[INTERVIEW] Axwell Talks Tomorrowland, Legacy, And Motivation

Legend says just instants before the iconic Axwell hopped on the Mainstage of Tomorrowland Brasil this year to deliver one of his usual epic sets, we sat down with him and got a little conversation going. Short but still insightful, this brief conversation provided us with a clearer understanding of the mind of one of the heroes of EDM.

So, here it goes. Conducted just minutes and metres away from one of the craziest stages Electronic music has to offer year-round, here’s our brief talk with the one and only Axwell.

We’re excited to have you today. How are you today? How’s this weekend looking for you, man?

Well, it’s going to be an intense weekend. I got to Brazil this morning and was working a little bit in the hotel. Now I’m here at Tomorrowland, which is going to be fun. And then we’ll drive to Laroc and play there for an hour and a half. So, it should be an exciting, intense evening.

This is all during the same day?

Yeah, it’s going to be a long day!

What does Tomorrowland mean to you?

It means, to be honest, the best dance music festival. As of lately, they’ve really established themselves as the top, you know? They just take such good care of everybody: the artists, the people, and the effort they take into building everything. I just think that it’s truly the top dance music festival.

I would agree. Now, next question. Why would you say melodic elements, such as your progressive house repertoire, resonate so strongly with people and make them feel these special things inside?

I think it’s because it’s melodies, like you said. At the end of the day, melodies resonate with us. Grooves and basslines are very cool, I love that as well, but if you get the melody right, it’s even better.

Nice. This is a bit of a thoughtful question. What would you say is your greatest contribution to dance music? What are you most proud of?

I think that we were a part of the movement that you didn’t have to be in a box to shine. You could do whatever you wanted in terms of music, shows, how you DJ, and whatever. Before us, maybe it was a little bit more strict, like, “Oh, you’re playing house music,” or “you’re playing techno.” I think maybe we were a bit more like, “whatever.” And I think that could be something.

I would agree. Next, after doing festival after festival, do you ever miss the vibe of a more intimate, less packed club?

Actually, no. Festivals like this, with a lot of people, are better. But I do enjoy a club like tonight, like Laroc, which is around 5,000 people, because then you get a good vibe. But for me, it’s big shows, medium shows, and club shows. Club shows can be nice and fun, but I just prefer bigger shows.

I get you. Do you ever feel tired, feel like giving up music? And if so, what keeps you motivated to continue?

Sometimes, obviously, you have bad days. You’re tired, and you’re like, “Fuck this.” That happens for sure. But then I realise I still have ideas, still have things I want to do. That keeps me continuing to push on.

I’ve got one more question. If you could travel to the past, any number of years you choose, and you meet your past self, what would you tell the younger you? Were you worried about something that isn’t really necessary now?

Yeah, you know what? I would go back and say—maybe like in my early days, when I made ‘I Found You’, I would say, “Listen, stop touring and make an album now. Don’t take every show you can every weekend to pay the bills. Focus on an album.” But I didn’t, so… fuck it!

Thanks so much man.

Thank you man.

-End of interview-

Final Words

Legend says he rushed to the Mainstage after this quick convo, and delivered this bomb of a set.