Amid an arsenal of flashing lights, mesmerising pyrotechnics, ascending fireworks and pulsating beats, tens of thousands of people are singing at the top of their lungs to his classic productions and latest hits. They clamour to get as close to the stage as possible at a recent concert to get a better view of the man pulling the strings behind the decks. From Malaysia to Melbourne, Lebanon to Los Angeles, the scene is eerily similar, with dance music fans the world over experiencing the latest show of a living legend. Few DJs can inspire this level of pomp and furore.
But then again, few have reached the levels of Ferry Corsten.
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After the release of Once Upon a Night, what's next for you?
I'll be touring the world with my new Once Upon A Night The Experience. It'll be an interactive 6 hour show with a couple of guest DJs with me on the line up. It will be all based on the tracks of the compilation in a visual way. -
Do you have any surprises in store for the Australian audiences of
Creamfields and Warehouse 2010 this coming May?
I've just released my new compilation "Once Upon A Night" which features a lot of great tracks that were specially produced for this compilation. I'll make sure the Aussies will get to hear a couple of tracks found the album plus some new productions from myself as well. -
You have produced under a number of alias's suggesting you have many
facets to your music and personality such as System F and Gouryella with DJ
Tiesto. However, what angles do Riptide, Kinky Toys and Skywalker represent?
Could these suggest you love surfing, 'games' and Star Wars?
Haha, you could say that but, not really. Back in the days I was producing under several aliases under all different kind of labels. For all those labels I needed special guises in order to keep my own name unsigned. So, I just used whatever name I came across. -
One of your earlier sensations, Out of the Blue has just been remixed and
re-released (and is still amazing). Has much changed in the way you plan or
make a track from then to now?
Not really. I still start of playing around with various sounds and melodies in my head before I start sitting down in the studio to lay them out (similar to before). From there the track always builds itself in a way. I have noticed though, that with the development of so many new products and software plug-ins, I don't always have to be based in the studio as much as I used to. I can work anywhere now, although I do finish the last touches and always master my tracks in the studio. -
Name one track that you didn't produce but wish you did?
Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. I wish I had written the original piece of music. But that would have meant that I would've been a classical composers and living in the 1900'sSbut I'm happy enough I remixed it instead ;-) -
One track you never want to hear again?
There's recently been a remix contest for Cry system F and we have HUNDREDS of remixes pouring in. It's been absolute madhouse in the office and we all hear cry daily I guess. I don't have to hear that track at least for a while ;-) -
Back in the day when you were studying Electrical Engineering, what was
going to be your speciality?
I'm not sure how to explain it in English but I was going to be the guy who designs the electrical systems in buildings, factories etc. -
Do you think learning the technical aspects of such a career has helped
you as a producer?
Not in a real way, but during my studies one of the courses was physics and sound is based on physics so understanding the theory helps me out every once in a while. -
Do you have any tips you could give those just starting out in DJ'ing /
Production?
Try to find a specific own sound and try to keep it your own unique thing. -
Best moment in music to date?
Too many to mention. -
Most interesting location or circumstance you've played a set?
During this year's carnival in Brazil, I played a set on a big float during the street parade of Salvador de Bahia which is the biggest electronic music carnival in Brazil. 2 million people were out there and that was pretty amazing. -
A good mate of mine just broke his headphones. Can you
please recommend a pair for him that will withstand a good thrashing?
I can recommend the Pioneer HDJ-2000 which I use. They are made of lightweight magnesium and has a detachable wire. -
Is there anything other than CDs and headphones you always need in the
booth with you? Such as a good luck charm, pants or superstition?
A good set of monitors and a nice little drink would definitely help. -
One country in the world that you haven't played in (yet) although would
love to?
I haven't been to mainland Africa. I'm not sure if they have a scene there to be quite honest but that's the only area I haven't been in. -
Although still a baby, are your musical talents rubbed off on your
daughter, Gabriella Skye?
It's wishful thinking, I know, but she seems to be very musical. She hums her own melodies and bobs her head on the beat to every rhythm she hears, whether it's a song or a clock ticking. She's definitely got soul. -
For you, what is dance music?
Dance music is like all other kinds of music, but is mostly created with electronic instruments for the sole purpose of dancing.
Moving past the music, one could only wonder just how much goes on the life of Mr. F*cking Corsten. That said, we thought we'd ask...
Outside of the tunes:
- When was the last time you had a real holiday and where was it?
January! I went to Austria for two weeks of snowboarding. It is my biggest hobby. Snowboarding holidays are always too short. It becomes a thing between me and the mountain and is the best way for me to clear my head. - As this isn't your first time to Australia, do you have any plans while
here when not playing with the Creamfields tour?
I am playing all Creamfields dates in Australia. After that I am off to New Zealand so probably I'll be doing some sightseeing there. - You've travelled the world. Where can we find the best beer?
I am not really a beer drinking guy but Heineken from Holland is seen as one of the best in the world so I probably go for this one. - What is more comfortable, the wooden Dutch Clog or plastic Canadian Croc?
Both are made for different purposes (from what I know)S but who wants to be hip wears the crocs and who wants to be traditional wears the clogs ;-) - Can you recommend a great homeland cheese?
Gouda is around the corner from where I live. ;-) - If I sent over purchase and postage fees, is there a chance I could get
an autographed shirt with "Ferry Fucking Corsten" please (or was that shirt
an awesome gift from a fan?)
You know, You'll surprise what people send via post for me to sign or keepS all kinds of stuff from baby photos, to postcards to women's underwear. - Favoured Sport / Team?
Snowboarding. TeamS the Dutch teamSif there were any teams in snowboarding. - What is your mobile phone ringtone?
Just the standard Black Berry classic ringtone. I keep losing my damn phone before I have the time to put a ring tone in. - Favourite food (unless its cheese)?
Great fan of Japanese food. Yakiniku kudasai! - OK a test question - without looking up Google on your phone: What is
Australia's Capital City (hint: you're booked to play there!)?
No need to google this one. I know by heart that this is Canberra mate! - If you could only use one for life PC or Mac?
Tough call, used PC for the longest time but I am enamoured with Mac.
Playing throughout the Australian Tour of Creamfields, Ferry will be one of the sensational artists popping over for a visit. If you have not organised a ticket already, head to the link mentioned previously or call 0408 955 485 for Melbourne Industry Tickets.
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