Tomorrowland legend Yves V has played to millions, remixed icons, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in dance music. From Afrojack to Missy Elliott, his genre-spanning career has taken him around the world and back again. In this exclusive interview, Yves V reflects on the energy of international crowds, his most meaningful collabs, and the legacy he’s still building, one beat at a time.
Yves V | Lifestyle Pocket Guide Exclusive
1. You’ve been a Tomorrowland mainstage regular for years now. How has that experience influenced your journey as an artist?
It has been a key part in my development as an artist. Being recognised by such a prestigious team that I can now call family and have become such an integral part of over the past decade and beyond has truly been immeasurable. I love the diversity, the forward-thinking and the energy that Tomorrowland brings, especially being a Belgian, so to perform not only on the mainstage every year, and host my V Sessions arenas too, but to have performed more times than any other artist is something I’m super proud of.
2. Your track “We Got That Cool” with Afrojack and Icona Pop became a global summer anthem. Did you expect it to blow up the way it did?
I loved – I still do love – that track and always knew it was something special, but to see fans and audiences all around the world loving it too was truly amazing. I put my heart and soul into every project, every release, and so to see that track blow up everywhere from Miami to Tokyo, London to the USA and beyond was so cool.
3. You’ve collaborated with some huge names in the industry. Which project has been the most exciting or meaningful for you so far?
I couldn’t choose just one! It would be like choosing a favourite child! Of course, “We Got That Cool” has such a momentous force of its own alongside Afrojack and Icona Pop, but I’ve loved working with every single collaborator. My Tomorrowland brothers Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike are always fun to jump in the studio with, Bassjackers are super cool and Laidback Luke I’ve collaborated with several times – all great guys! More recently, reworking tracks like “All That Mattered (Love You Down)” with the legendary De Nuit and “Time After Time” with my guy Regi and Marco Nobel always opens up my creativity.
4. Your remix credits include Missy Elliot, K-pop stars VIVIZ, and Nigerian artist JZyNO. How do you approach remixing across such different genres and styles?
It’s so different every time. It depends on whether I want to take something deeper, make it more club-ready, or go in a more radio-friendly direction. I have to be a fan of the original track first and foremost, but I always want to bring something different and unexpected.
5. Your latest track All That Mattered (Love You Down) with De Nuit is out now. What drew you to that sample, and how did the collab come about?
I love the original – it’s a classic for a reason – and connecting with the guys really brought a new spin to the release for a new generation. I wanted to bring it into the modern scene and I hope people are discovering the track through our interpretation. Music is all about connection and breaking down barriers, which I think we achieved.
6. You’ve performed all over the world. How do you adapt your sets to different countries and crowds?
It really depends. Asian audiences prefer to hear signature Yves V styles, whereas European crowds are into big drops and edits. I always try to bring the party vibes and high energy, no matter what!
7. How does it feel to be returning to London for your Ministry of Sound set?
I always enjoy playing at Ministry of Sound. The London crowds know how to party, and this time, bringing my V Sessions party brand alongside B Jones for their Summer Sessions will be a blast!
8. What does a typical studio day look like for you?
I tour a lot, so getting into a physical space with my engineer is important to me. But thanks to technology, I can also exchange ideas with collaborators from anywhere – it wasn’t always this accessible, and I think that’s a great thing for creativity.
9. You’ve been featured multiple times in the DJ Mag Top 100. How do you stay motivated and keep evolving at that level?
It’s not about awards or accolades for me – although being recognised, especially in a fan-voted poll, is amazing. But these things ebb and flow. As long as I’m making the music I love and the fans are loving it too, that’s what really matters.
10. Finally, what advice would you give to students or young creatives who want to break into music or DJing?
It might sound obvious, but continue to work hard. Nothing great comes without sacrifice – I learned that early on when I switched from being a teacher to following my passion. Without risk, there is no reward.