Filterheadz

Filterheadz is a Belgian DJ duo from Leuven, consisting of brothers Bert Wilmaers and Maarten Wilmaers. Active since 2000, they work in trance, house, techno and tech house, and their background combines rock instrumentation, house production and progressive club music.

Early years and move into dance music

The Wilmaers brothers grow up in the 1970s and first make music as a rock band, with the older brother on guitar and the younger on drums. Their early influences include The Police, U2 and Simple Minds. They later shift towards dance music after hearing artists such as Roger Sanchez, Masters at Work and David Morales, and begin experimenting with loops and disco samples. Their first US-style house tracks lead them to Headroom label boss Bart Grinaert, who helps develop their studio approach and dance production techniques.

Name and early releases

After recording under several different names, they adopt the Filterheadz name with the idea of releasing more filter disco records. Their early work comes to the attention of Jo Casters, head of A&R at Mostika, who commissions a long series of remixes. Among the tracks that stand out is Minimalistix’s Struggle for Pleasure.

Remixes and progressive breakthrough

A trip to Ibiza introduces them to the Sasha and Digweed sound and to the atmosphere of Space Terrace. Returning to the studio, they begin making remixes that become prominent progressive club records. They develop a style described as progressive music with harder beats and a sharper edge, and go on to remix for Hooj, Platipus, Nebula and Deviant. This period establishes them as sought-after remixers.

Techno work and collaborations

Filterheadz also work with Zzino and Tomaz, producing techno material on the Headroom-related labels Session and Traction. Their tracks gain support from DJs including Carl Cox and Bailey. They later receive a request from Intec for Latin techno tracks, leading to Sunshine and Latin Loopworks, both widely associated with Ibiza and a summer anthem profile.

Key tracks, remixes and releases

The duo remix a series of notable tracks, including Green Velvet’s LaLa Land, Bedrock’s Emerald, Whatever Girl’s Activator, Eddie Amador’s House Music and Kira’s I’ll Be Your Angel. Their profile grows further with Yimanya, which becomes a major club record in 2004 and is supported by DJs including Pete Tong, Sander, Jules and Tiësto. They also remix Faithless, Dido, Delerium, Tranquility Base and Eric Prydz’s Call on Me.

Albums and label work

Filterheadz issue the mix CD Tribalicious, which reworks tribal, tech and offbeat material. In 2005 they launch their own label, Love Distortion, through which they release tracks including Endless Summer, Cartagena and Santiago.