Helsloot, born Thomas Helsloot, has emerged as one of the most recognizable names in melodic electronic music over the past few years.
Photo credit: Helsloot – Official
Known for blending techno, disco, and hip-hop influences into a distinctive sound, the Dutch producer first reached a global audience through his collaboration with Tinlicker on ‘Because You Move Me’, a track that has amassed more than one billion streams across platforms and earned multiple Platinum and Gold certifications.
Since then, Helsloot has continued to refine his artistic identity through releases on labels such as Get Physical, Anjunadeep, This Never Happened, and Domino. His 2024 debut album, ‘Never Tried’, revealed a more personal side of his songwriting, while his contribution to Get Physical’s iconic ‘Body Language’ series further showcased his evolving creative vision.
Now in the midst of his first North American headline tour and preparing for debut appearances at Awakenings and Tomorrowland, Helsloot finds himself at the center of his most significant year to date.
In this conversation, he reflects on touring, testing unreleased music, the legacy of ‘Because You Move Me’, and why authenticity matters more than ever.
EG: Hi Thomas, welcome to EG. Great to have you here. How have you been? Where are you speaking to us from today?
Helsloot: I just got home for a few days to wash my clothes, etc.
EG: You’re currently in the middle of your first headline North American tour, which feels like a major milestone. Congratulations! At what point did this stop feeling like a distant idea and start feeling real to you?
Helsloot: Well, it felt real the minute I got into the plane. Before that, I pinched myself quite a few times lol.
EG: How have you prepared for this? How is the tour going so far? What are people experiencing at your performances?
Helsloot: I made a playlist of songs from my own catalog with some stuff I always like to play, but also made a few edits that could save me. The cool thing is they experience the songs live for the first time, so that feels liberating. What’s funny is that everything I tried to predict turns out to be completely different. So far, the rooms are filled with a lot of energy and people who are grateful that you came out. I feed off that energy, so I guess they saw me smile through the entire set.
EG: You’ve been bringing unreleased music on this tour. When you test new material live for the first time, what are you usually looking for from the crowd?
Helsloot: If I see somebody opening up Shazam, I know I’m in the right pocket (laughter).
EG: ‘Because You Move Me’ with Tinlicker became one of those rare tracks that quietly took on a life of its own. Has your relationship with that record changed over time?
Helsloot: I still really love the track, how it sounds. And enormously grateful for all it gave me. But I’m always hesitant to play it. The reaction is usually great, but it feels too easy sometimes, like a cheat code. Nobody ever said this to me, and I know I shouldn’t care, but I’m also scared that people get bored by it going like ‘here he goes again’.
“Especially in this time of AI people are searching for the human touch”
EG: Before stepping fully into your own artist project, you spent years working behind the scenes, shaping music with others. What did that chapter teach you about identity and finding your own voice?
Helsloot: I learned a lot during that time. When I started producing, my goal was to produce literally everything I could make with a computer. So I tried mastering all genres (sucked at dubstep). I’m glad I’m past that stage in my current career. It prevents me from wanting to copy every cool track, sound, or hype I encounter on my timeline and ask myself the question, What do I like? Next to that, I saw a few careers blowing up and learned about the do’s and don’ts in the industry before going in myself.
EG: Over the last couple of years, there’s been a clear acceleration in your trajectory, from Get Physical’s ‘Body Language Vol. 27’ to supporting Tinlicker across Europe and upcoming appearances at Awakenings and Tomorrowland. How do you stay connected to yourself while things move so quickly around you?
Helsloot: It is a lot when you put it like this (laughter). I have a great family at home that keeps me grounded. And around Tinlicker, it’s not hard to stay connected with myself; they’re basically family too. I also work out a lot and try to watch my health a little bit.
EG: Your debut album ‘Never Tried’ revealed a more personal side of your artistry. Has making more emotionally open music changed the way you approach the dance floor?
Helsloot: Not really. I always liked telling a story in electronic music.
EG: Looking at the current electronic landscape, what do you think people are craving most from artists right now?
Helsloot: Although most of the electronic music has been made with computers, I think people crave for a personal touch. Just being able to see an artist enjoying him/herself, playing something live, or making a mix error brings you closer to the art. Especially in this time of AI, people are searching for the human touch.
“If I see somebody opening up Shazam I know I’m in the right pocket”
EG: With such a pivotal year underway, what would make 2026 feel meaningful to you beyond numbers or milestones?
Helsloot: I’m currently practicing to stay as much in the moment as possible. As long as I’m able to take it all and stay balanced, I consider this year the best so far.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Thomas. We wish you all the best with the North American tour and everything ahead. Take care!
Helsloot: Thank you guys for these great questions. Talk soon again!
Helsloot’s North American tour continues across the United States and Canada. Tickets are available here.
Follow Helsloot: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
