Interview with Yves V

Yves V is a powerhouse in the global electronic music scene, known for his dynamic performances and genre-crossing productions. A Tomorrowland mainstage resident who has shared the stage with industry giants like Nervo and David Guetta, Yves has cemented his place among the elite. With releases on labels such as Spinnin’ Records and Alok’s Controversia, his hit track ‘We Got That Cool’ with Afrojack and Icona Pop became a global summer anthem, garnering massive support from BBC Radio 1, MTV, and more. A regular in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs Poll, Yves continues to make waves—not only through his own releases, but also through standout remixes for iconic names including Missy Elliott, K-Pop sensations VIVZ, and Afrobeat star JZyNO. His latest remix for Sonny Wern is out now, adding yet another banger to his ever-growing catalogue.

We had the opportunity to interview him about his journey, the creative process behind his productions, and the advice he would give to upcoming DJs. Here's how it went:

How did your journey into music and DJing begin? Was there a defining moment?

"I first started producing in the early/ mid naughties, I was originally a teacher which was a very “stable” career to leave but I knew I had to chase my dream and I never looked back! For me, everything changed when I became a part of the Tomorrowland family, I was the first Belgian artist to play the mainstage back in 2007 and I have been a mainstage resident every year! The rest, as they say, is history!"

Can you walk us through your creative process when making a new track? What usually influences you during production?

"It really varies. Sometimes I can find inspiration from a certain vocalist, other times I will have an idea that myself and my engineer put down in the studio and sometimes, collaborators I work with will open up a whole new way of thinking when starting and developing a track. It is so different every time."

You have such a huge list of collaborations with fellow artists such as Afrojack and recently, ‘Missing’ with Albert Harvey and Lena Leon - but how do you choose who to collaborate with? What draws you to working with other artists and vocalists?

"I collaborate with other artists and vocalists that I am a fan of, or love what they are creating, plain and simple. Weather its an established peer or an artist-on-the-rise, if I like what they are doing then that is the perfect recipe to connect!"

How do you balance staying current with trends while keeping your unique style?

"If you listen to my earlier productions from the beginning of my career, It was a lot more bombastic, commercial and big-room driven. Naturally, as an artist, my sounds has evolved and developed over the years but has always had house music at the core of it and for me, it's super important not to just follow a trend. These come and go and scenes adapt, but I always want to stay true to the music that excites me and to me that brings a sense of authenticity and originality to my fans also."

As a resident DJ at one of the biggest festivals of the world, we love seeing you play at Tomorrowland each year. How do you prepare your set before a massive festival like Tomorrowland?

"Tomorrowland is for sure my favourite event of the year, not only because it holds a special place in my heart and has been an integral part of my career, but because it is so mind-blowing in the flesh! It is a festival that is on a lot of peoples “bucket lists” and is one that I think for sure everyone should attend at least once in their lives. Everything from the hugely diverse line-up to the globally travelling audience who attend each year and make it what it is, the production of Tomorrowland is also one of the best in the world and its easy to see why so many people fall in love with it. I prepare with new releases and exclusive edits, always being driven by what I think the audiences would like to experience for a truly

magical time."

Do you prefer big festival stages or more intimate club settings?

"It varies, I love the fun of a big Summer festival and the energy that brings, sharing stages with my peers and friends but the intimacy of a club setting also has a different, magnetic feeling, knowing that audiences there are your fans and are there to see you headline will never get old, to me."

You have a big catalogue of remixes already, including your recent one for Sonny Wern. But is there anyone still on your dream collabs list?

"Having toured in the past with David Guetta, I’d love to collaborate with him one day. Alesso is also a name I’d really enjoy to work on a track with!"

You’ve been in the scene for way over a decade. How has your approach evolved over time?

"As I mentioned earlier, it's been getting to know myself as a person and a producer more and more over the years, and those things intertwining to evolve my sound. I’m very proud of the music I make and where I am at now in my career and I think that is reflected in the music I make to this day."

What advice would you give to upcoming DJs trying to break through today?

"Be original, copying the latest “trend” or imitating others won’t make you you! And always always practise to perfect your craft, put the hours in and the skill will speak for itself."

What upcoming projects or releases are you most excited about?

"I have an all-new single ‘Strike A Pose’ featuring Barefoot coming out on ALOK’s Controversia at the end of this month that I’m super excited for everyone to hear and get into the Summer groove with! You can keep up to date with all my releases and tour dates across my social media accounts and I hope to see you guys at a show soon!"