Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Ferry Corsten

Electric Zoo is just around the corner… This year there are so many incredible artists to look forward to. Last year, it was only two days… but this year, three. There are a lot of new faces on the roster this time, and I am looking forward to three days of beats. But one artist that I am really looking forward to seeing is Ferry Corsten. This guy has been around for quite some time, and has produced some incredible dance tracks that you might not even attribute him to. He has a certain epic sound about him, and I would put him in the same league as David Guetta, Paul Oakenfold, and Armin van Buuren.

Not heard of Ferry Corsten? Perhaps you have heard of A Jolly Good Fellow, Albion, Bypass, Cyber F, Eon, Exiter, Ferr, Firmly Underground, Free Inside, Kinky Toys, Lunalife, Moonman, Pulp Victim, Pulse, Raya Shaku, Riptide, Sidewalk, Sidewinder, Skywalker, System F, Tellurians, or The Nutter. Those are all the aliases that he has. He has also worked on several collaborative efforts with guys like Benny Benassi, Vincent de Moor, and Tiësto. The guy has been around for quite some time, and just continues to get better. I am really looking forward to seeing him at Electric Zoo, but I am even more pumped to introduce you to him right here… ladies and gentlemen, it’s my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Ferry Corsten.

You got my vote… how cool is it to be nominated as one of the top 100 DJs? That list is always packed with talent.

Thanks for your vote. It’s really great to be nominated as one of the top 100 DJs. It shows to me that people still enjoy my music and that really motivates me to keep doing what I do.

I am always curious… what sort of headphones do DJs use? What headphones are you currently using?

I think every DJ has his own preference when it comes to headphones. I myself use Pioneer HDJ2000.

Are you getting pumped for Electric Zoo?

Yes, Electric Zoo is one of the biggest festivals for me. It’s Labor Day weekend so the crowd is all hyped up. Can’t wait to play out my new tunes!

Tell me about your relationship with Ultra Records.

Ultra has been the record company in the USA who has released my last artist albums and “Once Upon A Night”. I’m glad to have them as our partner.

I love it that you have a logo. It’s so simple and clear. Speaking of a logo, you have built a pretty great brand for yourself. It appears you understand the business side of the music industry. How important do you think building a brand as a musician is as it relates to overall success of the artist?

I am Ferry Corsten, artist and the brand. People have to know what a brand stands for. Like you go to Starbucks, you get good coffee and when you go to Ferry Corsten, you get the best music and show there is!

You have released a TON of albums and singles… and remixes. Is there any possible way to pick a favorite track you have produced?

That’s a really tough question; I can’t really pick one. If I can name a few in random order:

Rock Your Body Rock

Punk

Out of the Blue

Made Of Love

Check It Out

Barber’s Adigio For Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix)

You are playing the Hilltop Arena at Electric Zoo on Saturday. There are a ton of other great artists on the bill. Anyone you are excited to check out?

This might come as a surprise but I don’t really have that much time whenever I am playing at a festival or party. I usually arrive an hour before I go on stage. Talk with some people or give away some interviews, play my gig and go on to the next one.

You are pretty much collecting awards these days. You have won Best Producer of the Year by the Ericsson Music Awards and Best Trance DJ by the Ibiza DJ Awards. Does any one award mean more to you than the next?

No all awards are special to me. It’s the recognition you get from the people who take the time to vote for me because they like what I do.

You have an iPhone and iPad app. (Also available on Blackberry and Android.) Tell me a little bit more about the app, and what users can expect to experience with the app.

You can download the app for free and it basically keeps you up to date about where I am and my music. With the app you can listen to my music, follow my Twitter and view pictures and videos. These are only a couple of options of the app so make sure to check it out!

A lot of the top producers out there have a radio show or podcast. What makes your radio show different from all of the other performers?

My show is interactive. This means that the listeners have influence on what will be played. They can vote for their favorite track after each episode and the three tracks with the most votes will be played in the show the week after. Besides that I always try to pick the best and newest tracks of the moment!

There are just so many great DJs out there… are you guys friends or is it pretty much competition at the top?

We see each other around gigs but unfortunately don’t get to see them as much when I’m back as I’m always in the studio. I recently finished a track called Brute together with Armin Van Buuren so we spend some days in the studio which was really nice. I’ve known Armin for years, and this the 4th single we have done together.

Outside of electronic dance music, what’s the best concert you have ever been to?

To be honest, when I am not traveling I am so happy to be at home. I love to go out for a good dinner with friends rather than going to a concert.

You also go by System F. What’s the story behind that alias? (Other aliases include A Jolly Good Fellow, Albion, Bypass, Cyber F, Ferr, Free Inside, Pulp Victim, and many more.)

System F I choose because of the way I produce music. I always have my standard way of producing a track. It’s like a System. And F comes from my name Ferry.

What’s next from the Ferry Corsten camp? Can we expect another album in the near future?

I am currently working on my new artist album which I really enjoy making. I might be testing some of the tunes on Electric Zoo, so keep your ears open!

I feel like I could sit here and ask you questions all day, but I know you are a busy man. In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

Keep enjoying dance music, come visit me when I am in your area, and check out my website www.ferrycorsten.com for the latest updates on my new album! Thanks for the interview!

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