Fenrick: Joyand authenticity in music

Fenrick greets me with a warm smile, his excitement is evident as we dive into the story of his musical evolution. Over the past two years, the Belgian DJ and producer have transitioned from hard techno to trance—a change that has revitalized his career and, more importantly, his personal happiness.

“It’s like coming home,” he shares, reflecting on how this shift has allowed him to embrace the sounds that resonate deeply with him. As we speak, it becomes clear that Fenrick’s journey isn’t just about music; it’s about finding himself.

The shift from hard techno to trance wasn’t a strategic career move for Fenrick—it was deeply personal.

“I started this shift a little over two years ago,” he explains.

“It happened naturally, almost like the universe was guiding me. Trance has always been close to my heart. I grew up listening to artists like Safri Duo, Klubbheads, and 4 Strings. But for a while, I got caught up in a scene that didn’t fully feel like me.”

“I never wanted to play a style that felt too aggressive or dark. The moment I started embracing more melodic, emotional, and uplifting music, everything changed. My sets felt more alive. The connection with the audience became deeper and more meaningful.”

For Fenrick, the shift was liberating.

“It wasn’t just about the crowd—it was about me. I realized I wasn’t being true to myself before. Now, I’m genuinely happy every time I step behind the decks."

Fenrick speaks openly about the journey to discovering his authentic self, both as an artist and a person.

“It took me a while to figure out who I really was,” he admits.

“When you’re starting out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of imitation. You see what works for others, and you try to replicate it. But eventually, I realized that the most powerful thing you can do is to be yourself.”

That realization has shaped every aspect of his artistry.

“Now, everything I do—whether it’s music, social media, or even how I interact with people—is 100% me. I think people appreciate that. They don’t want perfection. They want something real. I often tried to mimic what others were doing, like many artists searching for their identity. That experience taught me an important lesson, and now, when people ask me for artistic advice, I simply say, “Be yourself.” It’s not about a specific musical style or fashion, but rather about staying true to genuine artistic expression”.

Fenrick’s sets show his commitment to pushing boundaries and introducing new sounds to his audience.

“I love blending genres. In my sets, you might hear trance, UK Garage, breakbeat, or even Latin Core. I enjoy taking people on a journey where they feel comfortable but also curious. If I can make someone dance to a track they’ve never heard before, I’ve done my job.”

He adds,

“DJs and producers I admired when I was younger expanded my musical horizons. Now, it’s my turn to do the same for others.”

“The word "duty" might be a bit strong, but it’s an important goal for me as an artist to introduce people to new sounds, diverse genres, and emerging artists. I’m passionate about sharing a wide musical spectrum with an audience that might not always venture beyond techno or trance. When I was younger, DJs and producers also introduced me to other genres, and now I love being able to do the same. I often use remixes of popular tracks to make the transition smoother, before moving on to more niche and underground tracks”.

When it comes to producing music, Fenrick thrives on blending nostalgia with innovation.

I’ve always been fascinated by sampling, especially the work of 90s artists like Moby, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, and of course, Daft Punk. I draw a lot of inspiration from their approach, even though I don’t have vintage gear like the Akai S2000. Instead, I use a VST called "Amigo" to sample and stretch sounds. My sources are quite diverse: old-school US rap tracks, UK Garage, happy hardcore, and even reggae. For instance, in one of my recent tracks, I sampled a percussion element from one of my favorite Safri Duo songs, *Played-A-Live*.

Fenrick’s tools are as creative as his approach.

“I don’t have vintage gear, but I use this VST called ‘Amigo’ that lets me stretch and manipulate sounds in cool ways. It’s all about finding what works for you.”

Fenrick beams with excitement as he discusses his upcoming projects.

“I drew much inspiration from releases in the 90s and early 2000s, especially from labels like Armada. I had been wanting to incorporate some "Donk" into a track for a long time, so I created my own Donk sound. I built a very simple kick-bass to give the track energy, and I aimed for a truly epic drop. Once again, I took inspiration from the drop in Safri Duo’s *Played-A-Live*. For the vocals, I initially used a sample from early hardstyle, but unfortunately, I couldn’t keep it due to copyright issues. So, we brought in the rapper Scrufizzer, and the result is fantastic. The track has already been approved and played by major artists like Marlon Hoffstadt, KI/KI, and Hannah Laing.”

With a major ep coming out in February, Fenrick shared with us his creative vision.

“I’m really excited to share this two-track EP. For this project, I wanted to go back to the roots of my inspirations with very UK-oriented sounds. One of the tracks is a blend of UK Garage and Hard House, and I’m particularly proud of it. It was a challenge for me since I had never explored Reese basslines and the sounds associated with UK Garage before. The other track is a rework of one of my previous pieces, featuring a famous vocal that I’ve received countless requests for. I’d rather keep a bit of suspense for now, but stay tuned for the full release at the beginning of the year!”

Fenrick’s plans for 2025 include an ambitious expansion of his artistic direction through visual experimentation.

“My team and I are working with a 3D graphic designer to develop a new artistic direction tailored to my project,” he shares.

“This includes social media posts, Spotify canvases, and, most importantly, visuals for my future shows. Our goal is to have everything ready for the 2025 festival season.”

The project reflects Fenrick’s background in art direction, which he views as an opportunity to express his vision beyond music.

“Artistically, it’s incredibly fulfilling to work on aspects beyond just the music. I studied art direction and worked in this field a few years ago, which now allows me to express myself beyond music and offer a more complete and cohesive vision for the Fenrick project.”

Fans can expect a fusion of cutting-edge technology and imaginative design, promising an immersive experience that matches the energy of his tracks.

Fenrick’s influences span far beyond music, pulling from a variety of cultural, visual, and musical sources that have shaped his artistic journey.

“I listen to a wide range of styles, but I draw a lot of my inspiration from rap and ’90s electronic music,” he says. “I grew up listening to rap, which is why my tracks often feature rap vocals.”

His visual and cultural inspirations are equally eclectic.

“The internet culture of the 2000s, often referred to as ‘cyber Y2K,’ influences me heavily. Artificial intelligence is also a source of inspiration for my future artistic direction: we plan to use it to create psychedelic visuals.”

Fashion also plays a pivotal role in Fenrick’s identity. “I’m passionate about fashion, especially skate brands that shaped my adolescence.”

On the musical front, his inspirations are deeply personal.

“Moby and his album Play had a huge impact on me, thanks to my father who would play it for me. That album remains one of my favorites to this day. When I was younger, David Guetta also left a mark on me, sparking my desire to get into DJing and production. Later, I discovered The Prodigy, who blew my mind with their sampling techniques. Lastly, Kanye West, though controversial, has been a major influence due to his ability to innovate and break musical boundaries.”

For Fenrick, staying true to himself is the foundation of his public image.

“I simply stay true to myself. I’ve never wanted to play a role, and those who know me personally understand that I don’t take myself too seriously,” he explains. “I wanted to reflect this attitude in the Fenrick project. I believe that by staying authentic and human, you genuinely capture the attention of your audience. It makes people want to follow your project, whether it’s musical or otherwise.”

This balance between relatability and professionalism allows Fenrick to maintain credibility while engaging with his audience in a meaningful way.

Looking ahead, Fenrick is eager to expand into new creative territories that go beyond music.

“I’m eager to explore the world of fashion by launching limited-edition merch collections that reflect my personality and artistic direction,” he says.

He also envisions a future where he has greater control over his creative and organizational output.

“In the long term, I’d like to create my own label, organize events, and design stages with original concepts. I would also love to produce an event where my team and I handle all the organization to offer a unique experience to my audience, in a truly exceptional venue.”

Fenrick’s plans for visual and sonic experimentation and his dedication to authenticity and broad artistic goals promise a dynamic future for his career. As he steps into 2025, fans can expect not only groundbreaking music but also an immersive artistic experience that reflects his multidimensional approach.

Whether it’s through music, visuals, fashion, or events, Fenrick is charting a path that bridges his past inspirations with his future ambitions, ensuring his art resonates on every level.

For him, this is just the beginning.