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For a long time Boris Daenen, most commonly known as Netsky, only belonged to Belgium, now he belongs to the world. You may not instantly recognise the 25-year-old drum-and-bass DJ-producer, but you almost certainly will have heard one of his records. He became something of an electronic cult star after releasing his self-titled debut album, which was not only critically-lauded, but it also served as an introduction, providing a backdrop of his high-octane, bass-heavy, energetic sound.

His follow up album, 2, which was released in 2012, was a huge commercial success: it hit the No.1 spot in the Belgium charts and also entered the UK album charts, making it his highest-charting album yet. It’s a remarkable feat and with his new found fame, he’s now unstoppable. “A lot of people recognise me here because I do a lot of TV shows,” he says from his home in Edegem, Belgium. “It’s really great. I never find it annoying like some people do. I think it’s part of the job.”

Blending his soul-influenced sound with breathy vocals layered over up-tempo beats is his speciality. He began producing music at the age of 16, practicing his craft in his spare time and DJing at house parties. “At that time, I wasn’t even thinking about being on stage or even performing on one,” he says, laughing. “I just loved being in the studio and making music. It’s my first love — making music.”

Travelling around the world performing and DJing non-stop, he doesn’t get much down time, he says. “The one thing I noticed after touring a lot is that it’s good to take a break sometimes. I’m at the stage where I now find time to spend with my friends and family. I really like doing it, it helps with writing records and it gives me a lot of energy as well.”

With his latest single, he is further consolidating on the success of his previous efforts. He wound up working with Beth Ditto on ‘Running Low,’ a song about “losing your love for somebody and not knowing how to cope with it.” Not that the message will resonate with his audience, he is nonetheless, telling a story. “It’s kind of a very depressing song, but there are two sides to it. I think sonically it makes you want to rave and dance, but the lyrics are a lot deeper than that,” he says.

On paper, it sounds like a dodgy formula that shouldn’t work, but Ditto’s high-pitched vocals bathed in lush, relentless, string-laden arrangements feels like it’s constantly on the verge of breaking — there is so much emotion as she sings: “You can see it in my eyes, so swollen in time from crying.” But through the bravado, what really defines the song is a certain willingness to venture into the unknown. There are some people who can do it, and there are others who just can’t. It’s as simple as that.

Daenen admits he was nervous upon meeting the Gossip frontwoman for the first time. “I wasn’t sure what kind of a person she was. You can watch loads of interviews of any artist but when you meet them in person, they might be very different. That wasn’t the case with Beth, she’s one of the most funny, loving and nicest people I’ve ever met. She’s also really inspiring and I enjoyed hanging out with her.”

His stage name Netsky — a name which, according to him, was contrived to indicate his passion and appreciation for all things science fiction. “I’ll admit it, I’m a sci-fi nerd,” he says with a smile. “Everyone always asks me if my name has anything to do with Terminator, but no, I’ve never been a fan of the Terminator. That’s not where my name’s from.” Up next: he’s preparing for a long summer tours and festivals. “I’m looking forward to touring together with Beth and playing our song live,” he says, “it’s going to be incredible. I cannot wait.” If there’s another thing you should know it’s this: Netsky is here for the long run.

‘Running Low’ is released August 17.
Words: Noel Phillips.

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Portrait of a Lady: weeks after her 18th birthday, Dakota Fanning shows she’s a child star no more on the cover of Wonderland’s sun-soaked summer issue. Inside, accompanying her surreal, sublime shoot with photographer Cedric Buchet, she reveals why she’ll never join Facebook, discusses her fashion battles with sister Elle and tells Wonderland why she never wants to grow up.

Meanwhile Beth Ditto, who heads up our Summer Sounds special, is all for coming of age – ahead of the release of new Gossip album A Joyful Noise she chugs back a few drinks and lets rip about why pop is still cool, and why it all just gets better. And that’s just the beginning of the April/May edition, which vaults into the coming season with an extravagant splash.

Artists such as JJ Doom and Butch Vig recommend a playlist for your poolside pleasure. R&B sweetheart Cassie muses on her cult status and upcoming sophomore album. Californian artists Alex Prager and Elad Lassry bring a little sunshine across the Atlantic, while WET Magazine founder Leonard Koren explains why skinny dipping is the ultimate art form. All this plus the best of music, film art and fashion, from white hot menswear to trailer park chic and a hot-from-the-runways preview of next season’s strident looks. Dive in!

The April/May issue is in shops world-wide now – subscribe to Wonderland at Magazine Cafe

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For the sake of journalism and self-sacrifice, I went deep into the trenches of Lovebox at Victoria Park last weekend. Loveably known as Vikky Park, the terrain was covered in dewy greens, birds fluttering about with the sun shining. That is, until day one of Lovebox, in which God disapprovingly spew his divine wrath and spat torrential rain and monsoon upon us.

My weekend began on Friday night with the second birthday of London party group “Twat Boutique” for drunks of all persuasions. Miss Dynamite was set to jam downstairs of XOYO kicking off what Peaches accomplished last year- being the bonafide Olympian flame carrier of Lovebox.

My dates for the evening were Hannah Scanlon from Doll and the Kicks, fellow fashion journalist Katharine and ex-Prada model, Lauren Cherry. Needless to say, the basement of XOYO rapidly morphed into a sweatbox orgy and by the end of the night, Katharine had received an impressive 9 threats of getting punched in the face.

We didn’t sleep that night.

Rather, we found ourselves twisted together in a vegetated state on someone’s sofa the next morning. There were bottles of wine and vodka scattered across the floor, my beautiful Marsèll shoes bobbing in a puddle of God knows what, and cigarette butts discarded on top of someone’s Lanvin sweater. *

Six of us missed the festival on Saturday. Instead, we gazelle-hopped over cobblestones and made our way to the Shoreditch House. We used the sauna, brunched, drank, showered, drank some more, and awaited Snoop’s arrival. Tracy Sedino of Linda Farrow came and we all danced the night away. Except, not to Snoop…because three hours after his appointed arrival time, everyone started getting a bit antsy, pushy and a little too sober.

Snoop was inside smoking a J. Allegedly.

The next day, we gathered at Dalston Superstore for a liquid lunch, guzzled a gallon of vodka tonics and jumped into a cab. Sunday at Vikky was “Out and Out Fierce” and they’re not joking. This is the day everyone comes out, comes out, and looks fierce (hence, an apt name for the day)!

Sunday was Scissor Sisters, Robyn, Kelis and Beth Ditto…basically the biggest fag hags they could get their hands on sans Blondie. Oh no, wait, Blondie was there. Running back and forth from The NYC Downlow to the mainstage, pardon me, I mean sloshing back and forth. Did I mention? Everyone was ankle deep in mud…or fertilizer.

I left relatively early circa 10PM and headed back to Dalston Superstore. I spent the rest of the night discussing feminism and dykes with Beth Ditto and making out with Robyn, though I may have been delirious by that point, so don’t hold me to that last bit.

*Note to future festival attendees: Do NOT wear Lanvin.*

Photography: Christa Holka
Words: Eunice Jera Lee

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