In the latest episode of The Music Industry Loft, Sefa reconnects with interviewer Alennah van Wijk, seven years after their first conversation on The Producer’s Loft. A lot has changed since 2018 – musically and personally – and in this new, in-depth talk, Sefa opens up about how he approaches music, performance, and daily life today.
The episode was recorded in Dutch and is available on YouTube with English subtitles, as well as on Spotify in podcast format.
From Defqon.1 debut to a slower pace
When they first spoke, Sefa was almost 18 and was about to play the Defqon.1 BLACK stage. In the years that followed, his rise continued rapidly – from Q-Base to the Defqon.1 anthem and headlining the RED. But in this interview, he reflects on how intense that pace became, and how the COVID-19 lockdown gave him – like many others – a moment to slow down and reconsider things.
“You get everything people can get addicted to – attention, status, money. But when it suddenly stops, you’re left with yourself.”
This led to a shift in how he thinks about growth, energy, and sustainability – not in terms of quitting, but in terms of doing things with more clarity and direction.
The evolution of This Is Sefa
One of the key outcomes of that new direction was This Is Sefa: a full-evening show with no lineup, where Sefa performs for 3.5 to 4 hours alongside a group of musicians. It’s a format he created post-lockdown and has developed over time – blending storytelling with live instrumentation, and featuring recurring performers like Nina on violin, Lars on accordion, and Rick on drums.
“It’s not like I’m doing cabaret or anything – although I try sometimes and it always fails – but I do want to tell a story.”
Sefa sees the audience as an active part of that experience – especially during moments like the Muzika sing-along, which changes every time.
Creative freedom and working with musicians
During the interview, Sefa talks about how working with classical musicians reignited his passion for producing. He describes sessions with guitarists, violinists, and even recording a church organ in Groningen as major turning points. These collaborations influenced both his second album “Klaagzang” and his most recent project, “Het Ergste Moet Nog Komen”.
“With a computer, things usually turn out exactly the way you expect. But with people, it can turn out even better than what you had in mind.”
He also discusses the inspiration behind titles like “Leven is Lijden” – originally a dark inside joke, now a phrase tattooed by fans around the world.
Thoughts on social media
While once known for his strong social presence – including early viral videos and curated edits – Sefa now takes a more distanced approach.
“I don’t like the mechanics of it. Even when something performs well, I ask myself: what’s the difference between this and someone with a behavioral addiction?”
Instead, he focuses on long-term connection with fans, often through music and live shows. A separate This Is Sefa Instagram account now handles show information, while his personal account is more selectively used.
Lifestyle, faith, and health
Sefa speaks openly about maintaining a lifestyle that supports his physical and mental well-being. He doesn’t drink or use drugs, and he emphasizes the importance of discipline – from fitness to hearing protection.
He also touches on faith and community, including how singing in church reminded him of the power of shared music.
“Whether it’s church or a festival – singing together creates a connection that’s hard to put into words.”
On health, he shares personal experience with tinnitus and explains how important proper ear protection is for both artists and fans. He also walks through the risks of touring life – sleep disruption, flying frequently, and long periods in dark studios – and how he tries to balance those with structure and rest.
Final thoughts
Sefa doesn’t present himself as someone who has all the answers – but he does speak with more calm and clarity than in earlier interviews. The result is not a reinvention, but a re-grounding. A more honest version of the artist many already know.
“I still love performing. I just want to do it on my terms.”
Listen to the full episode (Dutch with English subtitles)
The Music Industry Loft is also available on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0spvF6uzZ75826tMqfYlT6?si=4635b8d9f70543c3
