With billions of streams under his belt, as well as tours around the world, Topic is one of the hottest artists around. Its numbers speak for themselves and are stunning by anyone’s standards. The German-Croatian has gold, double diamond, triple, quadruple and even tenfold platinum certifications to his credit in 28 countries around the world and holds a stable spot in the Top 10 of Spotify’s Global Top 200. He’s worked with rapper Lil Baby, two-time GRAMMY®-nominated diamond saleswoman Bebe Rexha, British band Clean Bandit and favorite DJ Becky Hill, as well as Fifth Harmony singer Ally Brooke, to n’ to name a few. CULTR caught up with Topic in Miami, read our conversation below!
Are you originally from Germany, but now living in Dubai? How long have you been in Dubai?
I moved to Dubai last summer like July or June.
Good times there? It sounds crazy!
Yeah that’s very good. It’s actually kinda similar to Miami and Los Angeles, I think they stole the vibe of [Miami] Actually.
How is your life there right now?
Right now I’m in the studio a lot actually, I bought a townhouse there and built my studio there, I just work there every day.
What brought you there? Was it love or career?
It was a career, I just liked it there. In Germany, the weather is not like this all the time. It’s so cold. And for the career, it’s also great because you’re in the middle of the world. And no matter which continent you want to go to, you only have one flight to get there.
You just announced an Australian tour. Have you ever played it?
It’s my first time in Australia. I went there for promotional stuff, but I haven’t played it yet, so I’m very, very excited.
Where will you go in Australia?
I think I’ll start in the North in Darwin and then go down to Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Adelaide.
The slap house style you helped guide has been very successful so far, will you continue this style or experiment with other genres of dance music?
I wouldn’t necessarily say I do the Slap House stuff properly, I definitely have influences from that or Brazilian bass. I always call it Melancholic Dance Music because my songs are always kinda sad. If you take them apart, “Breaking Me” is a very melancholy sad song and I don’t think I’m going to change that direction, but the production is always changing, I’m not going to stick with it for the rest of my life.
Are there other sounds or genres you venture into?
Yes, my sets have changed so much, I even play melodic techno stuff – not so much tech house – more underground stuff which I like a lot, and I produce a lot of ideas in this atmosphere.
Let’s talk about “Breaking Me”. Where were you when you wrote this song?
We were actually 10 minutes from here in Brickell [Miami]. We were there in October 2019. And I went there with A7S singing on it and we wrote it together. We always go on a songwriting journey. We just go somewhere, rent a nice Airbnb and have a good time and make songs.
What about “My Heart Goes (La Di Da)” with Becky Hill?
It came from her actually, her or her management sent me the song first and said they wanted the production. The song was there for about a year and nothing happened. Then they asked “Man, everyone loves this song, we think it’s a hit, don’t you want to release it with her?” and I said yes of course, I’m a big fan of it too.
“Drive” is another amazing song!
Thanks yeah, that one is with Clean Bandit, we actually became good friends with each other. I think I did a remix for them first and then we did zoom sessions then “Drive” and this summer in August or September we will have a new one!
You have collaborated with great artists. Anyone left on your bucket list?
Yeah actually, the one we’re doing with Clean Bandit, James Arthur will be on it. I don’t know if I’m still allowed to say this, but he posted on his Instagram, so I think that’s pretty cool.
Tell me about ULTRA. Is this your first time here? Have you ever played in the past?
It’s my first time here actually. I’ve been watching it for eight years on YouTube and I think it’s one of my favorite festivals.
What was your schedule this week?
I just arrived from Mexico after a video shoot. It was a very long video shoot – 22 hours. We’ve been shooting non-stop and I just got here two hours ago.
Welcome! Welcome to Miami 🙂
Haha yeah I love Miami man, this is my first time at Ultra but I think this is my 5th time in Miami and I think it’s one of my favorite cities in the US.
Do you have anything else to add to our readers before I let you go and get you ready for your day?
Yes, thank you to everyone who listens to my music and supports it. And I really hope to play for you guys soon and see you in person.
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