Skip to main content
DJ Mag Top100 DJs
81
Deniz Koyu
3

This year Deniz Koyu has been focusing on getting back to his progressive house roots, working with his friends Alesso, Nicky Romero and others. His summer tour schedule was more punishing than ever with his festival highlights being Creamfields and a Silent Disco stage. “2019 has actually been one of the most exciting and adventurous years in my career,” he tells DJ Mag. “And on the private side of things, I also got engaged.”

Deniz’s ability to work well with others is in part what he is known for, although producing music on his own is something he's also pretty good at: “The reaction has been amazing”.

As for the coming year, he has his sights set on a show concept with new visuals and extra oomph — that and some exciting new solo material on the way. A few top-notch collaborations are also on the cards with Nicky Romero, D.O.D and Magnificence.

Do you submit your DJ setlists to the relevant royalties collecting society?

“This is something I’ve actually missed out on in the past, but I’m starting to get into it now for all festival shows worldwide.”

What more can we do to combat the mental health crisis in our scene?

“When an artist makes it public that they are struggling with mental health issues or having a burnout, I think they should get encouraged by our community and by their own team to take it easy, listen to their body and take breaks to recharge.”

Are you personally doing anything to improve the gender balance of line-ups?

“As I’m not creating any events of my own I guess it’s hard to have a direct influence on the gender balance of line-ups. What I would love to see in the future are more female artists getting into the music production world — a much more male-dominated domain.”

What changes have you made this year to be more environmentally friendly?

“Avoiding single-use plastics and encouraging others to do so as well. It’s an easy adjustment that takes no effort but can save millions of animals annually.”

What was your favourite toy when you were a kid?

“Everything Lego, especially their Technic series, and to be honest I still enjoy building them today once in a while.”

What’s your guilty pleasure?

“Chocolate Soufflé.”