When the Dutch DJ and producer duo RoulnDoors announced they were calling it quits early this year, house music enthusiasts who’d raved on to tracks such as "Blackout" and "How We Do It" threw up a collective groan of disappointment. But Roel—aka Roulsen—is carrying on the energy-charged cause of EDM. As a solo artist, he describes his sound as “Groovy, energetic and melodic house music, causing ladies to show their best moves on the dancefloor.” On his latest single, "Time to Get Down," he uses all the melodic twists, hooks and drops that have made RoulnDoors so popular. He talks to Myspace about why he decided to go solo.

Hometown and homebase: Utrecht, Netherlands

Why did RoulnDoors break up?

After a great and fun couple of years, we decided it was time for a new journey. We’re both happy with our choice and we are still buddies. [But] one great thing about being a solo act is that is I can make my own decisions!

Why did you call yourself Roulsen? What does the name mean to you?

I wanted to have something not far from my first name. Me and my management came up with a lot of choices but Roulsen felt the most natural.

Talk about "Time To Get Down." Why did you choose it as your first single?

The track started out as [a] RoulnDoors [track]. I chose [to release it first] because it represents the transition from that period into the Roulsen sound.

Did you always play and produce music?

Yes, I’ve played piano since I was young. You could always hear music in our house. And my dad plays the flute like a boss. [I remember the first song I ever wrote,] it was called “12 o’ clock.” I had music class on high school and every student had to write their own song. But I was late and lazy so I had to steal a song from a friend of mine and handed it in! (Laughs.) He wasn’t part of music class and he still hasn’t found out.

That’s crazy! But kind of like producing someone else’s song, right? Who are your biggest musical influences right now?

Pharrell, Coldplay, Axwell, Alicia Keys and Kanye West.

Do you have people on your list of dream collaborators?

Fedde Le Grand, Pharrell, Gregor Salto, Dannic and Skrillex.

You’ve DJed around the world. What's the most memorable show you’ve ever played?

One of my first gigs abroad was in Morocco. The crowd went totally crazy! After the performance suddenly the whole club stopped dancing and queued up to have a picture with us all at once! They were even fighting to be next in line. (Laughs.) I didn’t understand what the hell was going on. After a while I hid myself backstage to cool down.

What's your favorite city in the world to play in?

Hmmmm...Can’t decide between Hong Kong or Tokyo! Fell in love with those cities, the people and food the first time I played there. I’d love to go back real soon.