Artist Spotlight – Dylhen
Catching your big break sometimes is a simple is as being in the right place at the right time
Taking advantage of an opportunity and maximizing the potential with your talent. For upcoming artists Dylhen, that break is now as he’s running the newest label – Pattern under the FSOE umbrella. Dylhen is taking his shot to break through to the next level. With a very strong and successful start to the Pattern label, it is no wonder why he is becoming more of a household name as you shall not be surprised to see him on a line up near you within the next 12 months.
Thank you for taking the time to sit with me today. First of all, your real name is Russel, so where does the name Dylhen come from? And does it have a special meaning?
Great question, ‘Dyl’ is the first three letters of my son’s name and ‘hen’ is the first three letters of his second name, which is also the first three letters of my dad’s name so it does indeed have a special personal meaning to me.
You have been picking up your bookings since post covid, what are some upcoming gigs you have lined up that you can share? Is the possibility of coming to the United States in the cards currently?
I’m going to be touring a lot more with amazing roster of DJs at FSOE in the future as part of their ‘FSOE Club’ concept, I’ve played for them previous across Europe including in Amsterdam. I have a few more shows in the pipeline I’m currently waiting to confirm that I’ll share when I can.
Regarding coming to the States, I’m hoping to be in a position to confirm shows in the not-too-distant future.
In January 2023, you said you were working on an Armada classic remix. Can you share more details? Have you finished it? And will this be an official remix?
I have indeed finished, I hope the guys at Armada don’t mind me telling you, it’s an official remix of the classic Muhanjala by Duderstadt. (Release date TBC).
You are currently running the newest label for FSOE, called Pattern. And it has come out with great momentum over the last year. What are your expectations for the label? What can fans expect? How are you keeping Pattern separate from competitive labels but still within the FSOE family?
I couldn’t be happier with the start we’ve made as it’s always a challenge starting a new label in a very competitive space. Thankfully, we’ve had a lot of support from Armin & Ruben at ASOT that we’re very grateful for and other artists including Ferry Corsten, Paul Van Dyk and Cosmic Gate have also supported us which has cemented our presence extremely quickly.
In terms of what fans can expect the focus at Pattern is progressive house with grooves and energy at the heart of what we put out, the ‘Pattern’ sound.
The plan for the next 12 months is to continue to work with up and coming and established artists and further expand the brand, further forward the aim is to tour the label and reach new audiences with what we’re doing.
You radio show, Resonate, just released its 50th episode in February 2023, congratulations on reaching that milestone. What are some of your biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining your monthly show? What are you actively doing to ensure your show sounds different and stands out from other radio shows?
The biggest challenge is deciding what music to include as there is so much quality out there, I’ve now launched Pattern Radio where there will be a further focus on the great music we’ve signed, both current and upcoming so expect plenty of IDs.
Anyone who follows you on social media, knows you are a big fan of football, or soccer for your American fans. What makes you so passionate about the sport? If you had to choose between music and football, what would you pick and why?
I’ve been playing football since an extremely young age and have always had the love for it since then really, I also love music and a world without it would be a worse place.
I think what I’m saying here is I’m going to be greedy and choose both, ha-ha!
Finally, if you could only live by one motto what would it be?
Treat others how you wish to be treated.