Netsky interview

Netsky – the Belgium drum 'n' bass DJ – will be appearing at this year's Snowbombing festival, which hits the slopes of Austria from 4-9 April. Here's what he had to say about being involved in this snow- and music-packed festival, and the countries and places he loves to visit

Snowbombing’s not your average music festival – what are you most looking forward to about it this year?

I couldn’t agree more. Ski holiday festivals have become more and more popular over the years but Snowbombing is still the king of them all.
I’m looking forward to hitting the slopes, having a wiener schnitzel and hitting as many after parties as I can. Exactly what I did last time I came down.

Are there any sets you’re looking forward to catching?

I haven’t seen The Prodigy since the new album (The Day Is My Enemy), I think this will be the perfect setting to check them out, too.

Do you ski/snowboard?

I do ski – I went on the slopes in France earlier this year but didn’t have much time. Definitely going to take more time around Snowbombing.

Snowbombing

What’s the one song that, wherever you are in the world, always makes the crowd go mad?

The Prodigy's Voodoo People (Pendulum remix).

Your gig schedule takes you all over the world. Do you ever get a chance to explore the places you visit?

Luckily, yes! Well every now and then. Whenever I’m in a place I love I always try to take a couple of days off. The great thing about touring the world is that you get a glimpse of cultures and countries you’re in.

You don’t see much, but you see just enough to know if you want to spend more time in that place next time you’re over.

How much influence do you take from your travels? We’re thinking about Rio here, obviously…

Yeah I love getting foreign vibes in my music. I want to do an album where I bring an ode to certain cities in every song.

Where’s the place you most look forward to going back to and why?

New Zealand, Cape Town and Brazil – I love these places so much. New Zealand will always have a place close to my heart because of the people and the nature on the islands.

What’s usually on your headphones when you’re travelling?

Lots of hip hop, I've had the Anderson .Paak album on repeat on my last tour.

Do you ever get to go on holiday? If so, where do you go?

At least once a year yes. I really enjoy France. I love the food and the picturesque roads.

Is being an international DJ/artist as glamorous as it looks? Please tell us it is…

There’s not much we can complain about when I think about it. It can get tough on the road when it get’s really busy or the travel gods aren’t on your side, but it’s all so worth it. I’ll always appreciate what an immense privilege it is to be doing my hobby and seeing so many happy faces every day.

Finally, we gather your hometown’s Antwerp. Should we visit? If so, any tips for unmissable stuff to do while we’re there?

Yes!! Antwerp is full of fashion, culture and great food. I’m a bit of a foodie, if you get a chance to go, check out a restaurant called the Jane. It’s owned by a friend of mine called Sergio Hermans and it's one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve seen in the world with amazing food. You have to book 3 months in advance though, so that can make it quite hard for travellers – but I definitely recommend it.

For more information about Netsky visit netskymusic.com; for more information on this year's Snowbombing festival visit snowbombing.com