Zone Magazine Issue 037 Spring 2023

Digital, vinyl, or CD’s and why?
All of it. I don't think that, as an artist, you should
limit yourself. Why would anyone limit his or hers selfexpression?
I never get these discussions. If you want to
present your taste in music and share it with others, you
know, that's what DJing is, then who gives a damn in what
format that should be? Music has always been technology
driven and you adapt. I mean, are you really an artist and
have self expression as a goal or are you just a hobbyist
looking for validation? Real artist don't talk about these
trivial things. These are just tools in order to achieve a
wanted outcome. The audience for one don't care. Just use
whatever fits you best and what makes you feel the most
comfortable.
Where do you see the future of
Electronic music?
Until now It's always been evolving. Usually with
the advancement of technology. But I do feel we've come
to some sort of end of music producer related technology.
A.I. however could change that and I think it will. We'll find
out soon enough how that will play out. I often said I'd like
to produce music by thinking it and that might well become
reality. As always technological advancement can lead to
good and bad things. In the end it's up to the talent and
self expression of the artist. That said, the world is rapidly
changing into a whole other world if it was up to those that
are in control. And if they succeed in that and create that
dystopian reality in which we'd be living in, those that
create and enjoy the arts will have a different emotional
value to experience. Creating and enjoying music and any
other art is about self expression. Self expression is not
high on the list of corporations, banks, NGO's and
governments if at all. So all music, electronic dance music
too, will reflect the times we live in. And like in the 1980's
it can go to very, very dark to euphoric.
Oldskool, neuskool or a bit of
allskool?
As I said; why limit yourself and create your own
prison? Personally I like looking forward. Despite my
criticism of prog nowadays, lots of great music is being
released and love to play it. I always emphasize selfexpression,
so you play what you feel. You surrender
yourself to what you feel right there in that moment. So if
you feel that great track from 2003 should be played right
now that's what you are suppposed to do. Personality
reflects your art though.
2. Andreas Vollenweider - White Winds
3. Keane - Under The iron Sea
4. Prefab Sprout - Steve McQueen
5. Prince - Sign O'The Times
Tell us about new productions, and
DJ gigs?
At the moment I'm still remixing a lot and
together with new original material that would eventually
become the Inner Sanctuary Sessions part 2. Next to that I
want to produce an album that shows another side of me
and will be more song based. I've always wanted to do that
but it just never happened. I still feel as if I've only ever
made 10% of what I can really do. Or at least aim to do.
I'm basically a frustrated Jazz musician that could at least
have it's way with electronica and technology. Don't get me
wrong though; the studio is my instrument. Not
complaining.
As far as gigs go: I take it as it comes. At the start
of 2020 I thought the DJ thing would be over forever so I'm
happy with any gig I can play. I play every one of them as
if it's my last because, as we should know by now, it can be
over and done with any day at any time. Two gigs I'm
looking very much forward to: June 25, Luminosity at
Zandvoort. It's mainly about trance and that's why I'm so
grateful to play there second year in a row. It's just great
to be appreciated across genres. July 1 with Jaydee at the
Recycle Lounge, Amsterdam: Although I've known Jaydee
for decades, ever since the lockdowns we've been playing
together a lot and we somehow always create great magic.
September 9: Elp, Holland. Hartstocht Festival is a great 2
day festival with prog as it's main genre but without
emphasizing it. That's the way to go.
Last words?
Thank you first and foremost for asking me and
your patience for finally having this done. Also to the fans;
people who've been following me from the very start to the
newcomers who've only just discovered me. I meet both at
almost every gig and it's just wonderful.
If you where left on an island for the
rest of your life alone, with a deck
and some vinyl, what 5 tracks would
you pick?
1. Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 33