After working as a DJ for years, German artist Robin Schulz has seen his rise to stardom be swift. His bootlegs online gained him quick viral notoriety, doing reconstructions, bootlegs and original deep house tracks that struck a chord for fans. After laying the groundwork with that music which later helped build a public appetite for the new trend in pop deep house, he released his first official single on Ultra Music about a year ago: a remix of Mr. Probz's "Waves" that hit number one in six European countries. Today he's signed to Warner Music, on his first worldwide tour, and made his first stop at New York's Webster Hall. We got to catch up with Schulz while he's been on the road, to hear how he is coping with the fast fame and the expectations that come with it. It seems that with his talent and passion for music, his lighthearted attitude will be what allows him to keep on rising. With partying and touring as his biggest obstacle, it's clear that Schulz has got a lot more music to make and a career to grow further.
EARMILK: What inspired you to become a producer?
Robin Schulz: I just didn’t just want to be a DJ playing in front of the crowd: I was always interested in doing my own style of music.
EM: Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
RS: David K was a big influence!
EM: How do you think he influenced you as an artist?
RS: I just love his productions and I incorporate a lot of his music and Henri Pfr's music into my own sets.
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EM: Did you always want to make electronic music?
RS: Oh yes. Privately, I listen to different music styles like German hip hop, rap, jazz and pop! But my favorite genre is truthfully electronic music.
EM: So what's something we'd be surprised to find in your personal music library?
RS: Some music from Die Antwoord. I really love that band and am so sad that I am going to miss them when they perform some shows in Germany since I’ll still be in the US touring. Also have been into Ben Howard recently. really love his voice.
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EM: What has been something hard that you have been through in your career?
RS: Honestly, performing, drinking and partying hard all the time and then having to get up early for an morning flight.
EM : So what's your strategy for staying sharp with all the lack of sleep?
RS: Just keep on partying!
EM: You have remixed a few songs that have gone viral and beyond. Have you enjoyed the fame that comes from that, or for your remix of Mr. Probz's "Waves"? Or your recent remix of Axwell /\ Ingrosso?
RS: To be honest I never expected that something like this was actually going to happen, so I am very happy and proud of how everything has gone so far.
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EM: Who else would you like to work with?
RS: Kygo from Norway!
EM: So you are a big fan of tropical house?
RS: Oh yes! i just recorded a podcast for Thomas Jack.
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EM: How was performing at Webster Hall?
RS: It was my first show in North America and it was just amazing! Cool venue, the promoter was really nice, awesome and really active and dancing crowd – everything went well!
EM: Did you get to do anything cool in NYC? What did you enjoy most about the city? Anywhere else you're looking forward to visiting or performing?
RS: I actually had a 3-day video shoot while I was in New York, then we had the show at Webster Hall. But I've been to NYC several times before and did all the sightseeing stuff like Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, China Town and of course some shopping.
EM: What else are you looking forward to in 2015?
RS: Hopefully I will find some days off for vacation because looking at me schedule already, it’s going to be a heavy year.
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