Ralvero is an up-and-coming young Dutch artist who - after beginning his career as a producer - has taken up DJing after demand for his services escalated off the back of a number of extremely well-received productions and remixes. We caught up with him to talk musical beginnings and plans for the future...

For people who might not know you, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do...

My name is Ralf Baartmans, my artist name is Ralvero which is based on my own name, but I gave it a sunnier touch. My music has a happy vibe. I’m 23 and was born and raised in the city of Roosendaal which is in the very south of Holland. I’ve been playing records for the past two or three years; I actually started producing before I started DJing. My music was well-received and after the many positive reactions I started receiving requests to play at parties and in clubs. I am very rhythm focused: my tracks contain elements of Soca/Tribal African and South American music. These elements are basically the fundaments of house music and can make people dance anywhere!

You started off your musical journey playing the drums – how did you progress from that to electronic music production?

When I was younger I broke all my parents’ pots and pans so they decided to buy me a drum kit. I then took professional drum lessons for 6 years. With rhythm in my blood I started looking for new challenges. My passion for electronic music has always been big so I started to create my own tracks.

What are the biggest tunes around for you at the moment?

Difficult question for me, because my taste for house music is very large. So I have many many tracks that I like to play.

Ralvero

What are you currently working on in the studio?

You can expect brand new Ralvero beats, which will make you dance for sure! I am doing quite a few remixes right now, and working on some fresh new tunes. So stay tuned!

What did you do before you were a professional musician?

In my teenage years I finished school. I studied in a technical direction and started to work in a factory, which really has nothing to do with music. I realised soon enough that it was not my thing and decided to follow my dream and that was to make and play music full-time. I’m very proud of the fact that that is what I’m now doing.

Do you love what you do?

Of course! It’s my greatest passion; producing and playing music, and if other people appreciate it, is the best thing in the world. Seeing people dance on your own music is such an adrenalin rush for me.

Tell us how your mix of Nick & Danny Chatelain's 'Rumba' came about…

It was a remix assignment for Defected When I heard that they wanted a remix from me, I was very honored and extremely pleased. I decided to make 2 versions of it, one with a Dutch twist and the other one more underground - it seems to have worked out well. I get a lot of positive reactions for this track.

Who are your idols in the producer world?

I really appreciate many producers; as I said before my taste for house music is very large so this also covers the artists that make it. But I have huge respect for Axwell, Steve Angello, Fedde le Grand, Eric Prydz and Deadmau5 to name a few…

Anything else you'd like to tell us about..?

For all the people who want to know more about me, you can check me out on www.ralvero.com to stay informed about my releases, schedule and anything else you want to know!

Nick & Danny Chatelain 'Rumba' is out now - click to listen & buy