mixmag netherlands
Momentum didn’t
arrive all at
once. It was built through spe- cific moments, the kind that shift perspective more than they change direction. Certain sets begin to feel different, not be- cause of where they happen, but because of how they land.
“There was one set at Three Mills Island in London, only a week or so after the world opened back up after COVID. We were suppor- ting Michael Bibi and The Mar- tinez Brothers for Solid Grooves that day, which definitely seemed to change things for us. It was the first time playing with such a ca- liber of artists and at an event of that scale. I remember we smas- hed the set, ending up with pro- bably 2,000 people. We met so many people, and it really helped give us confidence in oursel- ves, which led to some standout shows with No Art London, Solid Grooves, and our Ibiza debut at DC10, matched with a run of rea- lly strong and consistent Appe- tite shows and some European debuts. It definitely helped put us more on an international map.”
That confidence carries directly into the way they play together. There is very little pre-planning, and no rigid structure is imposed before they step into the booth. Instead, everything leans on fa- miliarity, on knowing where the other might go before it happens.
“We don’t really plan sets at all, but I think we both have a strong knowledge of our music and co- llection, so we know where to steer the set in the right direc- tion, whatever one of us plays. I think playing together for so long means we have chemistry where we can communicate with just a nod of a head or a thumbs up for certain things, so that helps for sure.”
That same openness defines how Appetite Records takes shape. It doesn’t lock itself into one sound
or direction, instead moving in line with what feels right at the time, reflecting the same flexibi- lity that defines their sets.
“I think we are just trying to build a platform that expresses what we love, music-wise. There isn’t a set genre or style. Like oursel- ves as artists and DJs, we don’t stick to just one style, so we want the label to reflect that. I think we want to push new directions while at the same time building a com- munity of artists who maybe are not doing the norm or following trends. I think the music on the label reflects us as a brand also: fun, playful, expressive, sexy, raw.”
The first release carried that approach from the beginning. It wasn’t planned as a statement or positioned as a defining moment. It came from something much simpler.
“We actually created that song as a laugh one night in the studio, with DC10’s dancefloor in mind, as we had just got news of our debut at the club that coming summer. I don’t think we even thought we were going to relea- se it, and it was a bit of a joke at the time, but after playing it out a lot that summer, people really wanted it. I guess it represented us just having fun in the stu- dio without thinking too deeply about what people would think, as I said, we didn’t think we were going to release it. Which, I guess, supports the ethos that just ma- king music for yourselves always delivers the best results. I think ‘Hey Johnny’ isn’t the track that represents us best as artists, but it is still a very unique track that people love and that will stand the test of time.”
That balance between instinct and function continues in the studio. Ideas tend to come quic- kly, shaped in the moment befo- re being tested in the only place that really matters.
“For sure, I think being DJs we are always navigating a space that includes the dancefloor at the heart of what we do, but at the same time we love to also create real music that has a songwriting approach that can be enjoyed not only on the dancefloor. So I guess we’re operating in a space between the two, trying to blend these styles together. Tracks always start with quick, fun ses- sions, and we usually get most of the ideas down; then, after revisi- ting, we may change things. The- re is no better test than playing a track out to see what’s missing or what does or doesn’t work. Pla- ying out every week, we are in a unique and lucky position to be able to test our music and get a live reaction, which definitely helps and lets us develop as pro- ducers and DJs.”
Some places sit differently wi- thin that process. Ibiza, in parti- cular, carries a weight that goes beyond performance. It exists as memory, as routine, as something that has always been there.
“For sure, as you said, Ibiza is a se- cond home. I think it’s so special, other than the obvious reasons of it being such a beautiful island and having amazing parties. For me, it’s the people… we have such a strong family of friends on the island, so whenever we’re there, I feel at home. I mean, we have all been going every year since we turned 18 (or younger), and it’s such a destination for people from where we grew up in Essex to visit, so it’s kind of built into our identity, growing up with all our family members going before our time. I wouldn’t say anything has changed other than just being more connected and more in love with the island, as now it’s a pla- ce of work for us and even more a part of the story.”
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