1/3 Tiësto is very fond of Dave Hipke’s DJ school in Breda (private photo).
The days when Breda DJs dominated the world stage are over. On Thursday evening the world’s best DJ will be chosen, but last year no Tiësto or Hardwell in the top 10. “Sometimes it has to be quiet for a while, to come back hard”, says Dave Hipke of the Breda DJ School International.
Who made the list with 100 best DJs from last year, you can conclude that there are still enough Dutch and also Brabant among the artists. Dave Hipke, who has been teaching DJs for over 12 years, is therefore not worried.
“Social media and Spotify are playing an increasing role.”
“There are simply more players on the market for the public to choose from. In addition, Hardwell has just completed a two-year sabbatical and Tiësto often performs with other young artists these days, making him a little less prominent.”
The DJ school owner also sees the music world changing. “Social media has become increasingly important. You often have to show and hear from it. Spotify also plays an increasingly important role. The more often you appear on playlists there as an artist, the better.”
“Women are technically more difficult but have more feeling for music.”
There are also more and more women who are on stage. “That’s really different from men,” says Hipke. “Women are technically a bit stiffer but have more feeling for music and personally I find it more fun to watch,” he chuckles.
The Breda DJ school has 250 students every year. “We are there for all ages,” says the 54-year-old school director. “There is also a shortage of professional producers and DJs these days. I regularly have to open my doors for people to work on their skills again because they have been asked to perform again after a quiet period.”
“Tiësto thinks it’s great that the DJ school spreads the love for music.”
The school director also sees his staff disappear. “Tim Hox taught here, but he doesn’t have time anymore because he is constantly performing. I can see him ending up in that top 100 list. He can just be Breda’s revenge.”
Incidentally, the Breda music greats have never been taught at the DJ school in their hometown. “I do have regular contact with Tiësto. He thinks it’s great that we contribute to the love of music. He recently signed our company car,” says The school director with some pride.
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