It’s only a few years into his career, but life is good for Afrojack. Not only is he one of the most in-demand DJs in the world, but last month he also released his debut album, Forget the World, collaborating on tracks with Sting and Snoop Dogg. The Dutch electronic dance music DJ also holds one of the most coveted jobs in Las Vegas, a residency at Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand. His next performance on Saturday, June 21, coincides with his headlining gig the previous day at one of EDM’s biggest festivals, Electric Daisy Carnival. Las Vegas Magazine’s Kiko Miyasato recently touched base with the rapidly rising star.
Which singers/DJs/producers would you like to collaborate with?
I love Katy Perry’s music; I think she is extremely talented and she makes tracks that are different and put people in a good mood. She really pushes the boundaries, so I’d love to work with her. Actually, to be honest, I just want to hug her. I think that would be a good start. It’s always fun making music with my friends, too—Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Jared Leto—it’s all about having fun in this business, and the best music usually comes from these sessions.
What genre of music, besides EDM, have you been most influenced by?
I draw inspiration from so many different things, and that’s the great thing about music—there are so many different kinds that can change the way you feel. I like to think up unique ideas for tracks. Like, one of the songs on the album has a full classical orchestra, which you wouldn’t expect from a dance track. It’s exciting for me to blur the lines.
Some critics refer to EDM as a fad, given its rapid increase in popularity. How do you see its success playing out?
It’s exciting to see the dance music explosion in the U.S. right now and I’m so happy to be a part of the movement. I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon—I won’t let it!
On your website, you post your own photos. One recent photo was captioned: “Wake up. Be awesome. Go back to sleep.” When you’re not working, what awesome things do you do throughout your day?
It depends. It’s funny because people see me driving fast cars and playing sellout shows, and, yes, this is awesome in theory, but being truly awesome is about succeeding. So if I achieve one thing in my day that I set out to do, that’s awesome. Whether it be dropping a new beat, seeing family, meeting fans—it’s all part of it. Obviously living the DJ life is awesome, but that saying was more about achieving goals that you set for yourself each day. That is the message of the album, too. Focus. Work hard and anyone can be awesome.
Your residency at Hakkasan began in March. What are you looking forward to most about performing there the second time around?
The opening night was great and I was really happy with it, but as a performer there is always room to make it better. Now that I’ve performed at the venue and I’ve partied with the crowd, I’m stoked to get back there with a new set.
Afrojack spins at Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand Saturday, June 21, with Apster and D-Wayne. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. For tickets and info, call 702.891.3838 or visit hakkasanlv.com.
