IN CONVERSATION WITH QUANTIC
interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents an exclusive interview with genre-blending producer and DJ Quantic, ahead of his highly anticipated DJ-Kicks release. Known for fusing global rhythms with deep grooves, Quantic shares insights on his all-original mix, cross-cultural influences, and the evolving art of collaboration.
image credit: © B+
Your DJ-Kicks mix is entirely original productions – why take this unique approach?
Being both a music maker and a DJ, I thought it was important to create something special and new for this mix—works that never existed before and can’t be heard anywhere else but on DJ-Kicks. That’s a cool concept. And given the notoriety of the DJ-Kicks series, I saw it as a great opportunity to highlight the music makers I love and admire.
How have your experiences in the UK, US, and Colombia shaped your sound?
Travel has always influenced my interest in music and art. Being in a new environment can be really freeing—it gives you the confidence and even the invisibility to try new things. I’ve always loved collaboration, and living in different places has allowed me to make music with a wide variety of people. I’ve always had an ear for folk and regional music, which lets more local flavour pass into the rhythms. Colombia, in particular, has so much depth and folklore—there are endless possibilities. I was very lucky to meet and work with some of the best.
What inspired the vibrant & percussive energy of ‘Eko Eko’?
‘Eko Eko’ was inspired by my many DJ nights in Brooklyn, and the intersection of Caribbean rhythms with house and dance music. Over the years, I’ve played at some amazing outdoor summer venues where movement, song, and community are central. You’re always searching for tracks that light up the dancefloor—and for me, ‘Eko Eko’ captures that feeling.
What were your earliest musical influences or turning points?
I grew up surrounded by music and acoustic instruments. But as my dad got into 80s computing, more and more computers appeared in the house. I got into beat-making through sampling and playing with early looping software. A major turning point was taking a sound engineering course at 16—it gave me access to gear and introduced me to MIDI and programming. After that, I dove into samplers and sequencers and started releasing my first beats on 45s.
How do collaborations fuel your creative process today?
As someone who mostly makes instrumental music—aside from the odd song I’ve sung—I’ve worked with many vocalists, which feels natural. My mother was a singer and both my sisters are too, so I’ve always felt drawn to the voice. I love how a track evolves when you work with someone else; you always learn something new. A lot of my past collaborations have definitely made me a better musician and listener.
Why bring in your Sobredosis alias for this mix?
Sobredosis explores a slower, darker side of Cumbia. I’ve been making music in the genre since around 2005, but with Sobredosis, I’m more influenced by the sonidero style and the slowed-down cumbias of Mexico. Slowing down old 78s is like dissecting the sonic architecture—it reveals textures that usually pass by too quickly. Sobredosis lives in that space, in the whirling underbelly of slouching percussion.
How do you approach storytelling in your DJ sets—especially with changing tempos and moods?
I often play early evening sets, usually outdoors or in nature, sometimes by water. So I’ve learned how to guide the night from its first steps to the peak-time energy. Changing tempos helps reset the floor and introduce a new energy—it keeps things fresh. As a listener, I find it boring when everything stays at the same tempo. My favourite DJs move across the tempo spectrum throughout the night—the magic is in the transitions and making it your own.
What helps you stay open to new genres while keeping a clear identity?
Travel and playing shows helps a lot—I get to stay connected and catch new acts. I’ve been to some incredible festivals over the past year, and I always make time to see who’s playing and discover something new. I think as a music maker, your identity is always present—because no one hears or plays things in quite the same way.
Does fashion play a role in your artistic expression?
As someone often in the public eye—performing or being photographed—fashion and style definitely play a role in how I express myself.
What are you most looking forward to at the Phonox release party?
I’m really looking forward to hearing all of this new DJ-Kicks music loud on their amazing sound system!