In the 1990s, Dutch entertainer Woody van Eyden gained widespread recognition as a DJ, producer, and television presenter. Today, he remains a highly successful artist, as evidenced by his accolades, including being described by Armin van Buuren as “one of the most amiable individuals in the industry.”
Woody van Eyden’s presence in the electronic dance music scene is undeniable. For several decades, he has captivated audiences globally with his exceptional productions, such as “Nangulan,” “Embrace The Rainbow,” and remixes for renowned artists like Armin van Buuren, Aly & Fila, Paul van Dyk, and many others. His captivating stage performances, characterized by their entertainment value and artistic flair, have solidified his status as a crowd-pleasing entertainer and YouTube sensation. His unpredictable presentation style adds a unique element to any radio or television show.
Best of 2024 by Woody van Eyden
1-Best of tracks from other artists in 2024.
Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024. Explain your selection, highlighting production techniques and audience reactions.
Woody van Eyden: I always have been a big fan of alex M.O.R.P.H. ´s production and his new alias MRPHLNDR is no exception, outrages productions in a more deeper cooler jacket
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Woody van Eyden: MRPHLNDR
3-a) Best Remix of 2024
Provide a detailed explanation of your remix selection, including your reasons. Consider factors like production proficiency, technical aspects, creativity, and imagination.
Woody van Eyden: Maarten de Jong remix of When my heart bleeds ( Benjamin Duchess and Victoriya) the best you can expect from a dance floor vocal monster production
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Woody van Eyden: My salty skin remix of my own release...it has the sexiness this song needs
4) Your Best Personal DJ Gig of 2024:
Woody van Eyden: My best gig still needs to come ,hopefully 2025 :)
5)-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Woody van Eyden: Be humble, thankful and patient
6)Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Woody van Eyden: 2025 I already have about 15 releases scheduled , I am going a bit back to my roots, more dance then trance :)
7)Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Woody van Eyden: Sincerely hope we dance together next year in good health with great moves
Thanks so much to Woody for always finding some precious time to reply on our interviews.
WELCOME TO THE THRILLING WORLD OF THE EUROPEAN PRODUCER & DJ KENN COLT
Where music becomes a transformative experience that sticks in the hearts and minds of audiences.
PREPARE TO BE IMMERSED IN AN ATMOSPHERE PULSATING WITH BOUNDLESS ENERGY AND INFECTIOUS JOY.
Kenn Colt’s high-energy performances radiate with an irresistible blend of Tech House and Afro House music. With feel-good beats, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, he creates an electrifying ambiance that gets people moving and grooving, transcending the ordinary to reach new heights of exhilaration. At the core of Kenn’s artistry lies a deep passion for processing important life moments and conveying his feelings through music. His songs are not mere compositions; they contain a strong message that resonates with listeners on a profound level. While reaching 50.000.000 streams on his tracks on Spotify only, Kenn launched his own record label and publishing company Feels Like Home.
Kenn Colt, resident at Club Versuz (55th best club in the world–DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs), played already on world’s biggest festival stages: such as Tomorrowland Belgium, Tomorrowworld United States, Ultra Music Festival South Korea, Sunburn Festival India, Pacha Cape Town in South Africa, among many others. and had the honor to be the support act of David Guetta in concert and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike show multiple times.
KENN COLT'S CREATIVE PROCESS IS METICULOUS, HEARTFELT, AND AUTHENTIC.
Drawing inspiration from his own life experiences, he carefully weaves his unique mindset and personal stories into every beat. His music possesses a genuine quality that touches the hearts of his listeners, making his performances a true artistic expression that leaves a lasting impact. But Kenn Colt’s music is not solely about the beats; it’s about the powerful message behind it all. His songs carry an uplifting and inspiring narrative that speaks directly to the souls of those who listen.
“WHERE MUSIC MEETS EMOTION, AND EVENTS BECOME EXTRAORDINARY.”
Best of 2024 by Kenn Colt
1-Best of tracks from other artists in 2024.
a) Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024. Explain your selection, highlighting production techniques and audience reactions.
Kenn Colt: Without doubt that would be Adam Port - Move from keinemusik. They are dominating the whole electronic dance scene at the moment with their strong afrohouse productions. It's not a peak track, but it's been such a big hit that you can basically play it on every moment at the clubs. The audience knows the lyrics, it's an easy to remember song with an overal good vibe.
Mau P - Merther, is a remake of the "Welcome to Jamrock" from Damian Marley, Mau P used the vocal and gave it an powerful remix with pumping bassline on the drop.
My most played song would be "It's not Right (but it's ok)" from the dutchies Mr Belt & Weezol. this remake works every time.
1-Best self-produced/personal tracks of 2024
b)Explain your choices for the best 2024 personal productions. Were they due to challenges, crowd reactions, or success on download shops/streaming services?
Kenn Colt: My best production for 2024 will be Mueve Ese Booty, based on the reactions of the crowd and as well did the best on the streaming platforms. Everywhere i played this song the crowd start moving, in Latin America they understood the lyrics and especially the girls went crazy on this one.
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Kenn Colt: Adam Port and keinemusik, without doubt dominating the afrohouse scene this year. Nearly all the songs they did reached high notes and the keinemusik parties were sold out worldwide.
3-a) Best Remixes of 2024
Provide a detailed explanation of your remix selection, including your reasons. Consider factors like production proficiency, technical aspects, creativity, and imagination.
Kenn Colt: Swedish house mafia - Finally (Eran Hersh & Shooma Remix) - I know Eran for many years when he did a remix for my song Sun Goes Down and now he did an official release of "Finally" from the Swedish house mafia, such a beauty.
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Kenn Colt: This year I focussed more on own releases or remakes, but if you count the remakes as well as a remix than it would be "Chan Chan", it's a remake of the "buena vista social club" classic and was released on my own label Feels Like Home Records.
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2024:
Provide a concise commentary on the best remixers of 2024, supporting your assessment with specific reasons highlighting their exceptional talent and expertise.
Kenn Colt: Best remixer this year would maybe be Fisher, he did somebody (from gotye), Waiting for Tonight from Jennifer lopez and "Jamming" from Bob marley. all these remixes work so well on club but even on festivals so for my point of view that deserves this point.
4) Best New Talent of 2024 (DJ or Producer):
Explain your award selection in detail. Do you personally know or collaborate with the artist?
Kenn Colt: The Belgians Samm & Ajna - they have been making waves for a while now but 2024 was definitely their year. both production wise, remixes and their own party concept and label magnifik.
5-a) Best Electronic Dance Music Album of 2024:
Provide a detailed explanation of the criteria used to select the best electronic dance music album of 2024. Also, highlight the standout tracks that showcase its exceptional quality.
Kenn Colt: Well this is a surprising question because for tech house or dance in general I don't see much albums passing by (if none so far i know). Only big pop stars did some albums this year.
5-b) Best Electronic Dance Music Compilation of 2024. Please elaborate on the criteria used to select this compilation. Are the mixing processes of the tracks high quality and proficient? Is the track listing imaginative and creative?
Kenn Colt: Same as previous question
5-c: Best artwork of 2024: singles or albums.
Kenn Colt: PAWSA - PICK UP THE PHONE (feat. Nate Dogg) - shoots me right back to my youth when i got my first phone (which was a Nokia 3310)
6) Best Electronic Dance Music Label of 2024
Explain your choice. What appeals to you about this label? Is it the high-quality tracks, the impressive roster of notable artists, or something else?
Kenn Colt:I would say because of the immense success of their tracks, keinemusik probably won this year.
7)Best music composition software and hardware of 2024. Explain your selection.
Kenn Colt: For me Studio One. i have been producing with Logic Pro for years, but i felt like it's more a big boat which moves slowly. Studio One has best of both worlds, it looks a bit like Ableton (fast way of producing) but has the look and feel of Logic. I hardly switch back to Logic, unless there is a project i want to check or reuse which i've made in the past :-)
8-a) Your Best Personal DJ Gig of 2024:
Kenn Colt: Alchemist, Kenya August 31, 2024, It was my first time performing in Kenya, and I didn’t expect the crowd to welcome me with such incredible energy and love. The vibe was electric, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. It was a great introduction for Afro House music as well!
8-b) Best DJ set from another DJ (real or online) of 2024. Explain why you think it’s the strongest. Highlight exceptional mixing, track selection, and overall mix development.
Kenn Colt: That's such an hard question. i've seen so many this year, maybe Anyma this year at Tomorrowland mainstage. that was a very powerful experience, especially to see him after all the afterlife shows also perform like that on the mainstage. big up!
9)Share your most valuable technical advice and production techniques from 2024, specifically related to DJing or music production.
Kenn Colt: I had the chance to be in the studio with fellow producers and learned small new techniques, but the best one would be the "Studio One" DAW tip that I got from my friends.
10-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Kenn Colt: I was making all kinds of music in the beginning of 2024, but the best advise is to narrow down your style so people in the music business, but also your fans know what to expect. And be unique in your sound and productions!
11-Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Kenn Colt: I’m excited to share that I’ve got a new track dropping in March 2025 on the African label My Other Side Of The Moon! It’s afrohouse track that I've premiered back in august and the label boss came to me and wanted to sign the track right away, so I hope everyone will enjoy, so stay tuned. Aside from that, I have a few more in the works, if you’ve been following my socials, you might have caught a few previews already. 😉 For shows, i'm planning to do a new tour in latin america and especially Paraguay, Ecuador and Mexico! I’m definitely revisiting my favorites from this year as well as Africa and China will be back on the menu.
Big news: I’m relaunching my record label "FEELS LIKE HOME Records" from beginning of 2025! If you’re an aspiring artist looking to collaborate or release music, don’t hesitate to reach out. There’s a lot more to come, and I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes us. Let’s make it another year to remember! 🎶🔥
12-Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Kenn Colt: Hey everyone! Thanks for tuning in to this interview. Thanks for being such an amazing part of this community that’s all about good vibes and good music. Electronic music has a way of bringing people together, and it’s inspiring to see how we all connect through the beats. Keep the music alive, see you all in 2025!
Thanks so much to Jack Meredith at Urban Rebel for arranging this interview.
Dustin Husain has consistently demonstrated his exceptional talent within the trance music genre. His extensive catalog of original productions and remixes, released on esteemed labels such as A State of Trance, Flashover Recordings, Black Hole Recordings, Dreamstate Recordings, High Contrast / Be Yourself Music, and numerous others, has elevated the genre’s standards.
1-Best self-produced/personal tracks of 2024
Explain your choices for the best 2024 personal productions. Were they due to challenges, crowd reactions, or success on download shops/streaming services?
Dustin Husain: Shooting Stars with Adara released on Find Your Harmony, gathered the most expectation as people were really drawn into the nostalgic but modern sounds of a dance and trance hybrid track. The vocal took you above and made sure you can vibe and live in positivity
Soul Energy release on Dreamstate Records, gathered the attention of all those who love rave culture as this release showcased my signature high energy trance sound.
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Dustin Husain: Guiseppe Ottaviani to me is the best in 2024 as he presents many different concepts to keep the music fresh especially in the Trance realm. I appreciate what he does for the scene as it allows other artists to keep pushing forward within the genre.
3) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Dustin Husain: I didn't have an opportunity to remix anything in 2024 but best believe in 2025 you will be able to hear a remix from me (:
4) Best New Talent of 2024 (DJ or Producer):
Dustin Husain: I wouldn’t say there are best new talents atm but to all the artists doing their thing wether A List or not is what is best to me. This allows everyone to showcase their talents and it allows Trance Music to thrive year in and year out!
5) Best Electronic Dance Music Label of 2024
Explain your choice. What appeals to you about this label? Is it the high-quality tracks, the impressive roster of notable artists, or something else?
Dustin Husain: This one is pretty hard as I do like a lot of labels out there but I do like the team at High Contrast (Be Yourself Music), I love the attention to detail they provide and the vibes they give off. They make you feel at home and go the extra mile if need be.
8-a)Your Best Personal DJ Gig and DJ Performance of 2024:
Dustin Husain: Dreamstate 2024 - So Cal at the Queen Mary - I love playing for dreamstate as to me this is the grand daddy of all Trance events that happens the week for Thanksgiving(trance-giving) here in the states.
I have played 3 sets which all 3 were different feelings. I enjoy showcasing my talents during this time as I can freely play trance and have the connection with the crowd and fans.
8-b) Best DJ set from another DJ (real or online) of 2024. Explain why you think it’s the strongest. Highlight exceptional mixing, track selection, and overall mix development.
Dustin Husain: Oh man Marlo’s Dreamstate 2024 set was off the hook with the classic dance reworks.. hope they get proper releases !
9)Share your most valuable technical advice and production techniques from 2024, specifically related to DJing or music production.
Dustin Husain: Don’t be afraid to ask fellow colleagues for advice and just to connect. We are all in this together!
10-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Dustin Husain: This correlates with the last question as well. Don’t be afraid to ask and connect with your colleagues. You’d be surprised how our community wants to keep growing and moving forward!
11-Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Dustin Husain: This is always a question I ask myself.. I have a few releases planned in 2025 but also am in limbo with dj gigs. This is something that keeps me leveled headed as this contains hard work to achieve. Thankfully I have a dedicated team that helps us achieve these goals!
12-Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Dustin Husain: I wish a successful and healthy 2025 to everyone out there!
Thanks so much to Youri and the rest of the team at Be Yourself Music for arranging this interview.
1-a) Best track(s) from other fellow artists of 2023. Why you choose this particular track, please share with us the reasons?production techniques & crowd reactions on it.
Manu Riga: I really love HI-LO & Layton Giordani - Rabbiner Hole. This track Puts a floor on fire. The simple but effective pluck melody is so hypnotic.
1-b) Best of 2023 personal productions and for what you reasons you choose these particular tracks, is it because of technical challenges, crowd reaction in the club or was it your most successful single/album?
Manu Riga: I would say our remix for Pole Folder & CP - Apollo Vibes (Kayinda Remix) on Bedrock Music. kayinda is my project with Phi-Phi . Apollo Vibes was one of those legendary tracks that made me turn to Progressive in the first place. Even if it was actually released in 2022, we saw Hernán Cattáneo & Nick Warren amongst many other great djs playing it all through 2023 !!
2) Best Artist of 2023(DJ & producer). Tell us why you believe he/she is the best, the factors that have influence you to choose this particular artist. What you appreciate the most from that artist.
Manu Riga: I must say I love and admire what Rüfüs du Sol does , their live performances and great albums inspired me to Try also other more experimental music. Also a lot of artist that appeared on my own Label Vesta Records keep inspiring me.
3) YOUR Best Remix which you have produced of 2023! Why you believe that this is your best remix? share with us the technical challenges or special issues you had during the production of it.
Manu Riga: Its a not released yet remix but Phi-Phi & Greg D - Jesus trip (Kayinda technk remix) which will be on Diki Records. Its been test played by Mr.Sam and others and the reaction was great. It was a challenge to transform a 30 years old trance tune in a modern techno vibe ala charlotte de witte and still remain the essence. Obviously no stems are existing anymore. Here my collection of classic hardware synths came in handy.
3-b) Best Remixer(s) of 2023 with short comment, for what reason u believe he/she is the best remixer? Technical professionalism and technological proficiency? the elements that stand out in it.
Manu Riga: Oh it's hard to pick one. Personally there are a lot of underrated remixers and producers . One that stands out is Enertia-Sound, whatever this guy touches turns into gold.
4) Best New Talent of 2023 (DJ or producer), for what reasons you choose this particular artist? Do you know him/her personally?
Manu Riga: I cant say an artist that is a new talent from 2023. But I would say just watch passed the top 100 charts and u would be surprised what amazing music you would come across . That is what we try on Vesta Records, we do not go for the big guns but for new talent . Check us out to hear some pearls !
5-a) Best electronic dance music album of 2023. Tell us the criteria behind the choice of this particular album and maybe highlight for the readers the best tracks from the album :
Manu Riga: Live From Joshua Tree by Rüfüs du Sol. This album and also the video is just mindblowing. Top synth music with amazing live performance. Probably Underwater and the world hit Innerbloom. Just timeless music
5-b) Best artwork about single / album/compilation or promotional campaign of 2023. The criteria you applied to do this particular choice?
Manu Riga: I really like the Artwork of Joof records but I think I didn't follow campaigns . Although the videos Afterlife brings on the market to promote their gigs and music is amazing.
6) Best electronic dance music label of 2023. Please explain the reason behind your choice? what you particularly like or appreciate about this particular label?quality of tracks, great rooster of artists, personal connection?:
Manu Riga: Probably should say Vesta Records ;) . I am not a guy who follow labels but obviously my home is always been the legendary Bonzai Records and they keep doing great things. Further I love a diversity of styles so also labels. Going from Anjuna to Drumcode. From AlldayIdream to Soma Records. I am diverse
7) Best music composition software and hardware of 2023 with short comment. Why you believe this particular software/hardware deserves to be named as the best? great new features, easy to navigate, compose & produce? The advantages of this particular software & hardware that makes it to stand out.
Manu Riga: Daw: Ableton hands down . Hardware I love all. Still loving my Korg Minilogue XD just because it's mixture of analog and digital oscillators and open source possibilities . Buying oscillators and fx aftermarket on a hardware synth is definitely innovating. Software synths I would say Cherry audio. Their plugins are superb emulations of hardware , closer to the originals then Arturia .
8-a) Your Best personal DJ Gig & DJ performance of 2023. Where and when did you perform there? any funny incidents happened during particular performance; great crowd reactions. If there is video or sound recording please provide the link.
Manu Riga: Best gig this year was in Antwerp Club Ampère. Loved how the crowed danced synchronised to my prog techno set
8-b) Best DJ set from other fellow DJ (actual or online) of 2023. Why you believe is the strongest and best DJ set? great mixing/track selection/development of the mix:
Manu Riga: I saw so many great ones but it's really hard to name one.
9) Best technical tips/production skills that you learnt in 2023 in relation to your DJing or music productions:
Manu Riga: I am producing vocalists this year and I learned quiet alot about pop music production. One important technique is Sidechain Dynamic Equalising . Where vocals trigger an equaliser sitting on the instrumental bus. So the vocal always sits nice and clear in the mix
10) Best piece of personal or music business' advice you got in relation to your career in 2023 and has helped you to progress even further and can help others who will read this interview:
Manu Riga: Don't take yourself and the music business in general too seriously. Especially on social media . There is far too much toxicity in the music world . Never forget why u make music in the first place. It isn't a competition !
Dimitris: Do you have any concrete plans for 2024 regarding future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs? Please provide us the juicy details.
Manu Riga: Well I am doing 2 albums of solo artists . Plus several projects that are less dance related. New releases coming with PhiPhi as Kayinda both on Diki, Univack and Bonzai . Collabs with Cedric 'CP' Piret. And Twins in Mind fans probably will see my 3th album coming
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for 2024.
Manu Riga: I wish everyone all success in the world but especially one thing "Health" don't forget you only have one!! Love and peace
