A Polish DJ and Producer who has been performing on the club and festival scene continuously since 1997. In 2022, he became the first Polish artist in history to play on the MAIN STAGE at ULTRA Europe, sharing the DJ console with MARTIN GARRIX, TIËSTO, HARDWELL, ABOVE & BEYOND, STEVE AOKI, and ACRAZE! He is one of the most recognizable and constantly evolving artists. He performed multiple times at the world’s biggest festivals, such as TOMORROWLAND, ULTRA Europe, STREET PARADE, WORLD CLUB DOME, and SENSATION. His energetic sets and sophisticated music are his trademarks, captivating crowds around the globe! Adam is also the organizer of the Silesia Beats festival. Find out more in the interview below.
Interview with ADAM DE GREAT:
Hello Adam, how are you doing?
Thanks, everything is fine, we already have a fire on the production roof, but everything is according to plan.
Can you tell us about your journey in the music industry? How did you get started as both a DJ and a promoter?
This is a very long story – but I’ve always loved music, always imagined myself on stage, and did everything to make it happen. My journey as a DJ started at school discos, then I played during breaks between live bands, at small clubs, then as a resident, and then I started playing at festivals – with each year on bigger stages. As a promoter – for 18 years I’ve been running PMG GROUP, and similarly, from small to big things, I consistently pursued my plans.
As the organizer of Silesia Beats, can you share what inspired you to create this event?
This project had its beginnings during the Covid pandemic when I organized 3 editions of Pepsi Silesia Beats – one of the biggest live DJ streams in Europe – straight from the center of a huge stadium where stars like The Rolling Stones, Metallica, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Rammstein performed. For the first time, electronic dance music entered this place in this way. Due to the lockdown, it was an event without an audience – in full television production. From that moment on, questions kept arising about when SILESIA BEATS would take place with an audience… and so here we are today – before the first edition with an audience at PreZero Arena Gliwice.
SILESIA BEATS features an impressive lineup, including headliners such as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Don Diablo, among others. How were these artists selected for the event?
The artists performing at Silesia Beats have been chosen to be significant for a wide audience, to provide everyone with a good time, and to deliver a unique show. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s performance was planned earlier, but our plans were ruined by Covid. Initially, it was supposed to be a “concert” type performance, meaning the main headliners… but since my head is full of ideas and I don’t like boredom, the lineup grew and it turned out we have 3 stages and over 20 artists!
SILESIA BEATS is organizing a DJ contest, what advice would you give to someone who would like to win the contest? And what are there specific skills or qualities that you believe are essential for success?
It’s funny, but I’m the originator of this contest – however, all the hosting and selecting winners are left to my team and partners. Other artists from the main stage also help us choose the winners. As for advice – originality, don’t copy what already exists, don’t try to be the second Hardwell or James Hype. Of course, have your influences, watch the best, seek inspiration – but don’t copy. I have the impression that today, the selection of music and skillful mixing is more important than typical technical skills. But that’s just my opinion.
What are the biggest challenges do you face when organizing a music festival like Silesia Beats?
There are 100 challenges every day… in different areas. Producing such an event takes a lot of time and energy. I have a great team, but still, everyone needs my opinion, consent, approval, or support. Time – that’s probably challenge number 1 because it’s running away mercilessly. Another issue is my son and family, who accept and support me, but I am very limited in my time for them during production.
You’ve played at some of the world’s largest festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Europe. Could you share an experience that stood out to you during one of these major festivals?
Yes, I had the opportunity to play many times at ULTRA EUROPE and once on the MAIN STAGE, as well as several times at Tomorrowland. The stress that motivated me, the imagination that played tricks on me, and the emotions like before the biggest and most important exam at school. These are such first experiences. I especially remember very friendly relations between artists or organizers backstage. We create one big family, without divisions of who has how many fans and hits. It’s a cool feeling.
What trends do you currently see shaping the future of EDM?
I can only reveal that we already have a confirmed headliner for Silesia Beats 2025. Still, now I’m focusing only on the production of Silesia Beats 2024, so I’m not even thinking about what’s next.
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