Get To Know: Deniz Koyu

He burst onto the electronic music scene back in 2011, and since then has been collecting fans including Calvin Harris, Fedde le Grand, Avicii, Axwell, Tiesto and David Guetta to play and promote his own music.

Deniz Koyu, a Turkish DJ and electronic music producer, specializes in the genres of progressive house and electro-house.

Koyu is known to instantly bring the party to dance floors and clubs around the world.

After briefly talking to Koyu in NYC a month back, I had the chance to really sit down and get to know the talented young producer, and catch up with him as he explained how he first got his start in electronic music, along with some memorable experiences from this year's Ultra Music Festival and Miami Music Week.

In 2012, Deniz Koyu was named an electronic dance music artist to watch by MTV, but it was a few years before when he actually got his start and developed an interest for electronic music.

"A friend of mine showed me a program called Reason when I was about 16 years old," Koyu explained. "I was hooked within seconds.

I got the program, installed it and started right away. I think that triggered something inside of me, which has never let go of me again. Music production quickly became my biggest hobby."

It was from there that Koyu was invited to DJ in Cologne, Germany at a monthly party of friends of his, but he always thought of himself as a producer first, then a DJ. When talking about his musical influences, Deniz Koyu mentioned a few including Kraftwerk and Daft Punk, Axwell and Eric Prydz.

"I can't really decide whether these people influences me or were just guides on my own way to the musical taste I evolved over the years. I would definitely say that I always enjoyed Michael Jackson for his innovative sounds and ideas in his music," Koyu stated.

"Similar to that, I would say Kraftwerk and Daft Punk were definitely a part of my way, and later on, Axwell and Eric Prydz, mostly due to the fact that I wanted to create such fantastic vibes like they did but with my own input and my own style.

I saw that it was possible to create a feeling with music and that's what I always want to do when I produce something new."

As for wishes to collaborate with anyone in the industry, "Right now, definitely Galantis," Koyu stated. "Their new EP is so amazing, I would freak if I could do a collab with them.

I have followed both artists behind Galantis forever, always been a fan of Miike Snow and their works as well as Style of Eye. The quality is on such a high level, it's pure honey for the ears."

It isn't EDM all the time for Deniz, who enjoys listening to Chvrches, Flume and Fake Blood in his spare time.

"They all have such signature sounds that evoke moods within me and make trigger feelings," he said. "Truly inspiring in the one hand but great to shut down for some time and just enjoy."

Deniz Koyu has been in the industry for a few years now, but it took some time to finally make it big and to the top.

With his major hits "Tung", "Bong", "Hertz" and "Follow You" and more to come, there is certainly no slowing down for this rising artist.

His best advice for those looking to get their foot in the door of the music industry, though, is to be unique.

"The most important thing is to be unique. That as itself sounds shallow, but it is very important to find your niche out there," he continued to explain further. "I think success has never been about doing something like everyone else.

It has been about doing your own thing and something you love to do. It'll reflect in the sound of your productions and the way people perceive you and your music.

Of course, this can mean that you have to be patient, but in most cases, this will lead you to some sort of recognition at one point in your life. Then you can work with and around that recognition."

Having been on tour for most months of this past winter and spring, continuing into the summer, there is no stopping for Deniz Koyu.

Having just performed in Miami during Miami Music Week last month, the artist said that his favorite part of the week was their own boat party.

"It was a great and intimate party with the closest friends, and the best fans," he excitedly responded. "Weather was great, sound and organization were perfect and we had an amazing day in Miami."

Aside from this past Miami Music Week, Koyu has made many memories and unforgettable experiences from touring.

"All of the tour stops have their own special something to them, which is great," Koyu said. "The most special events I attended recently though were probably Ultra 2014, Electric Zoo, Electric Daisy Carnival in Orlando and Creamfield.

These, to this date, have had the wildest and most enthusiastic crowds. I just love the concert feeling that festivals create."

Be sure to stay tuned for much more to come from Deniz Koyu in the coming months, including upcoming collaborations, releases and even more touring! The young and talented producer and DJ is currently working on a collaboration with Thomas Gold, and another collaboration with Johan Wedel, both of which will be released on Axtone soon.

"Touring wise, I will be heading to Canada, Brazil, United States and Ibiza for the summer, which I am very much looking forward to, of course!"

For updates on releases and tour announcements, visit www.denizkoyu.com - Deniz Koyu has much in store for the coming summer months!