Check out Neon Owl’s exclusive interview with DJ / producer duo Fisherman & Hawkins from the Netherlands.
Positive focus. Something you are grateful for or excited about?
We are extremely grateful of the fact that there are so many people out there worldwide that listen to our music and give us all the support and positive vibes.
Tell us about each one of you started getting into music and how Fisherman & Hawkins came about?
We probably met around 10 years ago. We both used to visit our local club Perron55 at least once a month if there was anything to do which was dance related. It didn’t matter if it was techno, trance, house or something else. If there was a kick and a bass, we were there as well. The atmosphere was always very underground as it was a very old building, something that us both inspired a lot. DJ’ing is something we both do for about 12 to 15 years already. It was an unexpected amazing back to back set somewhere in 2011 that made us realize we shared the same energy, sound and fun behind the decks. After a few talks the choice was made.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Obviously Markus Schulz, thanks to him and his magical Global DJ Broadcast we found our love for trance back around 2005. And let’s not forget Armin van Buuren as he was, and still is, a pioneer in the scene.
What was the first show you two ever played together and how was that experience like?
That’s already a few years ago, but probably at Perron55 in our own hometown as we did our own event Airwalk over there. We always had guest DJ’s coming over and of course we started as openers 😉
If you were to sum up your journey so far, what would you say its been like?
It has been a wild ride so far and we are lucky we have been able to visit some of the most beautiful cities in the world. But on the other side, we’ve only just begun and we are very excited for the future as we have some big things coming up.
What is the most challenging thing about being in the music industry?
Probably the fact we always want to surprise with every track we put out. We picture thousands of people in front of us while writing as in the end we want YOU, the listener, to enjoy every minute of it. Whether it’s on the dancefloor, in your car or at home.
What about the most rewarding thing?
Of course that would be to experience the result of the thing mentioned above. To see the crowd smiling, dancing, fistpumping or singing-along when you play out your own music.
What has been the most meaningful track you two have produced and why?
That has to be Apache, because the hype of that track started it all for us.
How did you guys come out with the name Fisherman & Hawkins?
It’s basically both our last names translated into English. Isaac’s last name is Vissers which means Fisherman and Rob’s last name is Koopmans which is a hawker, as we thought Hawkins sounded better than Hawker we decided to go for Fisherman & Hawkins.
How was the process of creating “Doppelbanger” and why the name?
As you can hear the track has some very clear Mr. Pit and Fisherman & Hawkins influences. Mr. Pit was in charge of the groove as he is such a king in making nasty beats and we sat down to make the whole break and melody for it. As we wanted a different drop than usual we decided to make it a techy one and it sure knows how to blow up the dancefloors haha. The name Doppelbanger has actually two meanings for us, the real meaning is a little bit dirty so maybe the best thing to do is to google it yourself haha. But we also thought it would be a cool title as the track is a collab, so doppel, and it’s a true banger.
Apache was obviously a huge, huge hit for you guys that is still currently getting so many plays. What did that track do for you guys’ career? How was the process in making such an amazing track?
Apache has been, and still is, really important to us as it got such huge support. Literally everyone was playing it, from Trance to House. The story behind it is that Isaac was driving on his way back home and suddenly he had this melody in his head and it didn’t leave for the whole ride. So as soon as he came home he worked it out and added all the needed layers like pads, plucks, stabs, etc. After that we sat down with a friend of us and we created the whole arrangement of the track. When the finished project was there we both had the feeling that this could be it.
What is in store next for you two? What can your fans expect to see over in 2016?
We are currently working on a few very interesting collabs, our very first vocal track and also new instrumental ones are in the works. So we are super busy!
What inspires you to continue to make music?
We both think the Trance scene needs a true aggressive banger every once in a while. A track that makes you feel like you’re about to enter a musical battlefield, together with the other thousands of party people and you already know, hell yeah, nothing can beat this moment!
Favorite track of all time?
So many out there, but Probspot’s Blueberry is such a masterpiece. In every way.
Who do you think are some of the hottest up and coming artist in dance music?
Someone who definitely is going to have a fantastic 2016 is Nifra. She’s a very good friend of us and such a hard worker, she truly deserves it. Also on our radar are the guys of Arkham Knights, they make insane next level beats. Make sure you check them out.
Do the both of you spend a lot of time with each other outside of your gigs and making music together?
Yes we do, not like every day. But as we are friends for such a long time we also like to grab a beer in a local bar or just hang out somewhere and talk about other things then music.
What is one word you would use to describe the other person?
Isaac is a true “controlfreak”
Rob is super “dynamic”
Tell us a secret of skill about the other person that we may not know.
We both are very funny guys and love to make jokes all the time. We always try to cheer up a room when possible haha.
What could the music industry use more or less of?
Definitely more longer sets. You just can’t tell a story in just one hour. We need to bring the soul back in dance music and this could be one way to achieve that.
What could the world use more or less of?
Cliché, but more love and less war please. We live in such strange times. Let’s all make this planet a better place as it can be so beautiful.
What piece of advice do you have for people out there with a dream that seems a little farfetched?
No dream is too big. Everything is possible. So work hard and make it happen! If you really want something you will find a way to reach that goal.
How can your fans get a hold of you? What social platforms do you like using most?
We are active on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Soundcloud, so make sure you follow us there! Links below:
What kind of mark do you want to leave behind this world as a person and how do you want to be remembered as?
As artists that made you raise your fist at many parties in your life haha.
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