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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
59
Brennan Heart
6

Brennan Heart has had a massive year since last year’s DJ Mag Top 100 poll, having started his own I AM HARDSTYLE events, which have made global stops at venues including Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam and Space in Sydney. Real name Fannon Bohn, the Dutch hardstyle DJ/producer has also found time to release his fourth studio album, also titled ‘I AM HARDSTYLE’, as well as welcome his new-born daughter. “It’s been a crazy year again,” he tells DJ Mag, “‘I AM HARDSTYLE’ became the biggest-selling album of the genre, and although the scene in Holland has been evolving for decades, it’s cool to see hardstyle embraced everywhere now.”

Throughout all of this, Bohn has also found time to collaborate on singles with Zatox, Audiotricz and TNT, continue to host his weekly radio show on Dutch station SLAM!FM, SLAM!HARDER, and run his We R Music label, which has put out releases from artists including TWSTD, Chris Era and Bioweapon. But his next project looks set to push Bohn even further, as he’s asked fans for submissions for his upcoming book, (perhaps unsurprisingly) titled ‘I AM HARDSTYLE’. “During my career I’ve heard many unique stories of what the genre has meant to my fans,” he explains. “They moved me so much I felt it’s time to collect them in a book, to show that hardstyle isn’t just a music genre.” ROB McCALLUM

What have been the new frontiers for you this year? “I’ve spent a lot of time designing my I AM HARDSTYLE events; everything from the stage design, lighting and the audio-visual show. It all needs to be top-notch and takes a lot of effort.”

Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art-form? “Yes. Despite some producers copying and imitating each-other, it’s innovation in music that’s the art-form. There’s a great difference between a copycat and a trendsetter.”

What’s the best new bit of DJ/production technology, and why? “Technology is already at an advanced stage, so in my opinion there aren’t any big breakthroughs in that regard at the moment. There’s more attention to detail though, as plug-ins become more innovative.”

If you had to switch your style to another genre, what would it be? “The more alternative electronic styles always draw my attention. So I guess it would be hard-techno or something like that.”

As a fan, what is the top price you would pay to see yourself DJ? “A good show is priceless.”

What can be done to prevent drug-related deaths at dance music events? “Like it or not, drugs are out there, so it’s better to educate people so they know how to use them and look out for each other. In The Netherlands people are well educated about drugs, and that’s why the Dutch party people know how to use them.”

How can we increase diversity in dance music? “The past few years have seen a lot of unexpected collaborations being released, which is really cool. The dance scene should definitely continue with this and keep thinking outside the box. It keeps it fresh and open-minded.”