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Sikdope unleashes his highly anticipated EP Final Call, headlined by the hard dance title track of the same name, powered by a hypnotic bassline and an alluring vocal.
The EP is a cumulation of previously released Dim Mak singles “Addicted” with ZOOTAH and Haley Maze, “Down With The Rhythm,” “Lift Off” with Michael Sparks, and the most recent “Mic Drop” with The Melody Men. New songs “Final Call” and “Want It” round out the project nicely, making a cohesive listening experience. With sounds spanning from all genres – hardstyle, bass house, hard techno and more – the EP certainly packs a strong punch, as Sikdope works on refining his grittier sound.
Sikdope reflects on the project; “Final Call is my first-ever EP, and it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve always focused on singles, but this project let me express myself in a deeper, more artistic way. The whole idea behind it was to take the listener on a journey – kind of like a theater play with different scenes that build up to the final act.
“It’s a mix of sounds, blending house, techno, and bass house elements into one cohesive project. But the main thing for me was making sure every track is something I’d actually play in my DJ sets. No filler tracks, no songs made just for the radio – every single tune had to hit hard in a club or festival setting.
“‘Final Call’ is one of the last tracks to come out from the EP, which I think is the perfect way to end it – mellow, deep, but still heavy, with amazing vocals and lyrics. In the middle, you’ll find some harder-hitting ones like ‘Want It’ and ‘Mic Drop.’ So whether you’re in a singalong mood or looking for secret festival weapons for your sets, I feel like there’s something in this EP for everyone. Hope you enjoy the ride!”
Tracklist:
- Final Call
- Addicted
- Down With The Rhythm
- Lift Off
- Mic Drop
- Want It
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Catching up with Sikdope for this interview was a thrill, especially after working together on a previous release. His debut EP, Final Call, marks a bold step forward, blending hardstyle, bass house, and techno into a high-energy ride designed for clubs and festivals. With fresh tracks like the hypnotic title track “Final Call” and “Want It,” alongside bangers like “Addicted” with ZOOTAH and Haley Maze, “Down With The Rhythm,” “Lift Off” with Michael Sparks, and “Mic Drop” with The Melody Men, the EP is a powerhouse.
In this conversation, Sikdope opens up about the inspiration behind Final Call, his decision to release an EP after years of singles, and how he crafted each track to hit hard in live sets. We also dive into his evolution as an artist, his creative process, and what’s next for him in the world of electronic music.
Great to see you again, man! We sat down a couple of years ago when you dropped “I Got Lost In Berlin.” How has your sound evolved since then? I’m excited to dive in now that you’ve released a new EP!
Since “I Got Lost In Berlin,” my sound has evolved by blending the high-energy elements my fans love with a more nuanced, storytelling approach. Touring the world and experiencing different music scenes influenced me to explore new genres while staying true to my signature ‘Party House’ sound. I’ve integrated more hard dance, house, and big room elements, crafting tracks that not only hit hard but also take listeners on a journey.
Final Call is your first-ever EP. What inspired you to take this leap from releasing singles to crafting a full EP?
I wanted to challenge myself creatively and offer my fans a more immersive experience. Singles capture a moment, but with an EP, I could build a cohesive narrative. Final Call is crafted like a theater play, guiding listeners through different scenes that build up to an emotional climax. It was about pushing boundaries and delivering a body of work that’s not just for the dancefloor but also resonates on a deeper level.
You mentioned that Final Call is designed like a theater play, with different scenes building up to the final act. Can you walk us through that storytelling approach in your production?
I approached Final Call as if I was directing a theater play. Each track represents a different scene that contributes to the overall narrative. I played with tension, release, and unexpected twists to keep the listener engaged from start to finish. The journey is designed to feel cinematic, with each track setting the stage for the next, building up to the final act with the title track, “Final Call.”
The EP blends multiple genres, including hardstyle, bass house, and hard techno. How do you approach genre-blending while still maintaining your signature Sikdope sound?
For me, genre-blending is about taking the best elements of different styles and making them my own. I’ve always been about high energy and powerful drops, but with Final Call, I experimented with various MainStage genres like bass house, tech house, and hard techno. The challenge was maintaining the signature Sikdope sound while exploring new territories. It’s about finding the balance between familiarity and innovation, which keeps my music fresh yet recognizable.
“Final Call” is the title track and the last song to be released from the EP. Why did you choose this track as the namesake of the project?
“Final Call” felt like the perfect conclusion to the journey I wanted this EP to represent. It’s symbolic of that last moment before you step into the unknown, whether it’s a flight, a decision, or a pivotal moment in life. The track captures the emotional intensity of that feeling, and it ties together the narrative I’ve woven through the other tracks. It’s the grand finale that leaves a lasting impression.
“Mic Drop” and “Want It” hit hard with their energy. What inspired these tracks, and how do they contribute to the EP’s journey?
“Mic Drop” and “Want It” are about raw energy. They’re the bangers that set the stage for the journey of Final Call. I wanted to create tracks that hit hard but also have layers to them. They represent the bold, in-your-face moments that contrast with the more melodic and introspective parts of the EP.
“Addicted” with ZOOTAH and Haley Maze leans into a more melodic side of your production. What led you to explore that sound within the EP?
With “Addicted,” I wanted to show a different side. Collaborating with ZOOTAH and Haley Maze allowed me to blend my high-energy sound with a more melodic, emotional vibe. It’s about addiction to the music and the feeling it gives you. It bridges the gap between the harder tracks and adds emotional depth to the EP.
“Down With The Rhythm” has a strong groove and drive. Was there a specific influence or vibe you wanted to capture with this track?
I wanted to capture the groove and drive that keeps people moving on the dancefloor. “Down With The Rhythm” is all about that relentless. It’s influenced by the underground club scene but with a Sikdope twist that keeps it fresh and unique.
You worked with artists like ZOOTAH, Haley Maze, Michael Sparks, and The Melody Men on this project. How did these collaborations influence the overall vibe of the EP?
Collaborating with ZOOTAH, Haley Maze, Michael Sparks, and The Melody Men brought new perspectives to the table. Each artist contributed their unique style, which helped me push my boundaries and explore new territories. These collaborations made the EP more diverse while keeping it cohesive and true to my vision.
You mentioned there are no filler tracks, every song has a place in your DJ sets. Which track has surprised crowds the most in live performances? “Down With The Rhythm” was definitely the most surprising tune. I remember opening my set with it in Thailand for 15,000 people, and the reaction was absolutely mind-blowing. It caught everyone off guard in the best way possible. I think it’s the perfect definition of Party House. It set the tone for the rest of the night.
Every track on this EP was designed for high-energy club and festival settings. Was there a specific moment or performance that shaped this approach?
Definitely. Touring and playing big festivals showed me how important energy and momentum are for live sets. I wanted every track on this EP to amplify that energy. Whether it’s a peak-time banger or a melodic anthem, the goal was to create moments that connect with the crowd and make them lose themselves in the music.
You’re hitting cities like Austin, San Francisco, and London for your tour. How has the crowd reception to “Final Call” so far?
The reception has been amazing! Fans have been connecting with the storytelling aspect and the energy each track brings. Seeing the crowd go wild to “Mic Drop” and then getting emotional to “Final Call” is exactly the journey I wanted to take them on. It’s been fulfilling to see the vision come to life on stage.
Do you have a specific track from the EP that you’re most excited to play live at festivals this year?
“Final Call” is the one I’m most excited about. It’s the perfect closing track with its emotional buildup and explosive drop. It captures the essence of the EP and leaves a lasting impact on the crowd.
As a DJ and producer, how do you test out new tracks before officially releasing them? Do you rely on live reactions, or is there another process?
I always test my new tracks live before releasing them. There’s no better feedback than seeing how a crowd reacts in real-time. I pay attention to the energy in the room, the movement, and the vibe. It helps me fine-tune the production to ensure every element hits just right.
Now that you’ve released your first EP, do you see yourself working on a full-length album in the future?
I’m definitely open to it. Final Call showed me the power of storytelling and the creative possibilities of a longer format. If the right concept and inspiration strike, I’d love to explore that even further. For now, I’m focused on pushing boundaries and keeping things exciting.
What’s next for Sikdope? Are there any upcoming collaborations or projects in the works that fans should be excited about?
I’m already working on new music and have some exciting collaborations lined up. I don’t want to spoil too much, but fans can expect even more genre-blending and unexpected twists. I’m constantly evolving, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.
You’ve teased unreleased music on Facebook. Can you share more about these upcoming tracks and how they differ from your previous releases?
These tracks push my sound in new directions while staying true to my roots. They’re a continuation of the journey that Final Call started. Expect high energy, big drops, and some emotional surprises. I can’t wait to see how fans react when they finally drop!
Is there anything we haven’t touched on that you’d like to share?
I just want to thank my fans for their incredible support. Final Call is a piece of my soul, and seeing the love it’s received means the world to me. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of my music.
Thanks for doing this. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Music is the cure – stay addicted to it! Keep dancing, and I’ll see you on the dancefloor!
