Globally recognized for pioneering his own house-influenced genre known as “Ghetto Mainstream,” Dutch producer Ibranovski has been showcasing his diversified production style since day one. By drawing upon an early influence of hip-hop and the Dutch house sound, Ibranovski began his career touring as an urban DJ and let us tell you that his keen sense of reading crowds is undeniable from this house connoisseur. Flawlessly delivering a wide range of emotive melodies, infectious basslines, urban drums, and even hints of techno, if there is one producer who can take you on an immersive, yet mystic journey through his cutting-edge sound design, trust Ibranovski.
Ensuring the summer vibes will continue to live on no matter what day it is, Ibranovski’s release of tropical house inspired single ‘Surfboard’ is clearly a favourite to many and we had the opportunity to discuss his inspirations behind the uplifting single, life during the pandemic, key moments in Japan and more below.
Hey Ibranovski, it is so nice to catch up with you. First off, how have you been in terms of dealing with the pandemic?
Likewise man! At first, it was very turbulent as a lot of things changed all of a sudden. It is still not easy but instead of focusing on the things I cannot control, I try to look into the things that I still can. I am trying to make the best of it. The whole industry changed rapidly and eventually all things regarding my career too. We will see where everything will go and I am stoked for the future.
I always loved music before playing or making it. Dance music was huge in the Netherlands and as a kid, you were raised with this type of music. I must say being from the 90s generation also invoked this a lot because music back in the days put dance as a genre on the map
As dance music was gaining popularity in the Netherlands, did it influence you to pursue a career in music? If so, in what ways?
I always loved music before playing or making it. Dance music was huge in the Netherlands and as a kid, you were raised with this type of music. I must say being from the 90s generation also invoked this a lot because music back in the days put dance as a genre on the map. Nowadays it’s different types of music that are popular and kids are not raised anymore with Tiesto, Darude, or Gigi D’Agostino, which is just the evolution of music.
I am still experimenting with different genres as just to make music and not be limited to a genre, tempo, or box. The world changes rapidly and so does music.
You have become globally recognized for creating your very own genre ‘Ghetto mainstream’ and have now shifted your direction more towards the house music scene. What prompted you to take this new direction?
Well, I feel like the more it went towards the house music scene the essence of a record that is easy to understand for everyone is getting bigger. Now I am still experimenting with different genres as just to make music and not be limited to a genre, tempo, or box. The world changes rapidly and so does music.
After intertwining elements of tropical house in your most recent single ‘Surfboard,’ can you share the initial idea and takeaway behind the summer-ready single?
It was actually the first summer that instead of working on music I was at the beach in Holland for several days. I wanted to mark this personal experience by enjoying the beach in a record. I heard a dude playing a steel drum, became triggered, and built the record the first day I was back home.
While I personally moved to Japan myself, I noticed the electronic music scene consists of a strong community of passionate music lovers. While you have been establishing a connection with your fans in Japan whether it be with inspirational releases such as “Kawaii” or touring the country, what was your initial reaction to the crowd in Japan after your debut show?
Japan has been a big inspirational trip in many ways. While being raised with Pokemon, Super Mario, Anime, and Nintendo I felt like a kid in a wonderland when I was in Japan. The people, clothes, food, and way of life are amazing. For me, it was one of the best crowds I played because I felt connected with everything I saw and felt. I was super overwhelmed in a positive way playing in Japan and it was beyond a lifetime experience.
For someone that is 24/7 doing music, this pandemic situation gave me some time to reconstruct some daily routine things and myself to eventually enjoy everything a bit more.
Are there any highlights from your trips to Japan you would like to share?
I had an amazing time in every way and saw a lot of the country in a few days. I headed through Tokyo and Osaka and it felt from touchdown up until the shows as an unreal trip.
Glad to hear that man! I have always wondered about the daily routine for the life of Ibranovski. When you are not touring the world or in the studio, what do you usually get up to?
I am a big family man. I like good food, cocktails, a good laugh, and just enjoy life with my closest people. Most of the time I am with my friends, girlfriend, and family just enjoying what is there to enjoy. Playing soccer and sometimes hitting the gym. I still working on that last one (laughing). Playing games whenever it is possible. Actually this year I wanted to see more of the world without touring and with my beloved ones. But for now, that is not possible which makes me sad. For someone that is 24/7 doing music, this pandemic situation gave me some time to reconstruct some daily routine things and myself to eventually enjoy everything a bit more.
With house music it is easier to have this intimacy or connection because the big room music is arena type big hall stuff. It is very strange to play big room in a room with 100 people where with house music or another genre it is not.
You recently played an insanely groovy set during Dim Mak’s virtual “Stay In Your Damn House Party.” Whether it is a virtual or in-person set, do you adjust your set according to the certain vibe each festival entails?
Not really to be honest. Actually every set I play what I like to play and always take into consideration if it is fitting the moment. Most of the time it is and it is fun for me to mix everything up which I am going to do with my production process too in the coming months. I honestly just do whatever I feel like.
As intimacy plays a huge part in your club shows, has house music allowed you to establish a deeper connection with your audience in comparison to big room music?
Well, with house music it is easier to have this intimacy or connection because the big room music is arena type big hall stuff. It is very strange to play big room in a room with 100 people where with house music or another genre it is not. That is my personal experience being a DJ and what I feel. This could be different for other people.
It is an exciting time for me and my career in the weirdest period of my life. I am very pumped!
Lastly, what can we anticipate for Ibranovski during the rest of 2020. Are you able to share any future collaborations or releases before the end of this year?
Yeah! There is cool music on the way. Some big collaborations including the most recent with Sikdope. And for the rest of 2020 and my life, as I said just music I feel like making and playing. International and Dutch and foreign stuff. It is an exciting time for me and my career in the weirdest period of my life. I am very pumped!
Bringing the heat right to your eardrums, listen to Ibranovski and Sikdope’s forward-thinking collaboration below.
