RSCL or Rascal, the Dutch DJ and Producer finally releases the track that has been buzzing throughout his global tour, ‘Can You Feel The Beat’ via Republic Records. The high-profile release follows a career on choice records on top-shelf labels, such as Hardwell’s Gemstone or Spinnin’. RSCL produces a full track here, giving ‘Can You Feel The Beat’ plenty to get lost in for a true underground sound.
We were pleased to catch him following his magnetic sets to capture his current direction, favorite tracks to mix in, lessons and more during our interview with RSCL. Enjoy exploring and hopefully experiencing his mischievous world, the waters are deep.
How is life on tour? Did everything go smoothly or were there some speed bumps, detours or epic side missions along the way?
This summer tour was something new for me. I had lots of fun and played cool shows, but it was the first time I got in touch with this number of flights in a short time. So, I had to get used to that a bit, but the tour is and was awesome!
What is one travel item you must have to make you feel at home or comfortable?
I’ going nowhere without my laptop! Need it to make and download new music and edits on the road of course and also to check out my favorite series while I’m on the road.
Did you get a chance to meet any new artists or make any new friendships along tour?
I did most of my summer tour together with Sonny Wern, the dude who made the stutter techno hit ‘Dance With Me’. We did know each other a little bit before the tour, but I can say we got good friends during the summer. Had some unforgettable nights with this guy and I know for sure there are many more to come!
What 5 tracks have you been inspired to play on the tour?
I’d say, to get the party started during this tour, I used Mr. Belt & Wezol’s “It’s Not Right” a lot, but also Ferra Black’s “Midnight Train” and Franky Rizardo’s remix of “Make Me” where some bombs to get the crowd going. I also teased my new song with Dastic, “Don’t Fall For Me” a lot this summer and my new song “Can You Feel The Beat” is the one song I played every set.
What is one of the older tracks you still mix your sets? Any fun remixes you recently tried playing out that you feel hit well?
This song called “The Jumper” in the Mass Medium Remix is a song from 2000 I think, that’s a song I’ve ended my sets with a couple of times last summer, and it’s a serious bomb to end with. Another edit I do play a lot is Daft Hill’s edit of Sade’s “Smooth Operator”. Works really well!
After playing City of Flowers Festival in Germany, do you have more dates being discussed or decided yet?
First of all I’m really looking forward playing City of Flowers, played there last year as well and I really loved that festival. Lots of new dates will be announced really soon, including a whole tour in a country overseas, so I’m really looking forward to that! You know what they say: Keep an eye out on my socials!!
Can you share a little about the 3 upcoming releases, ‘All Around The World’, ‘Can You Feel The Beat’ and ‘Lost Without You’?
“All Around The World is my second collab with Tribbs, it’s a catchy more radio inspired tune. “Lost Without You” is a perfect tune for late summer, housey vibes with an incredibly good and unique vocal. “Can You Feel The Beat” is a track that I’ve been teasing for over a year now. Works really well on the dance floor and the track is heavily supported by lots of DJ’s already, so that’s going to be a dance floor killer for sure!
How would you describe the direction or niche sound of ‘Don’t Fall For Me’ on What Ya Need records?
I think it’s a good blend of the sound I’ve always used in my tracks, like the M1 organ which gives it a good-vibes feeling, especially with this melody. It’s combined with an UK-ish reese bass which I’m using a lot more now and that’s also something that Dastic is working with a lot. So to describe it shorter, it’s a good feeling UK-ish club banger.
Can you tell us about your very first set? Where were you? Do you recall any tracks you played? How many people were in the crowd? Can you recall any learning lessons or what has been a big lesson you have learned along your DJing career?
First time I played in front of a crowd was at my High School’s Christmas Prom. I think I was 15 years old or something. I remember I played tracks like “Reload” and “Rock The Party” by JAUZ. I think there were like 300 people in the crowd, which didn’t like all the tracks I played.
I used to play mainly tracks I liked myself and didn’t think about what the crowd would like to hear haha, which is kinda a rookie mistake. A long the way I learned that you’re not only playing for yourself, but you’re biggest job as a DJ is that you have to get the party going and play tunes that people like, and give your own twist to it. Read the crowd and play what you think that works, and if it doesn’t, try something else!
Will you be at the Amsterdam Dance Event? If so, whose events would you recommend?
I will! Will be playing some parties like the Revealed Label Night and a few more but can’t announce everything yet. For industry people: I advise you to go to as many industry drinks as you can to brighten your network and meet people who can influence you’re career! For people who like to party, go to the Revealed Label Night and Mr. Belt & Wezol’s party The Cuckoo’s Nest. Best parties in town that week!
Who are some local party brands or event curators in your area that you like or have played for before?
Like I said, the Cuckoo’s Nest by Mr. Belt & Wezol is a super nice event. Good atmosphere, good music and good vibes. A very cool party to go to. One to watch in the Netherlands is Crotona. The vibes at that party are unmatched, so if you are in the Netherlands, make sure you go to a Crotona event!
Shout out a historical figure! Who is a legend or person people should always remember and why?
“Dance music related I’d say Hardwell! I think he inspired many of my generation to get into music or to start to love dance music in general. He gave me the chance to sign exclusively to his label and he has been supporting all my music since, so big shout out to Hardwell!
Nice shout! Lets send people off with Hardwell’s latest release ‘Follow The Light’ and your release on his label, Gemstone.
