We all have to call on those around us from time to time.
Dutch DJ, producer and label owner Steve Void is a remix master, and has reworked tunes for the likes of Lewis Capaldi and Ava Max.
You were born in the Netherlands but often work in London.
How did you find it? What do you like and dislike about England?
I try to get to London once every two months.
I love London particularly for the people and creative energy I get from each visit.
So far, the weather every time I come over is pretty amazing.
It doesn’t feel as peaceful as my hometown in the Netherlands, but I guess that’s what feeds the buzz.
What are your favourite three albums of all time?
Post Malone – Beerbongs & Bentleys
Avicii – True
Justice – Justice
Wellbeing in dance music is getting increasing attention. I wondered if you had seen the Avicii documentary and if it made you reflect on your own career at all?
I actually went to the premier of the documentary, when he was still with us.
From the outside it seemed like he had found balance, which as a huge fan I was so happy to see.
Unfortunately later on we heard the terrible news, and the world lost another legend.
There were definitely moments in that documentary that resonated with my experience.
Not every artist fits into that narrative of always being on the road though, there is more to the industry than is shown in the documentary.
I will be back on the road next year, and I think a break sometimes is really needed to keep your health in check.
Do you think there is enough support for musicians, producers and DJ’s around mental wellbeing?
It’s getting harder for a lot of artists to get to a sustainable level, as the world’s taste constantly moves.
You see a lot of artists thrive when they are between 14 and 21, but as you enter the adult world there are challenges outside of making music, that force artists to give up.
I don’t think anything can prepare you for this mentally.
That said, I know the issue is being discussed more and more at conferences like IMS and ADE.
We’re seeing the industry begin to take notice, which is a key step, but there’s definitely a way to go.
What do you think the industry can do better in regards to mental wellbeing?
Looking after artists’ physical health in a wider sense is a key first step.
I think it’s really important for those in the positions of trust to help support artists health first, and business second, especially in instances where they aren’t stable.
Keep close to people you trust.
Education is everything too so I think the more older artists or managers can help out the youth out, the healthier it’ll be for everyone.
There is a lot of talk about how streaming has made it more difficult for artists to make money – do you think the digitisation of music has any benefits? What advice would you give to a young musician trying to make a living from music?
I think streaming has made it possible for anyone in the world to be able to reach an audience, irrespective of the genre that they’re making.
My advice for young musicians would be to work hard, be yourself and innovate, try to avoid replicating others in the market doing the same thing as it can get saturated. Be the outcast.
You tour extensively. What five things would you recommend a young musician do on tour to aid their mental wellbeing?
Workout (workout with your body weight, just need yourself)
Eat healthy (buy a 1kg bucket of small tomatoes)
Stay in contact with friends and family, to have a conversation about something different.
Sleep (6/7 hours at least)
Keep learning (read a book, listen to a podcast)
Your first hit was your adaptation of The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face”
For the non-musically minded amongst us can you explain how remixes work?
Do you approach the artist and they send you their files to splice up? And do they have to sign off the track?
It can work in many ways, often as you described above, but if you’re young and like a song you have room to innovate and sample songs putting out bootlegs.
It’s great that artists can express themselves and interpret music in different ways.
Finally – who is your favourite Dutch footballer and why?
Arjan Robben, was my favourite when I was a child and played soccer myself, but if I had to pick one now it’d be Virgil Van Dyk, I fancy my chances getting past him!
Listen to new single ‘Without You Ft AUSTN” – https://stevevoidxaustn.lnk.to/WithoutYou