Belgian DJ and producer 22 Weeks delivers a compelling two-track EP on Doc Brown’s Unlearn, showcasing his adeptness in crafting punchy tech house rhythms infused with subtle electro elements.
“What You Love” and “Keep It Going” exemplify his dynamic approach, blending deep and tech house influences.
With previous releases on labels such as Low Ceiling, Nøid, Dvine Sounds, and Freakin909, 22 Weeks continues to solidify his position in the electronic music scene. This latest offering on Unlearn reinforces his reputation for delivering energetic and meticulously produced tracks.
How does your approach differ when blending tech house rhythms with electro elements, as heard in “What You Love” and “Keep It Going”?
Lol, I’m sorry, I don’t think I have a great answer for your question. Producing is producing—whether it’s a tech house track, a pop track, or a rock track, it’s all the same. You start with a basic idea and then build elements on that foundation until you achieve your desired sound. In my case, I guess I like to add electro influences.
Can you share the creative process behind this EP? Were there specific influences or themes that guided the production?
The reality is—and I’m going to be straightforward here—I don’t have time to joke around. My life is enormously busy, so when I get the chance to get into the studio, I have to use that time wisely. That means I don’t have time to look for a specific theme. I just need to make a track that sounds good, makes people dance, and makes people smile. I’m a DJ, and I love to make people dance—that’s my goal.
Your work has featured on respected labels like Low Ceiling, Nøid, and Dvine Sounds. How does your experience with these labels compare to working with Doc Brown’s Unlearn?
Until now, I’ve never really had problems with labels. Working with Doc is great; he’s professional, he tries to help when something goes wrong, you know everything in advance, and his artwork and promotions are on point. Besides working with him, he’s an amazing person and one heck of a DJ!
Both tracks on this EP reflect deep and tech house influences. How do you strike the balance between these styles while maintaining your signature sound?
That’s a very good question. I think I just have an affinity for certain sounds. I like warm sounds, so I look for elements that match and communicate, I guess.
What inspired the titles “What You Love” and “Keep It Going”? Do they reflect a broader narrative or concept for the EP?
Sometimes things don’t have to be complicated. “What You Love” is about dancing and partying all day and night. “Just a second… Dance!” “Keep It Going” is the follow-up track—darker and more appropriate for the end of the night, in my opinion, because we’ve got to keep it going!
Tech house is a genre known for its energy and groove. How do you ensure your tracks stand out in a crowded space?
The obvious answer is to use Chris Lake’s Fisher horn—that way, everyone recognizes the sound! Just kidding.
There are two sides to this. If you make something more popular or mainstream, you’ll probably have a track that gets played more often for a while. But if you make something unique, people will discover your track later, and it will be more memorable—not just one of a dozen. Make your choice!
Looking at your past releases, how do you feel your sound has evolved, and how does this EP reflect that progression?
I don’t follow hypes. Just because people feel like they have to reuse the entire 2000s RnB catalog doesn’t mean I have to do that! The progression I feel I’ve made is that my sound and style have gotten harder, with more electro and techno influences, but it’s still tech house.
With this release on Unlearn, what are your future aspirations in terms of sound exploration or label collaborations?
A while ago, Doc and I had a conversation about music, and he said something like, “Oh hey, if you have an idea for Unlearn, just let me know.” To which I responded, “Maybe we should do a collab!” So, Doc, if you’re reading this!