Dutch house music pioneer Fedde Le Grand continues to demonstrate his unparalleled ability to craft timeless dancefloor moments. Following his continued electrifying performances at world-class festivals Ultra Miami, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Creamfields, the masterful pioneer of electronica, considered by countless fans and artists as one of the single most defining figures in house music, is releasing his new track, Who Got The Funk, today. This classic tech-house floor-filler that pays homage to the genre's funkiest roots arrives after a very important year for him. We speak with him.
“My dream was to become one of the top 10 DJs and producers in Holland and have the most fun doing it with my friends. I actually never even thought about an international career,” he tells us in the interview you can read below, in which we ask him what success means to him, the most valuable lessons he has learnt throughout his professional career and what it feels like to know that millions of people all over the world listen to every new track he releases.
You have played in many cities in the last few months, from Oradea, Romania, to Warsaw and Budapest. How are you, and where are you answering us from?
Hey! I’m good. I am actually answering this from the airport (where else), travelling to Budapest today. One of my favourite cities.
You said goodbye to 2024 in Dubai, didn't you?
Yes, indeed. It is one of the most amazing places to end the year, and I feel Dubai is a huge lift dance community-wise. More and more dance brands are establishing a base in Dubai. So welcoming the new year from that spot was amazing.
One day after your performance in Amman on November 28, you released your single I Am Ready. Tell us, what does this track mean to you?
It’s so great. I was able to give a modern interpretation of this classic by Size 9. I actually played the original way back when, but I'm so happy with the current version. It’s a dance floor lifter. It came out amazing.
The track builds steadily, with vibrant piano riffs and flirty, playful synths that layer effortlessly before unleashing an explosive drop. How was the development process?
I made this track in mind wanting to create something that would shake up the dance floor and would work in all my sets in the main stage underground club. You name it. It truly gets the dance floor going and lifts the night to a new level.
I can't help you asking about the wonderful and iconic Put Your Hands Up For Detroit, which positioned you on the international scene and circled the globe and has more than fifty million streams on Spotify. How do you remember that moment?
To this day it’s something so unexpected and unreal, even though I barely play the original anymore, and I'm playing my 5th or 6th updated version. I’m thankful every day that the world has received this track as she did.
Did your life change a lot after that great hit? Was it difficult to manage success?
Yes and no. In terms of the amount of plays, no, I was already doing really well in Holland. But on the international stage, definitely; it literally opened up the world for me to explore it. That’s why I’m so grateful. I realise this is something that otherwise would not have happened. In regard to success, it has been interesting. First and foremost, I’m grateful, but I had to learn the hard way that it’s not only you who changes but also the people around you, and the new people you meet do not always have good intentions. But lessons learnt. And I feel like a more balanced person for it.
You were born in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and you started your career in your native country, playing in some of the best clubs and making a name for yourself in the local scene. What did you dream of back then?
My dream was to become one of the top 10 DJs and producers in Holland and have the most fun doing it with my friends. I actually never even thought about an international career. And I was so consumed by my dream. That there was little room for anything else.
And what do you think of the current Dutch music scene? Are there any artists you especially like?
Yeah, the Dutch have such a healthy dance industry. From DJ’s producers to record labels, festivals, etc. So I feel there is always something cooking. A long-time favourite and guest at my parties way back and now finally really getting recognised worldwide would be Franky Rizardo.
Last year, we travelled to the Netherlands to attend the latest edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event, where you brought your signature Darklight Sessions and a special appearance at Parookaville ADE Special there. How did you experience the last ADE event?
I freaking loved it; it’s always so much fun! Doing little pop-up sets running into everyone. It’s so informative and interesting and fun at the same time. We’ve been running DLR nights for years and years now, and it has always been a treat for me, the artists of DLR and the crowd.
From a professional perspective, you have certainly achieved success. You do what you love, travel all over the world, and millions of people follow and support your project. But what does success mean to you?
What I’ve learnt over the years is that success is personal happiness. I know that sounds a bit wholesome, but having seen and experienced what people generally label as success doesn’t necessarily make you happy. A lot of it is convenience and ego. What truly makes me happy is making and playing awesome music. I don’t care if it’s for 5 or 50,000 people as long as everyone is having a great time. Music is something that should unite people and give expression to your feelings. Sometimes people get caught up too much in the politics of it all. So that’s why now I feel free to do what I think is awesome and is harnessing the energy I’m looking for and being able to share that. That, to me, is success.
Do you think it's easier or harder for new generations of artists to make a name for themselves on the global scene than it was 20 years ago?
It’s as though as always. Yes, there are more artists now to compete with, but at the same time, you only need a laptop to produce, and you can network and also build a following from your living room now. But at the same time, you need different skills. So different days with different rules but just as competitive as it has always been.
You’re the label owner of Darklight Recordings, which is now turning ten years old, isn't it? Tell us more about this project, please.
I’ve always owned one or two labels from day one. We started with Flamingo Recordings, and later I started Darklight Recordings. In my opinion, it’s so important to have a place where you can showcase your own music. But also have an ear to the ground on what’s going to come up. So the people we sign are amazing artists and also a way to stay informed about how upcoming artists and trends develop.
Is there anything you can tell us about your goals for 2025?
I have a bunch of tracks coming. I’ve been so super in my element the past year that I can't stop, so lots more music to come. And lots more shows. I have a little secret project I’m working on. I'm also really looking forward to it.