Koen Groeneveld is a man of few words. He'd rather let the music do the talking.And if you've listened just one of his many smash releases on Toolroom, 1605, Bosphorous Underground, his own Abzolut label or more, then you'd know he has got a lot more to say.Of course, living on this side of the border, it would be pretty hard to miss the guy doing his thing. Koen has racked up so many frequent flyer miles booking gigs in Canada, he may as well be a part-time resident. Straight up, he loves playing for us and we love having him.This Friday, the Netherlands native makes his latest return to the Great White North at Toronto's Maison Mercer with Daniel Portman in tow. And on top of blessing us with constant new mixes, the tech house titan also took a few minutes to sit down with his friends at THUMP and talk some shop.THUMP: What can you tell us about the Netherlands dance music scene that you came up in?
Koen Groeneveld: Easy. Us Dutch DJs have always been in the front line of the dance music!Unlike many active DJs, you are also a prolific producer. What's your process for creating a track?
There is really no such thing as a certain process. I mean, sometimes I start with a beat or a groove, or sometimes with a riff or a vocal. When I decide to build a track around one of those elements, then I start arranging, editing and finally mixing it.About how long do you test one of your new tracks out on live audiences before releasing it?
Sometimes I don't even test them because playing it to two or three different crowds doesn't mean anything because the rest of the world could think differently.So what do you go on? Your gut?
Yes. I trust my own experience and feeling.Do you favourite artists to collaborate with?
Yes, but I would rather tell you who I want to collaborate with.Shoot.
I would love to do a remix for Coldplay, U2 or Moby.Interesting. So describe the difference between collaborating in the studio with a fellow DJ and playing a back-to-back set with them.
It's the same as the difference between producing solo and DJing solo. Two different worlds. Working in the studio is great because you're creating something. And playing back-to-back feels like a team doing what they like best and trying to please that crowd.We love that you play in Canada so frequently. What are some of your favourite stops here?
Well, I've played in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Hamilton and London. And all are great places. I really fell in love with Canada. No lip service either [laughs].How would you describe our crowds up here compared to the ones in Europe and the USA?
In Canada and USA, you guys are really party-minded. I love that. Over in Europe, the people are sometimes a little spoiled. But if the crowd and vibe is good, it makes no difference where you are!You've obviously been around. When you are touring, what do you like to do in your downtime? How do you relax?
The usual. Watching a movie or series on my MacBook or iPad. And of course staying in contact with my friends and loved ones in Holland via WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.If you could only play one gig in one club for the rest of your life, where would it be and why?
I would have to say the Ministry Of Sound. But there are also a lot of small clubs that have that dirty, steamy underground vibe. Too many to name. Space Ibiza would also be a nice place to DJ for the rest of your life!And the one legacy you hope to leave with your music would be?
I've never thought about it that way. But I hope people don't forget a few of my tracks, remixes and DJ gigs.You can follow Christopher on Twitter and Instagram at @theCMprogram
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Koen Groeneveld: Easy. Us Dutch DJs have always been in the front line of the dance music!Unlike many active DJs, you are also a prolific producer. What's your process for creating a track?
There is really no such thing as a certain process. I mean, sometimes I start with a beat or a groove, or sometimes with a riff or a vocal. When I decide to build a track around one of those elements, then I start arranging, editing and finally mixing it.About how long do you test one of your new tracks out on live audiences before releasing it?
Sometimes I don't even test them because playing it to two or three different crowds doesn't mean anything because the rest of the world could think differently.So what do you go on? Your gut?
Yes. I trust my own experience and feeling.Do you favourite artists to collaborate with?
Yes, but I would rather tell you who I want to collaborate with.Shoot.
I would love to do a remix for Coldplay, U2 or Moby.Interesting. So describe the difference between collaborating in the studio with a fellow DJ and playing a back-to-back set with them.
It's the same as the difference between producing solo and DJing solo. Two different worlds. Working in the studio is great because you're creating something. And playing back-to-back feels like a team doing what they like best and trying to please that crowd.
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Well, I've played in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Hamilton and London. And all are great places. I really fell in love with Canada. No lip service either [laughs].How would you describe our crowds up here compared to the ones in Europe and the USA?
In Canada and USA, you guys are really party-minded. I love that. Over in Europe, the people are sometimes a little spoiled. But if the crowd and vibe is good, it makes no difference where you are!You've obviously been around. When you are touring, what do you like to do in your downtime? How do you relax?
The usual. Watching a movie or series on my MacBook or iPad. And of course staying in contact with my friends and loved ones in Holland via WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.If you could only play one gig in one club for the rest of your life, where would it be and why?
I would have to say the Ministry Of Sound. But there are also a lot of small clubs that have that dirty, steamy underground vibe. Too many to name. Space Ibiza would also be a nice place to DJ for the rest of your life!And the one legacy you hope to leave with your music would be?
I've never thought about it that way. But I hope people don't forget a few of my tracks, remixes and DJ gigs.You can follow Christopher on Twitter and Instagram at @theCMprogram