How Canadian Dance Duo DVBBS Are Preparing For Global DJ Domination

Photo Credit: Paul Capra

DVBBS (pronounced “dubs”) is taking the dance world by storm. The Canadian dance duo—composed of brothers Chris Chronicles (born Christopher van den Hoef) and Alexandre (born Alexandre van den Hoef) first caused a storm in 2013 with their smash single “Tsunami.” Since then, they’ve dropped a string of hits including “La La Land,” “Gold Skies” “Not Going Home,” “Parallel Lines” and the No. 1 breakthrough “Angel,” achieving worldwide success and over one billion streams.

The Ontario-born brothers structure their new music around sunny melodies, catchy vocal tracks and feel-good guitars, connecting the dots between trap beats, future house and electro. They have performed with Tiësto, NERVO, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Showtek, Sander Van Doorn, DJ Snake and have played major festivals including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival and Creamfields, among others.

Here, we chat with these haute DJ brothers about the music they’re making—including their latest single with Saro, “Somebody Like You”, how L.A. inspires their sound and what’s next.

Photo Credit: Paul Capra
You just released your new single “Somebody Like You” with Saro. What else can we expect from you guys this year?

We’ve been going super hard in the studio every day! You can expect a lot of material from us all year.

You’re from Canada, but live in LA. How does the music scene from each place influence your creative process?

Music is so international so we always produce what we like but I would say we have more close friends in Canada so whatever they’re currently vibing to would influence us.

What are your favorite spots: restaurants, shops, etc.?

Erewhon.

Your EP sounds like it’s been inspired a lot by LA. How so specifically?

I guess the weather and costal vibes really capture our soul.

What did you buy yourself as a celebratory present when your first single became such a success?

A new computer and later on, a car.

Is it tough, easy or somewhere in between living, working and touring as brothers?

It’s all we know, we’ve kind of done everything together all our lives. ??‍♂️

Photo Credit: Paul Capra

You just released your new single “Somebody Like You” with Saro. What else can we expect from you guys this year?

I truly believe, any artist in this new age that is a part of the music production, the songwriting, the music videos and is just invested in the brand above everything else…there is a time where reinventing yourself or your sound is key. For us this year is our next chapter. We spent all of 2018 almost plotting, creating for what will be next, and even though there were many road blocks and writer blocks, we are finally so happy to say. That year we released two records, this year we plan to release an album and a few surprises: the stars aligned on many of the upcoming features and records.

You’re from Canada, but live in LA. How does the music scene from each place influence your creative process?

We are so blessed to come from such an insanely talented & beautiful city. Let alone the music scene is absolutely booming in Toronto. I consider it the best of both worlds, and if you can digest the tastes of the east coast and taste of the west coast, then you are golden.

What do you love most about LA?

Weather isn’t weather…it’s just another beautiful day, and although this year was forest fires straight into weeks of rain, that’s when California becomes most beautiful and green. I like that everyone here – underneath all the craziness – there are people just like me with brains exploding with creativity and we all kinda hover around Los Angeles and in these hills. So many amazing singers, producers and artists at all times, all with the drive to make it, showing up to your house to work. I don’t even need to leave my hill anymore to work or create, it’s a beautiful relaxed feeling. Not to mention we have really turned the health kick on around our household and Los Angeles does very well with clean eating and healthy active living.

What are your favorite spots: restaurants, shops, etc.?

Erewhon (most LA) thing to say but at least it’s quality…Chris became a crazy chef this year: he cooks like 2-3 times a day.

Photo Credit: Paul Capra

Your EP sounds like it’s been inspired a lot by LA. How so specifically?

If you saw what our studio overlooks…we have a spot that can see downtown straight to the ocean, and the inspiration you draw from just working in this room we set up, is incredible.

You’ve performed with top names like Tiesto, Martin Garrix and Steve Aoki. Has anyone given you career advice that resonated? Who, and what was it if so?

Steve has always since day 1 given us any advice we have ever asked. But the best advice I think I was ever given was from a trumpet player from one of my favorite reggae bands in California. When I was 16 he said, “Man, if you want to become a full time musician, your life needs to be 110% music.” And after all these years of figuring out how I could get that last 10% on my 100%, it all started to make so much sense to me. A majority of our sanity and happiness just comes from creating music now, almost like a therapy, and I truly believe I’ve found that 110%. Our everyday revolves around DVBBS, our fans and our next world tours.

What did you buy yourself as a celebratory present when your first single became such a success?

I never owned a car until I bought a G-wagon. Chris and I had our first boss moment with just two cars, cash in duffle bags and drove off of the lot. Probably not the best investment, but you only really live once so why not?

Is it tough, easy or somewhere in between living, working and touring as brothers?

It’s the hardest thing In the world, but the trust is stronger than anything else, and that’s why DVBBS is immortal.

Tune in to @dvbbs Instagram for the raw unplugged version of “Somebody Like You”—or catch it here, below!