We met Ryan Biggs, alias Delete before his gig with Deetox at “Harder than Ever” in The Hague. An interesting artist, staying true to the rawstyle scene with his music. A quick Q&A about his music, 2015 and his relationship with Deetox!
How is 2015 going so far for you?
My year is great so far. I’m really happy with it. I’ve got a lot more bookings and releases and also a lot of tracks in store. Besides that, I have some big festival bookings here in Holland, and also Defqon.1 Australia back in my home country. My fan base is growing as well. So, it is going great!
For our new readers, what is behind your alias Delete? Any special meaning?
The name itself doesn’t have any special meaning. I just thought it sounded cool. But over the years I believe it’s built a special meaning, at least to me but hopefully with others. If you say the name Delete to someone, I hope they can relate to the name and identify it with me and my unique style.
How would you describe this unique style?
It’s hardstyle with a special twist. It’s more “hard-hitting”. Not the typical sound and difficult to describe. Energy, power and heavy kicks are essential ingredients!
Why did you leave Australia for the Netherlands?
Back in Australia it was hard for me at the time with my rough style as Raw wasn’t all that popular. But here, people seem to appreciate it very much! I played my first gig here and thought; “This is awesome! I have a dedicated fan base in the Netherlands!”
What do you think about the Dutch crowd, compared to the Australian?
I think the Dutch crowd is more dedicated to the music. They know the music inside out. In Australia they are also into it, but in Holland you have more festivals and events.
You can go to a party every weekend and people know the songs. They are surrounded by it, they are breathing hardstyle. Compared to the Australians, the Dutch have a different and bigger passion for it. The Australian people only have a few big moments to enjoy hardstyle, like Defqon.1 Australia. It’s one of a few big parties in the year.
But here in Holland you guys have so many awesome events. The Dutch crowd can also be tougher because you have to give them what they want, every week. Besides that, it’s also very inviting, :D!
Anywhere you would love to play sometime?
There are a number of festivals here in Holland, where I haven’t played yet. But my goal is to play at every festival at least once! But it would be awesome to play in the USA once, or in other European countries.
Are you still nervous before a gig?
I’m not nervous before performing but I’m an anxious person, also socially. People don’t think that, when they see me.
Some things like: making sure I interact well with everyone, that I’m on time or what the crowd thinks of my set – These things can make me nervous and play in my mind a lot.
Looking back on your own tracks, do you have any favorites?
I’m really happy with the recent stuff I have done. Some tracks I like more than others. I think ‘Dismissed’ is my personal favourite, 🙂
It’s a track for the die-hards. It always goes down really but it’s more for the dedicated crowd. But “Fast Lane” is another favorite and is more for a wider spread audience.
Do you think Ghetto was a game changer for you? Since it was one of the first tracks going really viral in the Netherlands.
Definetly! It’s the track that got me out of the really hard underground scene. My sound back in the days was not very accessible. It was for a small audience, the tracks were aggressive and chaotic with gated kicks. Ghetto was accessible for more people.
Since then, things have grown for me with more well known releases and more bookings. Now, I can bring these sounds together in my new tracks and create a great balance.
What does a track need to have, what makes it to a “Delete” track?
It has to be powerful music with attitude, but also needs to be catchy. Besides the hard and powerful kicks it also needs great memorable elements. A distinct and memorable vocal is important also!
You play many B2B sets with Deetox lately, how is your relationship with her?
We are best friends – really good friends. Deetox and I made some tracks together and performed like 8 or 9 times together already, which is a lot for such a short time. She helped me out here in Holland and gave me a home for several months in 2013. We are also playing at Decibel together and will also both be performing at Defqon.1 Australia.
We hang out where we can, talk about things, also that have nothing to do with music as well. She’s great!
Do you have some big things coming up, releases or collabs?
I have a big thing coming up, but I can’t mention it for a few months, 😉
It’s a secret for now, haha. So keep your eyes and ears open! I also have some great collabs and solos coming up.
Do you want to say anything to your fans?
I want to thank all my fans! I’m doing what I’m doing because of you guys. I’m living here in Holland because of you. My fans are here, and so am I! I want to make more and more music and want to do a lot more gigs here! But also to all my fans around the world, I hope to visit you all soon and thanks for your ongoing support!
Thank you for your time and we hope to see you again soon. We look forward to what is coming in the next months!