Page 35 - Zone Magazine Issue 013

Where in the world do you play most frequently?
I used to be the most booked international DJ in Spain. After that it was Poland. Today I spend most of my time working on my new project which is my biggest challenge yet.
Ireland has had the delight of having you over twice in the last year alone – with Affinity in Galway and Transcend in Belfast. What do you think of us Irish?
To be honest, Ireland has been on the top my list of favorite places to play. This is not a secret. It is the only country security had to drag me from the stage, so the next DJ could go on. I was not about to leave without a fight ha-ha. You’re up there with some of the best the world has ever known and a similar timeline to trance heroes like yourself.
Have you formed any lasting relationships/genuine friendships with any of them?
To DJ, believe it or not, is a very lonely job. Popularity does not attract the best people you will come across in a lifetime. That is why most DJs keep to themselves, or direct family. Keep in mind that 50% of the World’s Top 10 is Dutch. The competition is fierce, and everyone will fight to claim their status. Most DJs I know quite well, because of the Vinyl store and labels I had during the 90s with BPM Dance. We all have a great time with one another when we are working. After work, most DJs will spend time with their family instead of one another, including me!
Tell me about your life right now... Any exciting projects to look forward to?
As a matter of fact, I have been working on a new project, which I started in April this year, which will be my biggest challenge ever. In 2014 I dropped out of the scene to study the Internet, from top to bottom. In the beginning of this year I was about to start a new Internet company, when the Music Industry caught my attention again. It became clear to me that no one in the business today really knows what they are doing. Conservative minds are afraid to change, and brilliant minds are using the opportunity to take over the world. The music Industry was a
thriving business during the 90s. How is it possible that better technology is working against the industry today, instead of supporting it? Musicians make music, DJs perform live, and Record Labels release music. None of them study the Internet. I did. This gives me the unique opportunity to make positive changes. This is what my new project is about. Another project I’m working on is supporting my wife with her DJ career as Shila Elario.
Do you play many festivals? What has been your favorite to date and why?
Festivals in the Netherlands are commercialized. It’s not about music anymore. Every year thousands pay large sums for a ticket, and every year thousands complain about the music. Still the next year, the same routine will apply. The amount of DJs wanting to play on festivals, far exceed the amount of festivals. If you’re not in the top 100, chances are you will not get paid to play at a festival. Once the supply of DJs became greater than the demand, organisers began to book DJs on the basis of Social Media activity. DJs are not only expected to have a low price, but also have to promote the event on Social Media. And last but not least...EDM. This is still the most popular genre, which most festival visitors expect to hear. No festival in the world is worth it for me to play EDM. These are all elements that made me concluded that this business is no longer viable for me as a DJ.
Regarding production, have you a strict regime? What do you like to do in your spare time? What kind of equipment do you use?
I do follow a strict regime when it comes to productions. I have to be inspired by someone, something or an event, for me to be productive. This is the case with every single music production I have made in my life. Here are some examples: “In Silence” / inspired by “Greece 2000”... “Fancy Fair” / Inspired by Klubbheads... “Play It Louder” / Inspired by DJ Seb B... “Say Yes” / Inspired by a Tiesto performance.
In my spare time, I like to work. To me, working when no one else is, gives meanedge.Tomelessismore.Iusea MacBook Pro to design, build and run websites, produce Bootlegs, and live performances with Traktor. In the studio,
Ihavea12coreMacProIusefor everything else. In today’s world, all you need is a decent computer and great so ware. In my case, it’s Studio One 3.
What are your thoughts on the music scene today?
Dance music today does not inspire me anymore. It’s all the same. That is why I turned to the movies. Hans Zimmer produced some of the best movie scores of all time. That is why I took on the challenge to produce my own trailer of Gladiator. I just wanted to prove to myself that I can. Today I support my wife with her techno sets, and am now coming across some very interesting producers. Artists like D- Unity, DJ Boris, Alex Stefano, just to name a few, are prove that there is still hope for Electronic Dance Music.
If you had a time machine, what year would you travel back to and why?
If I had a time machine, I would probably unplug it, and sell it to the highest bidder. Great things that happened in the past; belong in the past. They are great, because it happened only once. The person I am today is a result of my past. Changing anything will change who I am today. Since I’m very happy where I am now, it would not be worth it to take the chance and change the past.
Name a track that goes everywhere with you...
Personal: I have a collection of music I started collecting when I was 16 years old. This includes Bob James & Earl Klugh, Sade, Rolling Stones, AC/DC, all the way to Prodigy. However, it all started with the live CD from Bob Marley and the Wailers: “Babylon by Bus”. The track: “Jammin” DJ: “Play It Louder”. The only track that is suitable for all continents and all ages.
Connect:
https://virtualdancemusic.com/
randykatana/
Words By Emma Dilemma
Pic By AMMG
" EDM productions have very few rules. Once everyone started to follow these same rules, all music began to sound alike. Every
single new EDM production can be predicted within 30 beats. In the beginning of 2014 I had enough, and decided to follow my own path. "
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