Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike Interview: That extra special something

Image: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

The World's No.1 DJ. It's an accolade that most electronic artists can only envisage in their wildest dreams, but for Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, their fantasy became a reality earlier this week when they took the top spot in the DJ Mag Top 100 and dethroned Hardwell.

Through their rip roaring, high energetic sets, the brothers have won the hearts of dance music fans across the globe over the past few years. Creating a solid bond with Tomorrowland along the way (watch below), Dimitri and Mike have released some of the festival's defining tracks. 

Before Cream hosts its penultimate event at Nation before it closes, we quizzed the duo on their relationships with venues, how it feels to be at the peak of the Top 100 and what they look for when selecting tracks for their own label. 

First up guys, you're playing at the Cream Finale at Nation. It's the end of an era for the club night and Cream have split the last parties up into three events - one with a lot of old school trance and the other very heavily focused on the electronic dance music of today (with you two headlining). How does it feel to be representing the sound that Cream is championing currently?

Dimitri: We're very happy to be invited by the Cream guys to close what is one of dance music's pioneering club nights. It's an honour. It's refreshing to see a club pushing new sounds and talent but remembering its roots. It will be an emotional night.

There's a bond between the team at Cream and Nation, after all it's been the home of the club night for over 20 years. Are there any venues across the world that you've played at that hold a special place in your heart? 

Dimitri: Amnesia in Ibiza is a place that we have a deep connection with. Ibiza is a second home to us and one place we love to visit and miss when we're away from it. 

You’re also playing at the 02 Academy Brixton on the same night as Cream, are you looking forward to that show as well? 

Mike: 100%! We played there last weekend for the Top 100 party and it was crazy. We had a great time celebrating our win with the crowd and looking forward to returning back to the UK. It’s always great playing on British soil because you guys really know how to party!

D: Yeah this party is going to be extra special as we're bringing our show to London for some wild!

How will the shows differ?

D: Well Liverpool is all about Cream's final night at Nation. The focus there is more about celebrating an iconic venue and the incredible memories that Cream have created there. 

M: Yeah London will be a different show, it'll be a very unique occasion.

Speaking of the Top 100, you guys have taken the top spot this year, how important are these sorts of accolades to you guys? 

D: It's always important when the fans are the ones that vote. It means a lot to us personally.

M: Our focus is to deliver the best show, the best music and the best memories possible. That's where we put our energy to ensure we stay in a strong place with our fans.

You've built a relationship with Tomorrowland over the years, for anyone who's not attended the festival before, how would you describe it? 

D: Tomorrowland is a magical experience. It’s where the music and show and everything else around the festival comes to life. It’s truly a festival you have to experience to fully understand what Tomorrowland means.

M: It’s a gateway to another world that is everything you could ever want from a festival. A musical playground for adults who love electronic music.

In regards to English festivals, which one takes your number one spot? 

D: Creamfields. 

M: Like Dimitri said, Creamfields!

What track is without fail making its way into your sets at the moment? 

D: Our new single 'Higher Place' is one fans can expect. But it will be something different for them.

How much input do you guys have into what gets released on your own imprint Smash The House? What really makes you take notice when you get a demo through? 

D: We have 100% input and say on the label. It's our base for all our music and so a very important part of our careers. 

M: We're always looking for that extra special something.

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