Bart Skils shares how he stays focused on music over metrics

Two of the genre’s most consistent names join forces as Bart Skils and Heerhorst drop YKSI—a no-nonsense, late-night roller built for peak energy moments. Out now via Factory 93, the track first gained momentum after Pan-Pot dropped it at Awakenings and has been in demand ever since.

In this quick interview, Bart Skils shares what keeps him grounded even when his music is getting massive attention. From navigating follow-up pressure to staying focused on his own path, he offers a refreshingly steady mindset in a scene that often moves too fast.

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What helps you stay centered when your work is getting attention?

I judge my work and music on creative satisfaction, and not on sales or popularity. I’ve always produced tracks just for my sets and not for chart success or for huge amounts of sales, for example.

By approaching things that way, I can be super focused on the music that I want to write, and work on the tracks from my personal point of view.

Have you ever lost your way creatively after a win?

I think every producer or artist gets lost in the creative process sometimes. When it comes to production, if I’m working on music and the ideas don’t come, I usually dive more into the technical, sound design side and elements of the production process.

That way, it’s always still a good learning curve and experience, and sooner or later the ideas will come again.

What’s one routine or practice that keeps you anchored?

This one is simple. Focus on your own passion, your own creative journey, and don’t compare yourself or your work to others.

How do you deal with pressure to follow up a successful release?

To be honest, I don’t really feel many pressures. As I mentioned already, I really only make music to play in my sets, and when they stand out, we will release them.

I usually do around three to four releases a year, and that works for me. When it comes to track selection, I mostly discuss with Adam (Beyer) which ones we should pick for a release, and from there I set a release schedule.

How do you celebrate wins without getting stuck on them?

I celebrate more when it comes to achieving long term targets and success. If I make a year-long plan, say for 2025, I look ahead of my sets and the music I’m working on and decide on a musical direction that makes me happy.

From that point of view and taking that approach, I then make a plan and start working towards it. When the year then shapes up, it often gives me much more satisfaction than any short term success would.

What keeps your creativity separate from outside noise?

Your creativity will always be influenced by your surroundings, and I gladly accept that. When you travel the world, visiting bigger cities and playing at parties, or spending time in nature, it will reflect back on your music somehow. Also, listening to other music productions and styles will get you those creative ideas.

From there, the ideas you bring back with you into your studio will be those that you then bend and craft into something new. In that way, you stay true to yourself and what you stand for musically.