Roben Neal (UK / Ibiza) known under artist guise NYLP (New York Loft Party) came from traditional roots learning to mix by ear with vinyl before moving on to CD and then Digital formats. Placed 1st in the South Coast UK and top three in the UK at a Movida Corona World DJ competition, NYLP uses the turntable and mixer as an instrument, fully utilizing effects, scratching, acapella and DJ tricks, blending music in key and favoring the use of 4 Pioneer CDJ decks.
With a full time working background of open-format DJing, NYLP can mix all styles and genres of music with ease including exceptional mic work. Gigs have included festivals such as Glastonbury and Ultra Europe and in destinations such as Ibiza, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and the Caribbean, including 2 years DJing full time on 3 of the biggest cruise ships in the world.
We had an amazing chat with him as he gears up to perform at our first ever Official Meetup Party (Powered By Untold):
1. What brought you into DJing?
Back in 1999 a friend when I was at college had a pair of belt drive turntables, we had no idea what the hell we were doing at the time, no idea about how to cue up a track, about time signatures, nothing, bit ridiculous when I think back but this was before YouTube so we had no access to tutorials or anything. We had a lot of fun messing around and figuring things out! Eventually, I bought my first pair of turntables, turned 18 and figured things out by watching the DJs in the club! I remember seeing the Tidy Boys perform and they had a huge personality behind the decks, the way they interacted with the crowd and kept the energy of the music up, I knew from there on it was all I wanted to do!
2. Who are your influences?
Carl Cox and Armin van Buuren are huge influences to me, there are many amazing DJs out there but these two in my honest opinion are something else, if there was a God-level in DJing, these two would have it. Not many DJs out there could or can keep a crowd hooked for up to 8 hours and these guys do it flawlessly. As a producer, I’m constantly influenced by the music I hear daily, no matter the genre I feel there’s always something in everything that can trigger creative ideas and thoughts.
3. How excited you are to perform at the UNTOLD Meetup Party and what can the attendees expect?
Very excited! I’ve been performing the last 5 years at Ultra Europe’s meet up the party in Croatia and looking forward to now bringing the party to Romania’s doorstep as well! Will defo be turning things up with high energy, good fun, and vibes! On a scale of 1 – 10, I’m turning it to 11.
4. Tell us the top 5 tracks in your playlist right now.
1. Joy Kitikonti – Joyenergizer (2nd Phase Remix)
2. Armin van Buuren – Blah Blah Blah (Brennan Heart & Shifterz Remix)
3. Liquid Soul, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike – Untz Untz
4. Marshmello – Let’s Get Down
5. Puran & MakJ – Beast
5. Which is your favorite pastime?
Travel every time! That still counts as a hobby right? Otherwise, maybe a few Tinder swipes for lols whilst sitting on the porcelain throne.
6. According to you which is the best EDM act right now and why?
Armin van Buuren by far, the guy can never do any wrong. Once he’s behind the decks you better saddle up cos he’s got you by the balls and there’s no way you’re leaving! I hear he’s playing an 8 hour set at Untold, may Jesus have mercy on our little dancing feet soles!
7. Any special message to the attendees who will be heading to the UNTOLD Meetup Party?
Yeah, firstly a massive big up to all you solo travelers out there who are making the world wide trip alone for the pure love of the music, mad respect to all of you and looking forward to meeting you! To everyone else… let’s get this motherf**king party started!!
Stream his EDMLI Promo Mix here :
Get your passes for the Official Meetup Party (Powered By Untold) here.
Follow him on social media handles here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newyorkloftparty
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