DJ Q&A: Bart Skils
We can’t wait to have Bart Skils at Halcyon May 18th! SF loves techno!
How did you end up loving techno?
Growing up in Amsterdam I started to work in a record store during my studies. In that record store I was responsible for ordering all the techno from various distributors. I started collecting vinyls and playing them for friends. after that I started to DJ at different places and started producing my own music.
We’ve seen video of you DJing in a royal looking robe! What is that all about?!
It’s our yearly celebration of the king’s birthday. There are massive outdoor parties in the city and on the streets. For that occasion, its a tradition that everybody wears orange clothing and dress up like a king or queen. When i did my back to back with Enrico Sanguliano we were playing our sets in royal robe. Amazing vibe!
You’re from the Netherlands which sounds like a mystical place to us. What’s something magical about living there?
Amsterdam is the town were I grew up. For me it feels like every time I cycle around the city with all its canals and boat-houses, its a unique spot in the world. The vibe on the streets is relaxed and although it’s busy, still gentle.
We’ve also seen you wearing that killer DRUMCODE 1 football jersey! Is that special issue or what?
When I did my South America tour a few months ago I was given an Argentina jersey from the crowd while I was dj-ing. I put on the shirt and the crowd went crazy! Techno is a big thing in Argentina and the vibe is always very good.
Obviously we love DRUMCODE! Adam Beyer played at Halcyon and blew our minds! How’d you get hooked up with Adam and become part of the DRUMCODE family?
I met Adam in 2003 when we both played the infamous Awakenings. After that we kept on seeing each other at various events and a friendship developed. I gave him some tracks a few years later that he signed for Drumcode. After that the family friendship developed and it still always feels like home with Drumcode.
You’ve played some massive shows! In addition to the DRUMCODE shows and Awakenings, what’s the next big gig you’re excited about?
All shows are different and can be special in a way, from massive outdoor events to small intimate clubs like Halcyon. As long as I can connect to the crowd I am happy. When I think about special gigs this summer, it could be the first ever Drumcode festival in Amsterdam that they organize with Awakenings. Awakenings has amazing production and in combination with the number one techno label, it wil be pure bliss.
It’s your first SF play! Are you as excited as we are? We think you’ll love the vibe at Halcyon. What else are you looking forward to doing while in SF?
My first time in SF indeed and I’m looking forward to it a lot. I love discovering new cities and the techno scene. Unfortunately I will only be there a few hours because I have to go to Mexico afterwards, but I will definitely enjoy feeling the vibe from the techno scene at Halcyon as I have heard such good things about the club and the people in San Francisco.
Well we can’t wait to host you at Halcyon on the 18th! Looking forward to some massive techno!
Thanks and see you very soon San Francisco!
