After scoring his biggest hit to date last year with the Afrojack featured single ‘Sad’, famed Dutch DJ/producer Chico Rose now returns to Spinnin’ Records with brand new release ‘Somebody’s Watching Me’. Teaming up with 71 Digits, the record is a powerful house tune including the vocal samples of the eponymous 1984 pop classic by Rockwell. It’s a timeless tune, packed in an addictive dance groove, sure to heat up every DJ set this season – out now on Spinnin’ Records. We had the pleasure of interviewing Chico Rose ahead of this monumental release.
Speaking about ‘Somebody’s Watching Me’, how happy are you with the finished product and its home on Spinnin’ Records?
“I have to say that I’m very happy with the song! We almost worked for 6 months on this song. Spinnin’ Records is a great label. I am glad to work with them! I hope you like the song! 😊”
With this release, you have followed up incredibly well on your track ‘Sad’, together with Afrojack. How have you enjoyed producing this future house/pop dance hybrid style since you’ve previously been producing within the big room house world?
“I am really digging this new style I’m working on lately. I grew up with more house stuff when I was younger. My dad always played a lot of house bangers at home. So that’s why I really love house music! I think we want to dance more nowadays.”
With releases under the big room house banner and now under the future house/pop dance banner, are there any other styles that you’d like to experiment with?
“Yes. I’m working on a lot of tech-house as well. Groovy basslines flying around lol. You can expect some of that soon.”
Over the past couple of years, you have collaborated alongside Afrojack on a number of releases. How have you found it to be learning under a well-traveled veteran such as Afrojack?
“It’s great to work with Afrojack. Before the corona we would work together for weeks in the studio. He is really really good with music and I’m still learning from him every time when we are in the studio. If we produce something new we ask feedback from each other via email of phone.”
If you only had 1 last collab remaining in your career, who would you like it to be with?
“Coldplay!”
When it comes to stepping into the studio, where do you get your main inspirations from?
“I don’t really have a main inspiration. What ever comes up in my head I try to give it a go.”
Keeping on the topic of production, what comes first in your process: the drop, the breakdown, the melody or all of the above?
“I usually start with the vocal and build a bassline around that. Next would be the piano chords and finishing with the drop. After that I start adding all the fx etc.”
When it comes to producing tracks, many artists struggle to find a balance between producing and regular life. How do you wind down away from the studio and are there any tips for upcoming producers out there to improve their workflow?
“I really love making music so I’m not thinking about finding a balance. I’m behind my laptop for 12 hours straight. Sometimes I will go for a walk or watch some videos on youtube. But that’s most tutorials or new music. I think if you really love music and producing, you’re not thinking about the balance.”
Ending the interview, would you like to share some exclusive news with us? 😉
“I think my biggest song is coming the end of May… Thank you guys!”
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