Seth Hills, the Dutch young prodigy is one of the hottest acts in the EDM scene right now. At a very young age, he tried his hand over DJing & Production. As the years progressed, Sergio honed his skills and later in the year 2016, he burst into the spotlight. Since then he has been crafting stories through his sound and delivering pulsating beats.
The young-gun has gained an abundance of support from industry heavyweights, such as Martin Garrix, Axwell & Ingrosso, Tiësto, Alesso, Nicky Romero, Afrojack, and Hardwell, as well as releases on major labels like Revealed Recordings, Axtone and his newly-signed label STMPD RCRDS. His productions have been and always are a part of the STMPD RCRDS head honcho Martin Garrix’s sets. With key performances at festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Singapore, Mysteryland, Seth Hills is determined to spread his unique sounds all over the globe.
We got an opportunity to chat with him following the release of his newest single “RUSH”, check it out below:
Hey Sergio, how are you doing?
Hey guys, thanks for having me in the first place, I’m pretty good under the current circumstances. Of course, it’s really sad that all the bookings are getting canceled, but I definitely want to make the best out of it and make as many studio hours as possible.
You started DJing/Producing when you were 15, what influenced you to try your hand at it?
Actually I started with hardstyle music as some might know. I started with DJ’ing a little bit earlier than producing, but both when I was 15. I remember when I heard some tracks that I listened back then really generated so much love and interest in it, that at one point I wanted to make electronic music myself. I was already playing the guitar back then, but I wanted to take it to the next level. After around 2 years I was a bit stuck with hardstyle music and made the switch to electro/basshouse/bigroom since I felt way more creative freedom here!
Can you share the story behind your latest track RUSH with us?
I found out that drops containing heavy vocals working pretty well during live sets. So the idea started to make a vocal drop, but then with heavy Seth Hills signature basslines. I also wanted to keep the ‘less is more’ idea, so as little as possible sounds in the track but at the same time as catchy as possible.
‘Echo’ which you released with Crime Zcene is such a great track for festivals! How do you manage to come up with such catchy ideas while starting new tracks?
I remember I came back home from Tomorrowland 2018, and that night I really wanted to make something weird, something that would surprise people while hearing it. Also, something that isn’t even close to something that is already done before. In the end I almost finished the drop within the first night. I remember when I showed the sketch to some other producers that they were really surprised by the sound and some of them even said it sounded like a track straight from the future. And in the end, that’s maybe one of my biggest guidelines while making music, making music from the future, something that isn’t done before.
What significant change did you see in your career after you released under Martin Garrix’s imprint ‘STMPD RCRDS’?
First of all, I discovered that Martin Garrix/STMPD have got really, but REALLY dedicated and well-involved fans. They are so active and loving towards the artists, which was amazing for me to experience. But also bookings started to come more and more the more I released on STMPD. And of course, we did some really nice STMPD shows together like Ultra Singapore, Mysteryland, and Ushuaia. Altogether I’m really grateful for the opportunities that pushed my career to the next step.
According to you, how can a producer build his signature sound/style? Also, how long did it take you to find your sound?
I think most producers have this struggle at least one point that you’re searching for a direction that you want to go to with your sound. A piece of advice I always give is to try to keep as much fun as possible in the studio. Don’t force yourself to make music if you don’t feel the need to. And second; don’t overthink ‘your signature sound’. I personally think everyone has his or her signature sound since nobody is exactly identical. Just make as many studio hours as possible. The more you get into music, the more you will discover what you do like and maybe just as important; what you don’t like. In the end you’ll always develop your own tricks, sounds and approach to music. So your sound will come, just give it time.
You have performed at many major festivals across the globe, how would you describe the feeling of doing something you love the most?
It’s maybe a cliche, but the feeling is indescribable. You’re making a lot of studio hours so you fantasize a lot about actually playing the major festivals. I remember when I played for the first time at Ultra Singapore, I started playing and I shouted to the audience; ULTRA HOW YOU FEELIIING?! I remember I started laughing a bit in myself, because that was a moment that I realized I wasn’t sitting behind my laptop, watching the stream and fantasizing that I would play there one day, but know I’m actually all doing it by myself.
What is your favorite part of your workflow in the studio? Is it mixing, producing, writing melodies, mastering?
It would be great if you could tell us something about your lifestyle outside the studio. My favorite part in the studio is when the rough ideas I’m working on are starting to get shape. So when they’re actually starting to sound like drops. I also really enjoy doing mixdowns and masters especially when I get to the point where the track getting to sound like how I want it too sound. When I’m not in the studio I’m probably spending time with friends, doing some sports like boxing and fitness. Lately I also try to get as relaxed as possible while just watching some movies or series, which is very important for your mindset and a good natural balance between effort and relaxation.
Any message for your fans in India?
You guys are amazing, I receive a lot of positive energy and love from your country! I really can’t wait to be finally playing my music for you guys in your country and meet you guys. See you guys hopefully soon.
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