You might remember him for several stunning productions like “Casa Grande”, “I Feel Fine”, “Friends & Enemies” or “The Kingdom”. You couldn’t miss his remix of Max Graham’s “Sun in the Winter”, which went sky high earlier this year. The Dutchman’s flair for a beautiful melodic take on progressive trance has gotten the nod of approval from every part of the scene of electronic dance music. Markus Schulz, Armin Van Buuren and Tiesto, there’s no doubt you would find Estiva in their record boxes.
We had a little chat with the Dutchman ;
- Hello Steven, first of all a big & heartiest congratulations on so so so many releases this year, please tell us first the story of how Steven became Estiva, when , why and how?
Steven : Thanks very much! It has been a fantastic year already and there are more releases on their way.
I started to gain interest in music software at an early age. I thought it was at least as much fun as gaming on a computer. As I grew older, the software I used got more complex which allowed me to be more creative. In 2006/2007 I had my breakthrough; I released my first tracks on record labels. ‘Stella’ was a tune that got picked up by Armin van Buuren and my motivation skyrocketed.
Two years later I had my first DJ show, after a nervous week of practicing. It all came together and now, ten years later I’m still living a dream.
- You have released almost an album in 2017 more than 10+ tracks (Barba, Blossom, Dada, Unowa, Oxy, Doorlopen, Intergalactic, Little Planet, Barba, Tarmac) plus remix of that legendary track by Myon Albion, how do you manage time for all this and with what inspiration?
Steven : I used to find it really tough to finish tracks. I focused on every single little element, everything had to be perfect. I know realize this isn’t possible. And on top of that, it doesn’t have to be perfect as there’s beauty in imperfection. About 1,5 years ago, after a rough period inspiration wise, I said to myself ‘let’s have some real fun again’. I stopped caring about what people wanted from me and started writing whatever came up in my head. I felt freedom and with that came true inspiration. No longer I felt any kind of pressure and this resulted in a new way of writing music. It allowed me to work fast as well as it motivated me to work super hard and long hours. I’m just having a lot of fun in the studio nowadays and that seems to be the key for me.
- Last week on ASOT you announced, that you are planning to launch an album, so tell us more about it, album will feature all those tracks already released or more brand new ESTIVA ?
Steven : Oh yes! Big news for me! Since I had been writing so much music it felt right to start thinking about an album. My goal is to play a three hour set and just use Estiva tracks. This pushes me to write a lot of diverse content so I can have freedom in my sets as well, you know.. Show people different aspects of Estiva. The album is a step in to the right direction to accomplish this goal.
The album will contain a lot of new music alongside a selection of released tracks that I’m proud of and that I feel like fit the album.
- If the album features brand new ESTIVA tracks, please tell us more about what all collaborations you are going forward and with whom and why?
Steven : The idea is to really focus on my own journey. I have been doing quite a few collabs with interesting writers but if they’ll feature the album still remains unknown for now.
- Also, the title for your album is not decided yet, what all options are you thinking and what is the story behind that title ?
Steven : I have plenty of ideas but I would love to hear some input from fans. It would be very interesting to hear what they come up with, what they feel and think about when hearing my music.
- Any plans to visit India? Believe us, there are lot many fans like us in India waiting for you to visit soon.
Steven : I’ve been to India quite a lot but the last tour has been at least 8 months ago already so I’m starting to miss you! I absolutely love the food, big fan of all the spices! Whenever I’m in India a feel a huge amount of warmth and respect from the people, they seem to be really happy that I’m visiting them which is an amazing feeling.
- Who is Estiva in real life, full time producer or something else?
Steven : I do music 24/7, this is my life. Obviously, I like taking a break from all of it once in a while. I love sports, football and cycling are my favourite’s. Cycling is a great way to clear my mind as well!
- Since you have released so many tracks, any plans for launching a label of your own?
Steven : Statement Music and Armada are doing an amazing job for me right now. I don’t believe I could find the time to be managing a label right now!
- Currently who do you think your sound matches perfectly with which artist to collab with?
Steven : Eric Prydz and Sasha!
- Any message for Indian fans?
Steven : I promise you to come back ASAP! I know the support from you guys has alway been right at the top no matter what, so I’d love to thank you in person for it!
I’ve always wanted to visit India for a holiday trip, explore the diversity in the country. Would be great to combine music and a cultural trip together!
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