In the last couple of months, a haunting new number hit the radio that had me hypnotised. It held a mid-tempo dance melody, rumbling vocals and a world-weary story of betrayal. A quick search told me it was the No 1 remix of Lilly Wood and The Prick’s Prayer in C, an instant favourite.
Little did I know the original song wasn’t new at all. Released in 2010, it was a slower, more desolate trickle, laced with weeping flute. The song has been gaining renewed momentum due to German DJ Robin Schulz’s added touches. Digging back to November of last year, I found out Schulz had worked his same remixing magic on Mr. Probz’s chart-topper, Waves.
Making his way to Dubai for an October 9 set at the opening of Cielo Sky Lounge, the 27-year-old told tabloid! all about his signature broody style, and what makes him want to get his hands dirty on a track.
How are you today, Robin?
Hey there, I’m pretty good. Just arrived from Ibiza, where I was playing the closing party for David Guetta.
What do you have planned for your gig here in Dubai?
Well, you mean my set for the night? For sure, I will play my songs Waves, Prayer in C, but for the rest of the night — it will be a surprise.
How would you describe your style behind the decks?
That’s easy to describe — melancholic deep house.
Can you tell us how you started out DJing, and how long you’ve been doing it?
It all began with my dad, who was a local DJ in our hometown, so I always wanted to DJ as well. When I was young, 15 years of age, I got my first own DJ equipment and started to do some local gigs in my hometown. That’s 12 years ago now.
You’re behind some big remixes! What attracts you to a song and makes you want to remix it?
I am subscribed to several YouTube channels, so that’s how I got introduced to the songs Waves and Prayer in C and started to remix them right away, with some grooves and a guitar element and pitched it up.
What was the inspiration behind your treatment of ‘Prayer in C’?
I heard the original song and was in love with it right away, so I wanted to make the track for the dance floor.
Your ‘Waves’ remix was another massive hit. Did you expect that to go to No. 1?
I never expected something like that and was really surprised about everything that happened. I am very thankful for that.
If you were to collaborate with an artist, who would be at the top of your list?
KYGO from Norway.
What are the hottest songs on your set right now?
My absolutely favorite at the moment is: Faul — Something New (David K Remix).
