Passion, friendship and a gifted ear for great electronic music gave birth to Bingo Players some 15 years ago. Maarten Hoogstraten and Paul Baümer met through Paul’s younger brother one day and were connected through a common interest – making music using the ProTracker software.
“It was only four channels and was really basic, but it was a start and really fun to do. When we discovered we were both making similar sounding music with the same program we started spending all our time together and became friends right away’” said Maarten.
Over the next decade they began recording; and in 2006 they began recording under the moniker, Bingo Players. Once the demand grew for them to play out live, they became regulars on the EDM circuit, playing massive festivals, like Electric Daily Carnival, Tomorrowland, and Coachella.
At the height of their success, Paul was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer and passed away in December 2013.
“He always said to me, ‘If you can find solace and continue what we started, please do so. Please continue the music. Carry on the Bingo Players flag,’” said Maarten. “I took a holiday, took some time off to clear my head and think about things. I thought, ‘Yeah Paul’s right. I should continue, and continue the name and continue his legacy’.”
“The vibe is still the same. People want to have a good time, come together, and experience the music.”
This Saturday, Bingo Players will be sending electronic sound waves into the air as a headlining act at Illumi Nation. We had a quick catch-up with Maarten before the event…
I’m performing at Illumi Nation! I’m most looking forward to… Having a great time and party with everybody in Singapore!
My favourite place to party would be… Somewhere on a beach on one of the islands of the Caribbean.
Bingo Players’ most meaningful track so far would be… Rattle (Get Up). This track was the most succesful for us, up till now.
If I could turn back time… I would’ve bought a lot of Apple stock.
If I had to listen to an album for the rest of my life, I would pick… Donald Fagen – The Nightfly. A great, classic & smooth album!
I would love to collaborate with… Prince or Daft Punk.
Illumi Nation is happening 11 October 2014, 6pm-3am, at Siloso Beach Sentosa (36 Siloso Beach Walk). Joining Bingo Players are Made in June, Dada Life, Martin Solveig, and Singapore-based DJ Stas & Mathias Schell of Rave Republic.
