Rising Dutch EDM star San Holo discusses ‘album1’
San Holo is a Dutch guitarist, DJ and producer that is coming stateside for his first tour behind his full-length debut album1. He exploded when his sample of Dr Dre’s “The Next Episode” became a YouTube smash and he has since worked with artists from Yellow Claw to James Vincent McMorrow. His brand of EDM is different than many of his contemporaries; San was a guitar player first, and he structures his dance music around that. It’s a unique blend that makes the debut stand out among a field that relies much more heavily on pop music and pop voices.
Before his visit to Druid City Music Hall on Wednesday, November 7, he spoke about how he created that sound and what has influenced it.
This record has a post rock sound to me. It almost sounds like Explosions in the Sky doing EDM. Is that accurate?
Oh yeah, definitely. I was heavily influenced by artists like Explosions in the Sky and Sigur Ros. I’m a guitar player, and when people think of guitar, they think of shredding. AC/DC, you know? But I think of ambiance.
How did you discover that type of music?
I think ten years ago an old friend gave me a mix tape and Sigur Ros was on there. They use a guitar almost as a synthesizer with reverb pedals.
I’m sure that the Vegas club scene is important to your career. How do you blend that style with EDM to attract that audience?
I try to keep elements of the EDM scene, which I’m a fan of; I’ll use build ups and electronic drops, lots of 808s and bass with low sounds. I use elements of both worlds.
Have you ever spoken to Dr. Dre about how important his music was to your rise?
No. [laughs] I’d love to, but it’s not easy to get in contact with him. It was really just a crappy mp3 I found on Google that I transformed into my own musical sound.
You relied heavily on the music of other artists early on. How did you grow into your own sound?
I still haven’t figured out exactly who I am. What drives me the most is creating sounds and a type of music that’s not really there yet. I try to mix things that I haven’t heard yet.
Did you always sort of know what you wanted that to be or is it trial and error?
It’s definitely trial and error. But I definitely knew that I wanted to do something new again. Four years ago, I traveled with melodic bass sounds and melodies. People labeled it “future bass.” I’m not saying that was me, but a group of people; now that’s on the radio. I didn’t feel comfortable doing what other people were doing, so I worked hard to find my own sound again.
How do you translate it to a live show?
My music has a lot of layers and a lot of instruments. I play a lot of guitar live, and I also work with a lot of samplers. There are lots of lights that sync with drums and percussion and buildups. But other than my sound and light crew, it’s just me onstage.
Who have you not yet worked with that you’d like to work with?
Definitely Explosions in the Sky. Bon Iver. Sigur Ros. With hip hop, there are always ways to do something new.
San Holo comes to Druid City Music Hall in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday, November 7. BAYNK, TASKA BLACK and The Nicholas are also on the bill. The show begins at 8:30. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.
