Kostas Maskalides Interview

Greek DJ Kostas Maskalides, has been Dj'ing since 1997 and has recently moved to Belgium. We caught up with him via his Myspace to ask a few questions, and we are looking forward to seeing him and you this Saturday at the NOXX (his third mixtape (Athens to Antwerp) is available for download here to get you all in the mood for saterday)

I noticed you recently moved to Antwerp, Why? and what are your first impressions of Belgium?

Well the main reason was that I needed to relocate away from the city's lifestyle mainly to focus on my productions which are scheduled to be released in 2009. I believe I did reach my "climax" in Athens in terms of DJing and it was about time to move and expand my career to a little more international level. It came handy as my girlfriend is flemish, so we moved from Athens to a beautiful isolated suberban house in the city of beveren. Here I can work in my studio 24/7 without anoying anyone.
Belgium is totally inspiring for me. People seem to be distant at first but when they get to know you, they reveal a personality full of kindness. There's also big potencial here regarding the club scene, and people really feel the energy and react to it!

How do you describe your style and who are your biggest influences?

My style is mainly progressive house and tech-house but I also incorporate ellements of minimal techno in my sets. Originally I started as a tribal house DJ but I had to evolve as the music genre itself.
I have a lot of respect for spanish and portuguese DJ/producers and my main influence since the begining of my career has been D-Formation mostly for his incredibly executed pattern construction through-out his productions.

You have been playing for a long time, what is the record that has been in your box the longest??

I wouldn't know... too many boxes and cases but one track I played over and over is definitely, Coca & villa's "La Noche"! Trully the ultimate atmospheric journey. No matter the audience or the venue, this classic prog-melodic fiesta always works the dancefloor!

What is your favorite tune of 2008?

"Shameless" by D-Formation..... by far the best for '08.

What would you like MORE of?

More people getting evolved in our music industry. More people going out just to have a good time and experience music as a form of artistic expression.

What would you like LESS of?

LESS taxes in Belgium. It is ridiculous.

If you could change anything the world, what would be the first thing you would do?

The only thing I can do as everybody else! Influence others!
And that's really the only thing we CAN do.
That's all I'm after... in the name of humanity.
Amen!