Belly Ache Talks About His New Single, ‘Do You Like to Party?’
Up-and-coming DJ/producer Belly Ache drops his latest track ‘Do You Like To Party?’ released via Barcelona-based record label Rave Me Hard. With a commanding, high-pitched vocal cut layered over a bed of pulsating…
Up-and-coming DJ/producer Belly Ache drops his latest track ‘Do You Like To Party?’ released via Barcelona-based record label Rave Me Hard.
With a commanding, high-pitched vocal cut layered over a bed of pulsating beats, ‘Do You Like To Party?’ is the ultimate party number from the get-go. The fast-paced and upbeat track achieves Belly Ache’s intention of wanting to create fun beats designed to make people move.
After traversing through the techno scene in Liverpool from a young age, Belly Ache (the moniker of Leeds-based Dan) found his way amidst the effervescent dance music culture in the UK. He further evolved and established his sound after coming across Barcelona’s hard dance scene, which resounds on his latest tune, ‘Do You Like To Party?’
With the release of his original composition, we had a chat with Belly Ache about the process of creating ‘Do You Like to Party?’ working with Rave Me Hard, his evolution as a DJ/producer, and more!
TFword: As a track that conveys your intention of creating music, i.e., to make people hit the dancefloor and smile, could you talk us through your experience of writing ‘Do You Like to Party?’
Belly Ache: I wrote the song in my bedroom last year! It came about from playing around on a new synthesiser I’d bought for Ableton until I created a lead that stuck out to me. I’d been listening to a lot of donk at the time I wrote the track, and so the bassline is inspired by the donk bass sound. I tied the track together with an acid line on the TD-3 and the upbeat vocal and that formed the basis of the track.
TF: How long was ‘Do You Like to Party?’ in the works?
Belly Ache: A good few months, probably close to a year all in all. I sat on the track for a while before I sent it over to Rave Me Hard and was made up when they decided to sign it!
TF: ‘Do You Like to Party?’ marks your first release on Rave Me Hard. What is the feeling like?
Belly Ache: It is an incredible feeling, to be honest. Releasing on a record label has been a goal of mine since I started producing and to have that release be on Rave Me Hard is a dream come true. I’m incredibly grateful to Olly and Anastasia for giving me this opportunity.
TF: For people who may not know yet, how did your journey as Belly Ache begin?
Belly Ache: It began around 3 years ago in my final year of school. A friend of mine introduced me to production in his studio and I fell in love. Kinnerman, a tech house producer from Liverpool, has been instrumental in my journey as he has shown me the ropes with music production and always been there when I’ve gotten stuck or needed a hand with certain techniques. From there, I moved to Leeds and then to Barcelona, and both these cities have been so helpful in refining my sound as a producer and as an artist, as they have both exposed me to a multitude of genres which I have then played about with on Ableton.
TF: Despite growing amidst Liverpool’s techno scene, you developed an interest in the hard dance style of music. What do you think attracted you to hard dance?
Belly Ache: I think hard dance encompasses a wide range of niche genres such as makina and donk. I think hard dance is such a fun genre with many different ideas and I love taking inspiration from different sources within hard dance. For example, I love pitched up makina vocals as well as hardstyle screeches, and I enjoy finding ways to merge different styles together when I am in the studio. I’ve always loved fast music. Before I learned to produce, I was a big fan of hardcore music and have played the bass guitar for many years. I think once I started going out, hard dance was a natural progression. I just love how fun it can be.
TF: Who were your biggest inspirations when you started writing music?
Belly Ache: My biggest inspiration was Kinnerman as whenever I was in the studio with him I was always fascinated by how he had mastered his craft. But there’s a long list of artists who inspire me: Nineted; TRYM; Cera Khin. I’ve also got to say my friends, my girlfriend and my parents who always support my music. They really inspire me to keep pushing and chasing my dream.
TF: How does Belly Ache plan to close the year 2023?
Belly Ache: I plan to close the year with an event in Leeds. I have been putting a lot of time into organising a hard dance event here with all profits going to local food banks in the city. I’m really looking forward to showcasing my unreleased tracks whilst raising money for a cause that means a lot to me. I’ve also got loads of new music to start sharing which I’m very excited about – keep your eyes peeled!
‘Do You Like to Party?’ by Belly Ache is out now via Rave Me Hard.
Find Belly Ache on: Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Beatport
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