INTERVIEW: Klaps

''This Is What I Do' marks the debut release from Klaps, the first artist other than Gawlas to appear on the label. Backing releases from the likes of Filth On Acid, Kneaded Pains, Sonaxx and many more, Belgian hard techno stalwart Klaps is set to make another emphatic label debut by becoming the first artist to appear on Klaudia's Illusion Recordings label. Gawlas. Since launching in 2023, the label has quickly become an emerging platform for high-quality underground techno releases, with Gawlas the talisman behind the first three releases. In 2024, Illusion breaks new ground by welcoming outside artists to showcase their work on the label.

We have had the pleasure of speaking with Klaps and this has been the result.

Can you tell us a little about your experience in the music industry? How did you get into music and become a DJ? What did you do before?

It all started 15 years ago, but then I was just a local DJ who played with a close friend. It was all-round, but with influences by techno tunes from those days. I really got into techno in 2015, when I decided to participate in a contest, from there on I went to play all over Belgium and now abroad as well!

How is your sound evolving year on year? 

When I started, I was one of the hardest techno DJ’s. But now, my sound has evolved to more groovy techno. So that you can stay and listen for hours. What I hear most now, as a reaction to my sets, is that it takes them back to the good old underground days.

What artists and genres do you enjoy mixing right now?

Too much to mention! But for example, Luigi Madonna’s sound at the moment is what I like. But also, artists including Oton, Herton, Area One and Red Scan.

How do you feel that your music influences or impacts your listeners?

As I change in style and sound, they change with me as well. But they still listen to other artists, so they have a wide taste in techno!

Where are you based and do you feel where you are located dictates your life as a touring DJ? i.e. US va EU

Currently living in Houthalen, Belgium. The city of Extrema Outdoor!My location doesn’t dictate my life as a touring DJ, but I am willing to move so that the travelling gets more comfortable.

Do you feel you play a more safe sound now or are open to playing in a more experimental way?

At the moment, my sound is not so safe. As most of the young ravers are really into the hard techno sound these days. And I decided to play more groove, but still a good tempo. So, let’s see how it changes in the future with the sound!

We all know that the digital revolution has affected sales, but has it affected creativity?

As you said, there was a revolution. Digital impact is more important than producing lots of good music. I do not feel bad about that, but sometimes it makes that several really good producers do not get the best attention… But it is what it is!

Can you tell us what your present and future projects are?

Only one big project beside my own DJ carrière and that is my brand Get In Line. A record label, but a event as well. So, to all techno artists out there: feel free to send over your tracks!

Where can we see you playing next?

I am visiting XO first! And then we have some good shows coming up at Fuse Brussel, Douale DE, Ostrava CZ, Junkyard DE, … And my own festival stage at Sunrise with Luigi Madonna, Per Pleks, Klaudia Gawlas etc!

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