SFEER00007 / VINCE ALPHEN (BE)

For this edition of the SFEER interview series, we sat down with Vince Alphen, an Antwerp based DJ  producer and ofcourse Sfeerbeheer-resident, blending trance and uplifting club sounds. After recently releasing his EP and joining Capture Bookings, he is steadily carving out his place in the scene. Here is his story: 

You recently released an EP and joined an agency. What does this moment in your career feel like for you?

It honestly felt like a tipping point that I never really expected or planned. For a long time I always saw DJing and producing mainly as a hobby I enjoyed doing next to everything else. But joining an agency and releasing music pushed me to take things more seriously and start working towards more consistent productions and releases.

When did you realise DJing and producing were becoming more than just a hobby for you?

The moment I got asked to join Capture Bookings was when things really shifted for me mentally. Until then it was something I just loved doing, but that moment made me realise that people actually believed in what I was building and that I could take this path more seriously.

How would you describe your sound to someone hearing your music for the first time?

I would say it’s a mix of uplifting and happy vibes in a chill setting. The kind of sound that isn’t overly aggressive but still carries energy. Something people can just vibe away to, whether they’re dancing in a club or simply listening and enjoying the atmosphere.

Since releasing your EP, have you noticed any changes in how people react to your music or how promoters approach you?

Definitely in how people see me as an artist. The EP showed another side of what I can create. Interestingly, the music I produce isn’t always exactly what I would play in a set, which sometimes surprises people and makes them look at my sound from a different perspective.

What was the starting point for your EP in the studio, and what connects the tracks together?

The starting point was Where Did You Go. I wanted to make something uplifting after going through a few difficult months. That energy led to Believe afterwards. Sofie in Morocco came when I joined the agency, where I wanted to diversify my sound and explore another direction.

Is there a sound or production element you’re constantly trying to improve in your tracks?

For me it’s always the drums. I try to improve them with every track I make because drums are something you hear throughout the entire record. If the groove and punch feel right, the whole track becomes stronger and more enjoyable to listen to.

What’s been your biggest breakthrough moment in the studio so far?

One of the biggest moments was creating a synth that perfectly fitted a track I’m working on right now. It just clicked immediately with the rest of the production. Those moments are rare but really satisfying when everything suddenly falls into place naturally.

How do you approach building a DJ set today?

I used to prepare my sets in blocks, with sections that were harder and other parts that were more vibey. Nowadays it’s much more instinct based. I watch the crowd and react to their energy. If they want something heavier I push harder, if not I adapt.

What’s a track you didn’t produce yourself but wish you had made?

Make It Far. For me it’s the perfect balance between a harder melodic trance track and an emotional breakdown. The energy and melody work so well together that it’s the kind of track where you think, “I wish that idea came from my studio.”

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the near future?

Right now I’m most excited about the upcoming releases I have planned. There are quite a few tracks coming out and they all show different sides of my sound. Some people will connect with certain ones, others with different tracks, but together they form a unique blend.

Listen / Follow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vince_alphen/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/vincealphen
Resident Advisor: https://ra.co/dj/vincealphen

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SFEER00008