We talked to Gigstarter PRO+ artist Anthony Suijkerbuijk about his career as a DJ, how he experiences corona as a DJ and gives tips for fellow DJs and artists.
Can you give a short introduction about who you are and what you do?
'I am Anthony, I am twenty-nine years old and also known as DJ BatuCada43. Together with my colleague Johan I am also known as DJ's 2Drive, a party DJ duo. At the moment I'm busy producing my own music and focus on mixtapes. I mainly have bookings for carnivals, private parties, weddings and birthdays. Besides working in music, I work as a bus driver in public transport. I am very happy about this, because despite corona, I can still continue to work. In my surroundings, I see that many artists give up their music and their work, that's a pity to see'.
DJ BatuCada43
Why did your interest in DJ-ing arise?
'From the age of thirteen, I practiced ballroom dancing at a high level. By listening to that music, I wanted to do something more with it. At the time, I had more than 50,000 songs on my computer and I started to practise on a small computer programme. From a hobby, this actually grew into playing for free at disco parties in the afternoon, to clubs and bigger parties. From here, you start looking for other venues and develop yourself as a DJ. The music I play is very broad, it depends on the environment and the location where I play at that moment. This can be from urban and dancehall to party music, when I perform together with my colleague'.
What do you find most interesting about practising your profession?
'The interesting thing is the evening itself, to be in front of the audience and give them an enjoyable evening. It's not just playing music somewhere, but it's about what the people want and what they like. The atmosphere of the people and the surroundings are very important for this'.
What is there to know about the work of a DJ?
'This varies a lot per event. In June, for example, I was allowed to record a live stream in a football stadium in Roosendaal, the Netherlands. For this livestream only one hour and 20 minutes was planned, but it took eight to nine hours of preparation and selecting music. You often have to check which songs you can or cannot use and this takes a lot of time'.
How did you experience the transition between 'normal' and corona in your work?
'Before Corona, I was on the road almost every weekend, playing somewhere. This was mainly in clubs and at parties. I experienced the transition from 'normal' to corona very quickly. Before we couldn't play anymore, I played during carnival, which was four nights and I could only do two of them. After that, it was announced very quickly that we would not be able to play for the time being. It is the uncertainty that you experience. You ask yourself when will everything be possible again? You fall into a gap, both in work and on a personal level. Music is a very good outlet for me and the restrictions made it impossible for me to do that. I started to do everything in my power to find a way to practise music in different ways'.
What have you been doing recently during corona in terms of music?
'I have been busy finding other solutions. I wrote to many companies to be able to give a live stream at a location. I have also been in contact with SLAM Radio, for whom I was allowed to make a mixtape for the mix marathon on Friday. This is still under review by the radio. I also responded to the live streaming at Gigstarter, which I am still waiting for. I have many plans for making my own music. Producing tracks is still a bit difficult, but I would like to work on this more'.
What are you hoping for and what do you have planned for 2021?
'I hope that by the second half of the year, we will have the freedom we had. That the nightlife will open again and the parties are allowed again. Right now, we have to get used to doing nothing. During Carnival, I have planned an open evening for 12 February in the local building for my neighbourhood. Then there's the 25th wedding anniversary in June. Other than that, nothing at all. Looking into the future, I would like to play in a stadium one day. My biggest dream is to be on the Tomorrowland's main stage'.
Do you have any tips for other DJs or musicians?
'If you have an idea, work it out immediately. I really wanted to do a livestream in the Roosendaal football stadium. I sent an e-mail straight away and didn't think I would get a reply. But I managed to perform there. Try not to think too big, start small and search locally and build this up slowly. I live by the saying: you never know until you ask!'.
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