Sneijder: ”The crowd reaction ticked all the boxes and it became the most requested record I’ve ever produced”

Growing up in Ireland, Andrew Liggett was already sneaking into clubs and playing records before most kids his age had even finished school. By the time his first productions hit the scene, giants like Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, and Paul van Dyk were championing his tracks, setting him on a path that would take him from underground clubs to the world’s biggest trance stages.

His debut album ‘Everything Changes’ marked him as a storyteller in the studio, while 2023’s ‘Bring The Noize’ leaned into the harder, rawer edges of trance. On stage, he’s lit up festivals from A State of Trance to Dreamstate, delivering sets that balance mainstage euphoria with the darker spirit.

Known for balancing raw, high-energy intensity with deep, emotional melodies, Sneijder has built a sound that’s as uncompromising as it is unforgettable. His Afterdark label has become a home for that vision — a platform that not only showcases his own work but also shines a light on the next generation of harder-edged trance producers.

Two decades on, he’s still chasing the same thrill that started it all: creating goosebump moments that connect fans to the timeless spirit of trance, whether it’s in the studio, on the mainstage, or deep into the afterhours.

Q: You grew up in Ireland and started DJing at just 13! What were those early club nights like, and how do you think they shaped who you are as an artist today?

A: The scene in Ireland as a whole in the early days was unbelievable, but Northern Ireland was very House and Hardcore dominated, as opposed to the more Techno influences in the south. We were spoiled for choice — so many iconic venues that later gained legendary status, paired with incredible local DJs and visiting acts. This spawned a generation of youth that turned to music to escape the violent times of ‘The Troubles’ in the 90s.

I was hooked on music from the start. I was always kind of an introvert, so playing music and seeing people react and dance gave me a natural high. I loved the reactions while not being the centre of attention. Once I started, I knew I would never stop, and I’m still going strong, still as passionate about music as I was at 13.

Q: Your first tracks got support from legends like Armin, Tiësto, and Paul van Dyk. What was it like seeing your name in their sets so early on — did it feel like a turning point? And how does it feel today when those same icons still support your music?

A: I had only been producing for 11 months when I started getting support from the top guys, which was a big surprise. Having been a DJ first for so many years really helped me — knowing the dance floor is essential.

A track can be rough around the edges, but if it works in a DJ set, it doesn’t matter. The idea is the foundation; the execution and production quality improve over time. Early support was amazing, but it’s not my driving force. I’m always striving for new ideas that excite, push, and challenge me.

Q: Your music has this signature mix of euphoric highs and darker edges. Is that contrast something you chase on purpose, or does it just come naturally?

A: I started as a hardcore DJ, moved into psy trance, then discovered Ferry Corsten and uplifting trance. My sound is now a hybrid of all those genres, shaped by my experiences and the music I’ve loved. It’s an extension of my personality and has to feel organic.

Q: Fans often say that your sound taps into the “afterhours rave spirit.” How much does 90s rave culture still sneak into your productions?

A: My sound is massively inspired by those days. DJs and live acts like The Prodigy, 4th Dimension, and Orbital have all had a profound effect on me. The experience of buying and mixing records in local shops — open-minded and genre-fluid — still informs how I approach production today.

Q: When you’re in the studio, what comes first — thinking about how the crowd will react, or the story you want the track to tell?

A: The dance floor always comes first. My sound is energy-driven, so if a track doesn’t fit in my sets, I won’t sign it to Afterdark. Even tracks with meaning, like ‘Need You Here’ (dedicated to my late father), need dance floor appeal. Finding the balance between emotion and harder edges can be tough, but it’s worth it.

Q: Afterdark has been around for nearly a decade now — wild, right? If you compare those early days to today, what feels totally different and what’s still the same heartbeat of the label?

A: The foundations remain: discovering new talent, releasing cutting-edge music, and supporting artists fully. I play every record I sign, help build buzz around it, and invest in the artist. While labels no longer dictate the scene in the TikTok/SoundCloud era, our commitment to quality over quantity hasn’t changed.

Q: Looking back at your early productions like ‘Away From Here’, how has your approach in the studio evolved over the years?

A: My approach hasn’t changed; I just execute ideas with more quality and speed. Mistakes are essential — they shape you. The new generation sometimes bypasses this, leading to one-hit wonders, whereas building a career takes time, skill, and patience.

Q: Let’s dive into your new track “Home.” Such a beautiful piece. We’re especially curious about the collaboration — Holly Kirby is a fresh name in trance. What made you want to bring her voice into this project?

A: It’s about the right fit, not the profile. Holly’s voice was perfect for this track. It’s a cover of an old Enya track, ‘Evening Falls’, which has a distinctive vocal. Holly absolutely nailed it.

Q: “Home” wasn’t the original title — it started as “Close to Home,” right? What does “home” mean to you personally, and how did that feeling shape the music?

A: Yes, originally ‘Close to Home’, changed at the last minute by Sony Music. Home is what we all long for after long trips on the road. The Celtic-inspired breakdown reflects my Irish roots, flowing into a massive euphoric riff — two contrasting extremes that somehow work beautifully together.

Q: Behind the decks, what’s one moment that still gives you goosebumps when you think about it?

A: Debuting ‘Home’ at A State of Trance Rotterdam 2024 — the reaction was incredible. The track was half-finished, and linking the breakdown and drop into a flowing tune was a challenge, but it’s now probably my most requested record ever.

Q: Late-night studio fuel: coffee, tea, or something stronger?

A: Definitely coffee! I only started drinking it a few years ago, and honestly, I don’t know how I survived so long without it.