night they were singing about in the song.”

What’s the first record that you ever bought?
“This is a really hard one, but I started playing 2-step and UK garage when I was a bit younger and my first track was DJ Zinc's '138 Trek.' Still love this tune today.”

What’s the most embarrassing record in your collection?
“Hands down, Scatman John. Actually my grandmother gave it to me so I will never throw it away, but I will also never listen to it either!”

What track is guaranteed to make you cry?
“I don’t think I’ve cried to a track in a long time, it’s usually the crowd’s reaction that makes me want to cry rather than the track. That makes it all worth it.”

What’s an album that you’re currently into?
“Right now I'm listening again to one of my favorite albums of all time, and that’s N.E.R.D. In Search of... I'm especially loving the track called 'Bobby James.'”

What’s the most valuable record in your collection?
“The most valuable record is a Michael Jackson CD. I grew up with the King of Pop and he's someone who still both inspires and amazes me because music that never gets old is so hard to make, and that’s exactly what he did. When working on my newest track, 'Go Hard,' I really took that motto to heart, and I believe I have created a fresh, new track that will really speak to people for generations.”

What’s your all-time favorite track of all-time?
“Bob Marley’s 'Three Little Birds,' because, 'every little thing gonna be all right.' Music is this passion and always brings people together, and this song is the perfect example of that. It gives a good vibe and is so easy to listen to. He inspired so many people with this track - I just love it. I am a big fan of John Legend’s “All of Me,” which is why I decided to remix it with the legendry AFSHeeN. It was such fun to make the track. AFSHeeN is a super talented guy and fans can expect a lot more big tunes to come soon!”