Chocolate Puma

Unraveling the saga of Chocolate Puma, we’re about to dive into the life and beats of one of the most dynamic duos in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. This Dutch pair has been setting dance floors ablaze worldwide, and it’s time to understand what makes them tick.

From their humble beginnings to their meteoric rise, we’ll explore the journey that has shaped Chocolate Puma into the EDM powerhouse they are today. So, put on your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and let’s step into the pulsating world of Chocolate Puma.

Early Life & Background

Delving deeper into the origins of Chocolate Puma reveals an intriguing backstory. Hailing from The Netherlands, the EDM pioneers, made up of Djem van Dijk and Gaston Steenkist, began their journey in the rich landscape of Amsterdam’s music scene. Initially passionate about music, the two found common ground with their shared love for creating harmonious mixes.

Intrigued by Music at a Young Age

Djem and Gaston developed a fascination for music at an early age. Hypnotized by beats and rhythms, the duo ventured into music production, turning their passion into a career. For instance, Djem found solace in the captivating rhythms found in dance music, while Gaston discovered his inherent talent for crafting mesmerizing beats.

Formation of Chocolate Puma

The inception of Chocolate Puma dates back to 1991 when Djem and Gaston united their creative forces. The contagious energy in their productions soon became a distinguishing feature, marking the birth of Chocolate Puma. This period in their career presented a perfect showcase of what a shared vision and relentless passion can achieve.

The Foundation of Success

Foundational to their success was their embrace of experimentation. Tinkering with different sound elements, the pair unearthed a signature style that eventually defined them. As an example, their hit track “I Wanna Be U” molded a unique blend of house, electro, and techno styles.

The beginnings of Chocolate Puma paint a picture of a determined duo with a shared passion for music. Their story serves as a testament to what can be achieved with determination, creativity, and a shared vision. It’s this spirit, born in their early days, that continues to fuel the legendary status of Chocolate Puma in the world of EDM.

Breakthrough in the EDM Scene

Chocolate Puma’s rise to prominence occurred amidst the bustling Amsterdam electronic dance music scene in the 1990s. Known for their trailblazing innovations, they created ripples with their forward-thinking approach to music. Their breakout hit, “Give It Up,” gained traction in 1996, spearheading their breakthrough. Released under the moniker “The Good Men,” this track showcased their exceptional ability to weave together eclectic elements, solidifying their standing in the EDM community.

This marked a significant turning point for the duo, who further refined their signature fusion style. Groundbreaking hits “Esa Boca Linda”, “Tonco Tone”, and “Disco Electrique” followed, each release amplifying their influence within the EDM universe. The success of these tracks, paired with relentless creativity, propelled Chocolate Puma to a pinnacle rarely reached in the industry.

Chocolate Puma’s appeal extended well beyond their music production talents. Their performances at renowned global festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra, and Electric Daisy Carnival showcased their mesmerizing ability to connect with global audiences. Through these performances, they demonstrated their knack for redefining dance music, thus securing a firm place in the annals of EDM history.

Revered by fans and industry professionals alike, Chocolate Puma’s impact on dance music is undeniable. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire electronic musicians worldwide, sparking innovation and fueling the continual evolution of the EDM genre.

Signature Sound & Production Techniques

Delving deeper into Chocolate Puma’s artistic process reveals a dynamic soundscape and innovative production techniques that have established them as EDM pioneers.

What Type of EDM is Chocolate Puma?

Chocolate Puma heralds a fusion of house, electro, and techno EDM. The duo’s sound incorporates percussive grooves, energizing synth motifs, and vocal hooks, creating infectious dance floor anthems. For example, tracks like “I Wanna Be U” and “Give It Up” exemplify their stylistic fusion and inventive use of sonics.

Production Techniques Deployed

In their production process, Chocolate Puma employs an array of techniques. They focus on crafting intricate percussion patterns and layering melodies for depth and textures, as evidenced in “Esa Boca Linda.” Using their adept work on music software, they mold varied sonic influences into seamlessly coherent compositions.

Signature Sound Elements

Chocolate Puma’s signature sound lies in the synthesis of stark beats, vibrant synths, and compelling vocals. Elements such as bassline-centric composition, as in “Tonco Tone,” and the fusion of diverse electronic sub-genres contribute to their distinctive sonic identity. Their unique aesthetic encapsulates the best of Amsterdam’s dance music culture, a trait that significantly contributes to their acclaim on stage.

Impact on the EDM Scene

Chocolate Puma’s innovative sound has considerably affected the EDM scene. Other artists often emulate their efficient use of sound design, vocal processing, and harmonic complexity in their music production. Furthermore, their popularity surged after performances at major festivals, like Tomorrowland and Ultra, where they showcased their sonic mastery. Through their musical contributions, Chocolate Puma remains a notable influence in the continuous evolution of EDM.

Similar Artists to Chocolate Puma

Looking at other artists in the EDM field, there are several notable ones with captivating sounds and production approaches that fit snugly alongside Chocolate Puma’s established style. The subsequent paragraphs talk about some of these artists and their music.

Tujamo

One of these artists is Tujamo, internationally known for his unique and energetic sound that melds genres in a similar way to Chocolate Puma. His tracks such as “Drop That Low” and “Booty Bounce” showcase a fusion of house, techno, and electro elements, with a particular leaning towards bass-focused compositions.

Firebeatz

Firebeatz, another duo from the Netherlands like Chocolate Puma, shares affinity with them for bassline-centric productions. Their signature track “Dear New York” and their collaboration “Helicopter” with Martin Garrix express a distinctive sound characterized by intense beats, pulsating rhythms, and high-energy synth lines.

Bingo Players

Bingo Players, another act from the Netherlands, made waves through their dance floor anthems blending house and electro. The duo’s hits like “Cry (Just a Little)” and “Rattle” bear striking similarities to Chocolate Puma’s dancefloor oriented style and ambitious genre fusion.

Oliver Heldens

Lastly, Oliver Heldens propelled himself to fame with a fresh twist on house music, incorporating considerable electro and techno influences in his productions. His breakthrough track “Gecko” and later release “Turn Me On” showcase a focused, sub-bass driven sound, a penchant that aligns him with the approach of Chocolate Puma.

These artists serve as excellent examples of the genre and style similarities with Chocolate Puma. Despite each one offering their unique take, it’s evident that the intricate percussion patterns, layered melodies, bass-driven focus, and genre-blending styles pioneered by Chocolate Puma have significantly influenced their work and overall evolution in the EDM sphere.

Discography

In keeping with the tempo set by Chocolate Puma’s trailblazing career and influence on artists like Tujamo, Firebeatz, Bingo Players, and Oliver Heldens, it’s vital to highlight their discography. Their body of work, much like their unique soundscapes, marries diverse elements of house, electro, and techno music, earning them a distinct position in the EDM universe.

Singles

Chocolate Puma’s singles exemplify their unique sound that weaves together various genres. Pioneering tracks include “I Wanna Be U” and “Give it Up” that accelerated their flywheel of success. Later releases continued to echo their signature style, with tracks like “Step Back” featuring Kris Kiss, “Scrub The Ground” featuring Tommie Sunshine and DJ Funk, and “Space Sheep” in collaboration with Oliver Heldens.

Remixes

In addition to original productions, Chocolate Puma has made memorable remixes that resonate with their innate ability to ingeniously blend house, electro, and techno. Examples include their remixes of Hardwell’s “Mad World”, Major Lazer’s “Watch Out For This (Bumaye)”, and Tiesto’s “Trouble”.

EPs and Albums

While their discography primarily comprises standalone singles and remixes, Chocolate Puma has also contributed to the EDM scene through extended plays (EPs). EPs like “20 Years of Chocolate Puma” encapsulate their impressive two-decade sonic journey, highlighting their persistent commitment to evolving sounds and pushing genre boundaries. As for albums, this is an area where they’ve yet to make an entry, with their creativity finding its primary outlet in the form of singles, EPs, and remixes.

Throughout Chocolate Puma’s discography, one can trace their consistent knack for genre fusion and bassline-driven productions, a creative echo of their influential stance within the broader EDM scene.

Tours & Live Performances

Continuing from Chocolate Puma’s successful journey through music production, we swing our attention to their scintillating performances and tours. Beyond the recording studio, they’ve showcased their energy and eclectic style in multitude grand tours and electrifying live performances around the world.

Global Presence

Flowing seamlessly across continents, Chocolate Puma’s tour diary displays their ubiquitous presence. From raving European festivals to chart-topping performances at renowned American venues, they have left their footprints everywhere.

For instance, they vanquished the decks at renowned music festivals, such as Ultra Music Festival, a notable rave that finds its avatar in several countries. Also, they caused quite a stir at Tomorrowland, the Belgian electronic dance music festival considered a pilgrimage spot among EDM lovers.

Memorable Performances

As for memorable performances, a few instances stand out. They blasted the stage at Sensation White in Amsterdam, an event legendary for its pulsating, white-themed music spectacle. Their set in Defected Croatia, a festival acclaimed for its house music vibes, is another electrifying performance worth mentioning.

Collaborative Tours

Apart from independent tours, collaborations are another domain where Chocolate Puma doesn’t miss a beat. They have joined forces with artists of similar mettle, embarking on rounds of collaborative tours. An example is their tour with Oliver Heldens, rendering a unique blend of their distinctive styles. This amalgamation results in a high-octane show, leaving listeners clamouring for more.

Indeed, Chocolate Puma’s tours and live performances are a testament to their prowess as dynamic showmen, echoing their innovative studio productions in the vibrant atmosphere of live shows. They enliven the crowds and leave their fans spellbound, firmly establishing their place in the EDM hall of fame with every beat they drop.

Personal Life & Off-stage Persona

Moving from the applause of the stage to examine the quieter parts of life, we uncover the stories behind the melodious duo. René ter Horst and Gaston Steenkist, known professionally as Chocolate Puma, share more than just their love for crafting hits. They narrate a tale of friendship, passion, and perseverance, strengthening their bond off the musical canvas.

Values such as discipline, respect, and humility color their off-stage persona. An anecdotal instance from their early years sheds light on their humbleness. After the release of “Give It Up”, a track that topped UK Singles Chart, they declined offers for TV performances, content with their music reaching millions. Rather than seeking fame, they reveled in touching lives through their tunes.

Balancing a rigorous touring schedule and studio sessions, fitness forms a vital part of their daily regimen. Applies to both members, their commitment to health and fitness is notable. For example, Gaston Steenkist is a dedicated runner, often seen participating in marathons.

Their personal life echoes a profound respect for music and its roots. Shopping for records and exploring music from different genres, they continue to delve deeper into the soundscape. A fan of Prince’s music, René ter Horst also dabbles in graphic design, another evidence of his passion for creatively expressing himself.

As passionate advocates for animal rights, they actively support causes related to animal welfare. René ter Horst, in particular, is a vegan, reflecting his commitment to cruelty-free living.

In essence, the individuals behind Chocolate Puma are more than noticeable DJs and producers; they are music lovers, health enthusiasts, and compassionate citizens. Their off-stage persona demonstrates how they mold their passion for music, respect for craftsmanship, and dedication to a balanced life into their profession, creating the perfect harmony seen onstage.

Follow Chocolate Puma

Here are the official social media accounts for Chocolate Puma:

• Facebook: Chocolate Puma
• Twitter: @ChocolatePuma
• Instagram: @chocolatepuma
• YouTube: Chocolate Puma Official

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Chocolate Puma?

Chocolate Puma are René ter Horst and Gaston Steenkist, a Dutch DJ duo famed for their contributions to the electronic dance music scene. Their innovative production style and genre-blending approach have won them global recognition.

Which famous artists have been influenced by Chocolate Puma?

Artists like Tujamo, Firebeatz, Bingo Players, and Oliver Heldens draw inspiration from Chocolate Puma’s unique music style and innovative production.

What does the article reveal about Chocolate Puma’s discography and live performances?

The article explores Chocolate Puma’s rich discography, featuring numerous collaborations and chart-topping tracks. It also highlights their energetic live performances at major festivals worldwide.

What values are shared by René ter Horst and Gaston Steenkist?

As Chocolate Puma, René and Gaston share values such as humility, dedication to fitness, love for music exploration, and advocacy for animal rights, all contributing to their professional success.

How do their personal lives intertwine with their professional success?

René and Gaston’s personal lives are closely intertwined with their music careers. Their shared values, passions, and balanced lifestyle significantly influence their music production, shaping the dynamic and successful duo known as Chocolate Puma.