Student Spotlight: Portex
10/29/2024
Student "Portex" has received global support from Charlotte De Witte, Amelie Lens, KI/KI and many more. Being part of Tomorrowland Academy gave him the opportunity to get signed at Tomorrowland Music. Discover his story below!
How did you discover Tomorrowland Academy?
I discovered Tomorrowland Academy online when I was searching for DJ tutorials. At the first stage, only for DJing because at that time I just bought my first controller.
When did your passion for music start?
It started a long time ago when I was 8. I started at the local music school. I had to learn the basics to proceed to playing the saxophone and piano after. Electronic music wasn’t there until I turned 16-17 years old. Then I started with electronic music which was a turning point.
When did you release your first tracks?
My first track was released in February 2022, quickly followed by two others in the same year! I was really happy and proud at that point to have released tracks so early. I was still searching for my own style and something I wanted to keep doing, but you learn from every track. I don’t regret it, since it helped me become a better producer.
When did you start getting support by big artists? How did that make you feel?
It actually started really soon! Already from my second release in 2022. Two years later my music has been supported by the biggest artists in the techno scene like Charlotte de witte, Amelie Lens, Ki/Ki, Vtss, Joyhauser,… just to name a few. I still get goosebumps every time it happens!
What do you use to produce tracks? What is your secret weapon?
I work in Ableton, mostly with VST's. I got some hardware as well but I like VST’s more. Being able to use or adjust a project everywhere you are does the thing for me! I don’t have a secret weapon, maybe my way of seeing and listening to music through my classical education. It makes me feel like I’m much more versatile!
You signed your track at Tomorrowland Music, how did that happen?
Yes, that’s right, something that happened very quickly and unexpected. They picked a few of my tracks with the RISE submissions on Tomorrowland Academy. Equally I was invited to a writing camp organised by Tomorrowland music this summer and had a really fun session with a lot of artists!
What are your plans for the future?
I worked really hard on my style and sound, and I want to keep bringing it. There are a lot of releases coming, especially one release that I’m very excited about! I also have some big bookings signed for next year too, so I’m really looking forward to 2025!
Tips for upcoming producers?
Believe in yourself and try to be special, don’t copy someone’s sound or style. Try to be different and stick to your goal. And last but not least, work hard!