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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
32
Quintino
48

Considering he’s climbed all the way from 80th place, it’s probably safe to say Quinten van der Berg is doing pretty well this year.

Truly, the Dutchman’s rise to stardom has been astronomical — “I pinch myself every year when all of it is getting bigger and bigger,” he tells us. First introduced to dance music by way of UK garage, Quintino’s love was solidified by Green Velvet’s 2006 killer, ‘Shake & Pop’. “I started to play for free during the summer in Greece, that's where I met Afrojack and we became friends,” he explains. “When I got back home I started organizing my own parties, that's when Laidback Luke heard me play, and after that it all started going really fast.”

Quintino’s mind remains open to all kinds of music, and he’s quick to stress he doesn’t want to label himself with one style or genre. “With my new EP, ‘Go Harder EP Part 2’, I tried to showcase my genre-crossing love for music,” he says. “Not sticking to just one music style. The EP has tracks ranging from raving electro to cool trap sounds.” 

A refreshing take indeed, and one that we’re sure will serve Quintino well in the future. BEN HINDLE

What have been the new frontiers for you this year?

“I just got a new studio that will be finished at the end of the year. We also started working on a new look for my shows with visuals — bringing it to a new level. We’re going to keep working on the show this coming year, so expect a lot of new stuff!”

Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art-form?

“It is important that people like to listen to your music at home or in the car, and like to see you at a festival or a club playing that record they fell in love with. That's what’s most important.”

What’s the best new bit of DJ/production technology, and why? 

"I’m a big fan of Ableton, so it was a no-brainer buying a controller for it. The coolest thing is that you don’t have to look at your screen anymore. It changes your way of thinking while making music.”

If you had to switch your style to another genre, what would it be?

“That’s very difficult because I really like lots of different kinds of music, but if I could choose I would probably go for the sound of The Neptunes from back in the day. A whole new style of hip-hop.”

As a fan, what is the top price you would pay to see yourself DJ?

“If I wanted to see my favourite DJ I would save money until I had enough to see him, even if it cost me a whole summer of work. I did this a long time ago when I was really young, and saved money to see Tiësto at Innercity. I will never forget that show.”

What can be done to prevent drug-related deaths at dance music events?

“I am really against drugs, but I think what’s most important is that people are educated. I don’t think you can stop it, so it’s better that people know how to use them responsibly. Make sure you know what you’re taking, drink water and also take care of your friends and help them when you think things are going bad.”

How can we increase diversity in dance music?

“Stimulate the music you feel like making, and don’t stay in the same lane the whole time. Like Jay-Z did with Linkin Park or Jack Ü did with Justin Bieber. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s the beauty of music.”