HK Magazine: How did you begin your career as a DJ?
Afrojack: My mom owned a dancing school, so I was always around music. I learned to play the piano when I was a kid. At one point I started working with simple music computer programs creating all these sounds—literally in my bedroom. I really got the hang of it and I was “producing” my own music. I created these mixtape CDs and was handing them out to DJs. Later on, I asked every single club owner if I could play for free. One time a club owner gave me a shot, and that was the happiest moment of my life. I was doing what I loved doing most and I even got a few free drinks out of it! I kept practicing my own music, day in and day out. My whole career grew from that point on.

HK: What are your musical influences and inspirations?
A: One of my influences is Benny Benassi and also a guy named Leroy Styles, who I recently signed to [his record label] Wall Recordings. [In terms of] inspiration, that goes from Daft Punk to Nirvana.

HK: Which musician collaboration has particularly stood out for you?
A: I recorded with Sting last week… wow, just wow! HK: Best gig you’ve ever played? A: Too many to mention! I love Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra festival, my own club nights, my residency in Vegas—basically everything. If I have to pick one I would say Spijkenisse, which is my own festival in my hometown [in the Netherlands].

HK: Top five artists?
A: In random order and dance-related: Daft Punk, Calvin Harris, Quintino, D-Wayne and Apster.

HK: How do you feel about the introduction of electro house into the pop scene?
A: It’s great. I don’t believe in borders so to me, good music is good music. Of course we create a specific sound, but I love the fact that it’s crossing over to a bigger audience right now, worldwide.