Youri de Bruijn, aka Polecat, is a Dutch record producer and musician based in The Hague, The Netherlands. Beside producing and recording with various artist he was also the co-creator of the drum’n’bass rock-band, Supra Naturals which performed from 2009 to 2014.
The Netherlands is a small country but is pretty well known for its producers and DJ’s. Growing up surrounded by great music, it’s no wonder that Youri has put his talents to use as a producer.
He has been creating music under the name Polecat since the beginning of 2016 and until now, has only been releasing collaborations with other vocalists. He is currently working on his solo project as a producer. It’s electro/rock/drum’n’bass and will debut in late 2017.
Below we find out the 3 simple things he looks for in each singer and how he found success in a band before devoting himself to producing music.
Tell us about your musical journey – how did you get into production?
I played guitar and bass in my first bands when I was about 15 but writing and producing music really started when I was about 17. At first I was just recording my band’s demos but that quickly turned into recording and mixing albums for other bands within a few years. Around that same time I started at the Rotterdam Conservatory studying music, where I did a major in bass guitar. I started my own music studio in 2010 and 7 years later, I produce, write, and mix for all kinds of artist, bands and DJ’s from all over the world.
What’s your major career goal?
Making a living off my own music.
What are your upcoming releases?
There are a few coming up, so I’ll just name my personal favorites. I did a song for Cory Wade, which I really like, a really cool song with Emy Perez, which is called Heroin-e c. A house track for Nyree, who I met through Vocalizr, and I‘ll also be releasing an EP before the end of this year which will contain a few collaborations but also 1 or 2 solo tracks.
Tell us about your setup – from your studio to your DAW. What’s your favorite piece of gear?
I have a gear list but it’s way too long. Haha! My favourite piece of gear right now is Maschine Jam. I actually don’t always use it with Maschine because it’s also really nice as a midi controller for Ableton. Oh, and I just got an Aston Origin mic, which is superb!
Tell us about your production process. Do you have a particular formula you keep to?
If I stick to my formula I can create up to 2 to 3 songs a day. If you don’t have a formula or “workflow” as I prefer to call it, I think it can be very hard for you to keep the quality and your inspiration up.
What’s your biggest success to date?
Probably my former band Supra Naturals. We toured, did headlining at festivals had a full length album released with Rough Trade (The Beggars Group). The music we were making was really not that commercial and really loud and aggressive but we did really well!
Out of all the records you’ve made, what’s your favorite and why?
Ride or Die with Aly Frank. It’s not out yet though but will be later this year. It’s a track for my solo project Polecat. It’s catchy, it’s present-day music and I get a lot of great feedback from people who have heard it already.
Which artists do you find inspiring? Why?
Liam Howlett. He kind of created his own genre and has been rocking the scene since 1990 and still does.
Who is your favorite producer? Why?
Skrillex. He’s just one of the most progressive producers in pop music right now.
What are your top 5 favorite records of all time?
Beggars by Krewella
End Credits by Chase & Status
Me and You by Nero
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Voodoo People (Pendulum remix) by The Prodigy
What’s your guilty pleasure song?
Anything by Martin Garrix.
What do you look for in a singer?
A hands on personality, self-assurance, and creativity of course.
Do you have a favorite microphone you prefer to record vocalists on? If so, why?
Neumann U87. No need for explanation.
Have you made new connections through Vocalizr? Has it opened any doors for you?
Opened doors not so much but I got in touch with a few really cool vocalists and producers/DJ’s. Shout out to Aly Frank, Rob Liano and Nyree Huyser
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what are 3 things you couldn’t live without?
- WIFI
- WIFI
- WIFI
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