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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
37
VINAI
6

After taking over the EDM world with huge club-ready hits like ‘Raveology’ and collaborations with DVBBS, R3hab and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike since forming in 2011, Italian brothers Alessandro and Andrea Vinai set their sights on the pop world this year, with ‘Into The Fire’ a marked shift from their usually fierce production style. “Growing means change,” Alessandro tells DJ Mag during a break between shows. “Our first pop song was really unexpected, but we learned and discovered a lot from it.”

2016 has also seen Vinai continue a relentless live schedule, enjoying slots at Tomorrowland, Mysteryland, Sziget and Summer Sonic Tokyo alongside their own world tour. But any Vinai fans concerned that the Italian brothers are shifting away from their trademark sound should rest easy, as the pair are clear that they aren’t turning their backs on the big room. “It doesn’t mean we’re changing our style,” Andrea explains. “We cannot hide that producing something different is a big wave of energy for us, but we will release some new EDM rockets later this year.” 

And ‘Sit Down’, their second collaboration with Harrison after the runaway success of last year’s ‘The Wave’, proves there’s plenty left in the locker from the Italian pair. ROB McCALLUM

What have been the new frontiers for you this year?

“Jumping into the pop music world.”

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

“Yes, of course. Most popular songs right now are electronic, and the electronic festival scene is growing a lot. So definitely."

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

“There are many toys on the market now and you can easily produce good music on your laptop using your headphones. But most of the best songs are still the result of long studio sessions with synths, instruments and collaborations. To go forward, you always need to look back to the origins.”

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

“What we are doing is bringing something that we love from different genres. Evolving into our vision. That’s our style and what we are.”

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

“If you’re a real fan you don’t care about price, but the experience. Sometimes tickets prices are high, but we believe that there’s a reason you pay €300,000 for a Lamborghini.”

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

“Just give more information to the young crowd about the effects. Some countries have initiatives and are working hard to let the people know that drugs are not needed to be happy.”

How can we increase diversity in dance music?

“This is up to the promoters of the shows, as everything is about the experience. People need to get an experience of everything they do; school, work, friendship, music, so we need to help them to believe in what we do to make them happy.”