Few producers have defined the sound of modern house music quite like Ferreck Dawn. From his breakout hit “Love Too Deep” to the Ibiza-shaking anthem “In Arms”, the Dutch DJ and producer has built a career on blending soulful emotion with club-ready precision. Now, with his latest single “Serious” on Toolroom Records, Ferreck returns to the dancefloor with 80s-inspired energy and that unmistakable groove that’s made him a favourite among legends like Carl Cox, Green Velvet, and Mark Knight. We caught up with Ferreck Dawn to talk about evolution, longevity, and why the heart of house music still beats strongest on the dancefloor.
You’ve been a fixture in house music for more than a decade. Looking back, how would you describe the evolution of your sound from “Love Too Deep” to “Serious”?
I feel even though I made some side steps to a bit more chunky, techy tunes, the house and deephouse sound has always been a part of what I do. Love too deep is very classic with that Korg organ and the old r&b vocal. After that tracks like ‘In Arms, Back Tomorrow and By My Side’ had a more driving baseline and percussion. With Serious I wanted to do the 80s kind of vocal justice by creating a backing tracks that also has that feeling.
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Your new single “Serious” marks your debut on Toolroom — a label that’s defined dancefloors for years. How did this collaboration come about, and what made it the right fit for this release?
It’s actually not my debut on the label. I released numerous tracks on Toolroom years ago. I think the last release was back in 2018. I always really liked the team and followed the label so when Serious was finished I thought it could be a great fit for Toolroom. Luckily they really liked it too so I’m excited to be back.
The track carries that unmistakable 80s-inspired energy. What drew you to those retro textures, and how do you bring something fresh to a sound that’s so nostalgic?
I think the vocal automatically pushed me in that direction. The original is from around 1988 so I wanted to bring a fresh current backing track but still try and keep it fairly disco with those stabs and the reverbed snares.
You’re known for balancing soulful vocal cuts with tougher, tech-driven productions. Do you approach those two sides of your sound differently in the studio, or do they feed into each other naturally?
I feel they feed into eachother naturally indeed. Some tracks are a bit more suited for the earlier parts of the set, others more suited for peaktime. I like to produce both as that way I keep it fresh in the studio for both the fans and myself.
You’ve had strong support from legends like Carl Cox, Mark Knight, and Green Velvet. How does it feel to have those names championing your work, and do you still get that buzz when you see a track take off?
It’s amazing to see and hear when other DJs support your music ofcourse. The more the merrier as I’d love for the music I produce in my little studio to be heard around the world.
“In Arms” became one of the biggest Ibiza anthems of 2018. When you’re working on new material now, do you ever feel pressure to recreate that kind of moment — or is it more about chasing new inspiration?
I wouldn’t call it pressure but it’s obviously something I chase. I wish every track I release has the same impact. Some tracks do better than others, it’s so hard to tell before hand. The only thing I can do is keep releasing music that I love to play myself and hope it connects with others too. So many factors come into play when a track takes off like that that are out of my control so I just have to keep going.
You’ve released on some of the most respected labels in dance music — Defected, Relief, Kittball, and now Toolroom. What do you think keeps your music so consistent across such different imprints?
Trying to pay attention to what’s current and evolve with it but without losing my own sound. I love how the trends in dance music keeps changing and I feel you have to evolve with it but also make sure you don’t lose the thing people like about your music. It has to be a healthy mix of current vibes and ‘classic’ Ferreck Dawn.
Finally, after years of shaping dancefloors worldwide, what still excites you most about DJing and producing today — and what can fans expect next from Ferreck Dawn heading into 2026?
I still absolutely love to dj and always try and create memories for the people on the dancefloor. Because of social media it’s so easy to connect with people and It’s been amazing hearing back from people how they liked a certain set or release I did.
This year is slowly coming to an end so I’m releasing Serious on Toolroom and a deephouse track on Selected end of November. I have loads of new music ready for 2026 that I’m road testing every set now so lots more music to come. Show wise you’ll be able to find me all over the world so keep an eye on the socials for more info on that!