Only the best DJs in the world can get people out of the house on a weeknight in Taipei. So expect a packed house this Tuesday night at Spark when Sidney Samson rolls through town. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, Riverside Motherfucker surely will.
The infectious song, whose lyrics were inspired by Tupac, was released in 2009 and went viral before catapulting to the top of music charts across the globe. There wasn’t a club, whether hip hop or dance music, that wasn’t playing it.
“It was just luck,” said Samson on garnering fame overnight. “I’m blessed with that song. It gave me the chance to show my DJ skills all over the world. I’d always dreamed about it, but never thought it would really happen,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Get In PR
But the Dutch star had already long been dominating the club scene in his native Holland. However, it was R&B and hip-hop that got him behind the decks. Samson only transitioned into a house music DJ after becoming more interested in producing.
“I’ve played guitar my whole life,” said Samson. “So I’ve also always had the desire to produce music. First it was guitar rock music and it’s developed into house music.”
“I love electro. It’s my life,” he said. “I’m always trying to find a new sound or way to produce electro house music.”
Since technology has made it easy for anyone with a knack for music and a computer to call themselves a DJ, the blogosphere has become saturated with artists trying to get noticed and the competition is fierce. But according to Samson, and many DJs like him, it all lies in the art of producing.
“Music is your main way of promoting yourself as a DJ, so I believe it’s really important for a DJ to produce music,” said Samson. The recipe worked for him anyway because it’s how Riverside was born, which led to official collaborations with Steve Aoki, Afrojack and Lil Jon.
Dubstep fans will also be delighted to hear that Sampson has been spending time getting crazy with Skrillex and Knife Party, which means Taipei can expect to hear some heavy baselines between electro riffs.
“I love to mix it up. I play from electro to hip-hop to moombathon to dubstep. Everyone needs to be ready to go crazy”
Samson is excited for his first trip to Taiwan, and is looking forward to more than the challenge of igniting a dance floor on a Tuesday night. “It’s a completely new experience for me and I’m really excited. I especially can’t wait to taste your food.”
■ Sidney Samson plays at Spark, B1, 45 Shifu Rd, Taipei City (台北市市府路45號B1) on Tuesday night. The party starts at 10:30pm and considering Hennessy is sponsoring the event, plan for a late start on Wednesday morning. Tickets are available until midnight on Monday from any iBon or FamiPort machine for NT$900 with one Hennessy drink. Admission at the door is NT$1,300 (subject to availability) with two Hennessy drinks.
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