Laidback Luke
Laidback Luke talked to us about his vision of Ibiza, his productions and career.
If ita۪s musica۪s prerogative to change with the times, Laidback Luke is the master of evolution. The one time Chocolate Puma prot̩g̩ turned Dance Music heavyweight has a two-decade track record of doing things his own way, keeping versatility at the core of his every move. Hea۪s inspired the masses, rewired a worldwide passion for dance music and set a new precedent for fan interaction along the way. Add a whoa۪s who list of collaborators, remixes, global live credentials and a side line in professional Kung Fu and there is still no rarer breed of superstar DJ than Laidback Luke.
Since minting his debut release in 1995, Lukea€™s authority has only strengthened with the changing tides of dance music. Boasting collaborators to-date as varied as Diplo, Example, Lil Jon, Hardwell and Swedish House Mafia, his music shows a rare balance of both chart and credible club success. The wealth of remixes and personal bootlegs under his belt begs no exception, with credits ranging from Daft Punk, Green Velvet and Depeche Mode to Robin Thicke, Madonna and Mariah Carey. Adding house sideline Nouveau Yorican alongside wife and fellow DJ Gina Turner to the equation, his agenda continues to push boundaries and break norms at every given opportunity.
Passion project turned career altering label venture Mixmash Records has played a huge part in Lukea€™s overhaul of the music industry. A place where new music is discovered, nurtured and celebrated, the label has invested in the next generation of talent like few other of its time. With no formal musical agenda other than outright quality, the culmination of Mixmash and its Ones To Watch sub-label has unearthed stars, spotlighted next generation players and kept quality and creative energy at the forefront of this definitive career highlight. Avicii, Bingo Players, Knife Party, Afrojack and many others all credit Luke for his early support.
Beyond his recording career, the live arena is where the magic of Lukea€™s musical versatility is let loose. Spinning records from across the ages and keeping the a€˜skilla€™ factor at the forefront of his live sets, this long and prosperous career behind the decks has seen no short cuts or technological loopholes from the long serving DJ. Through his Super YouandMe concept, which to date has scaled the worldwide clubscene and has hosted a multitude of global festivals along the way, Luke and his army of prestigious peers continue to remind the world that the sound of a superstar does not waiver the right to have fun in the process.
Launching into the New Year with a brand new residency at Wynna€™s Surrender Nightclub and Encore Beach club in Las Vegas, the future has never looked brighter for the prolific Dutchman. The year ahead promises new music, fresh talent and an ongoing effort to invest in the future of electronic music at every possible turn. As enthusiastic as ever and with his activity engrained in the future of electronic dance music, Laidback Luke is still on hand to save the day one eclectic power move at a time.