FIVE for extraordinary nights: Interview with "Lost Frequencies" aka Felix De Laet
Felix De Laet, better known by his stage name Lost Frequencies, released his global smash hit "Are You With Me" in 2014, quickly reaching #1 in 18 countries and going multi-platinum. As a solo artist, Felix De Laet has held his own, as evidenced by both his streaming numbers and live shows - such as performances at the world's top music festivals, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Lollapalooza. As a regular at Dubai's No.1 Deep Tech House event "SKYLINE THURSDAY", FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai now brings the acclaimed DJ to FIVE in Zurich.
Hi Felix, how are you today?
Felix De Laet: "I’m very good, thank you. It’s the end of June. Every single show was great, great crowd, amazing vibe. Everyone is happy. I hope to keep this blessing with the rest of the summer."
Welcome to Switzerland. How do you like Zurich?
Felix De Laet: "Thank you. In the very beginning, to be honest, I didn’t like Zurich too much, it seemed to be a cold city. But every time I come here I discover new things, new places, I meet new people and every time I like it more and more. And today we’re here at the opening of the FIVE hotels, so I’m sure I will come here often because I have a great connection to the guys here and I usually go to Dubai once every 3 months so now I will come here also a few times throughout the year."
Felix means the lucky one. Would you consider yourself to be lucky?
Felix De Laet: "I’m lucky with the people I’m surrounded with and also lucky with my career at the moment. It’s been almost 8 years now since I’m doing this and it’s still growing, so I feel lucky to be able to do what I do."
What’s your personal lost frequency?
Felix De Laet: "My personal lost frequency is a track that I really like called "Soko". I remixed it at the very beginning of my career. I killed it as one of my first tracks."
After Calum Scott and James Arthur - What great features are in the pipeline?
Felix De Laet: "I’m working with lots of artist at the moment, but I don’t want to spoil too much now. I just released a new track with James Arthur, so I leave you with that at the moment. But I’m working with very exiting singers working on my new album."
How did the pandemic change your creative resources?
Felix De Laet: "When I was touring I got a lot of inspiration from the music surrounding me because we were playing music with life acts and bands. It’s super nice to see how different artists have a connection to the crowd and how they present their music to the festival. I was really feeding my inspiration with all of that. Than staying at home my music style production wise really changed. My energy level went quite high in my productions and I was able to change the mood of my tracks and still be in the Lost Frequencies sounds. Being at home was a great opportunity for me to upgrade my production skills, watching videos and learning more about the whole music production process."
"I'm really lucky to be able to do what I do." Felix De Laet
Tell us some secrets about your upcoming tour this fall!
Felix De Laet: "Yes, we are going to have a big live show in October and November. I will present a lot of new music during the live shows. I will add much more new tracks than in the basic structure of the 1-hour live show playing at the festivals. Also, get ready for a special stage design and surprise guests. I think this will be a very exiting moment for people to come and see my new music projects. I can't wait."
So you basically travel the world. Do you have a favorite place?
Felix De Laet: "I am a very big fan of Asia. When I’m there I just feel disconnected from Europe, the things I know, the languages, the food, and the culture. In Japan, I fell in love with the culture, also since I also love the Japanese food and mangas."
What’s your personal connection to FIVE?
Felix De Laet: "FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, I was one of the first artists being booked at the Penthouse. Since then I built a very deep relationship with the FIVE team and especially the CEO Aloki Batra. So whenever I’m on my way to Asia I stop in Dubai for shows. They are always super excited to have me. That’s why I was invited to perform at the opening party in Zurich. I’m very happy and excited since I know about the opening of FIVE Zurich for many years and finally it’s happening. I really hope that a nice relationship will last for many many years."
After Dubai, tonight it’s Zurich. Excited to be part of the grand opening?
Felix De Laet: "Yes, a lot! Finally we're here and it’s happening. We were talking about it so much and I’m really excited to feel the energy of the whole hotel crew. Also, it’s so nice to see everyone in another location since we used to only meet in Dubai. I think this is a very special moment for all of us tonight and experiencing the opening of the hotel."
What would you do now if music wouldn’t be your fate?
Felix De Laet: "I thought about it not too long ago. I think I would be very unuseful, music is the only thing I think I can do. I really don’t know what I would do. My cousin has a fashion brand that I really like so maybe I would do that with him."
Your personal message to the FIVE Zurich guests tonight!
Felix De Laet: "I think many people who are coming tonight have been to FIVE Dubai before. So I think they know what to expect from the FIVE Zurich ambiance and party. I’m very excited to be here tonight for sure and I feel very honored to be able to open the Penthouse tonight and to experience this great moment together."
