Maarten Vorwerk talks about Ghost Producing in Interview

WonderlandInRave just interviewed an incredibly well-known producer in Dance Music, a man with several tracks that hit #1 on Beatport’s charts. You’ll be surprised, even if you’re a seasoned listener, if he’s not someone you’ve heard of. It’s because Maarten Vorwerk, is a famous ghost producer from the Netherlands. Even more surprising, he is unbelievably prolific, having produced a whopping 400 hits released since his career began, in 2001.

Like a lot of successful DJs and producers in 2015, he’s spending his energy creating hard-hitting festival tracks and ones that consistently top charts. This sort of drive has earned him clients and sessions with the likes of; Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Usher, Major Lazer, Tiesto, and expectantly… many more.

it’s clear that when he stepped out the spotlight and began honing his craft as a ghost producer, his career took off in his own direction like a rocket . Check out his answers about his process, what he spends the most time on, and what it’s like being away from all of the attention as an artist and ghost producer:

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WiRTeam: How did your career as a producer started?

In 2001 I started working in the warehouse of a record company. Delivering Vinyls and CD’s to stores all over Holland. In that time I worked in the warehouse during the day and made music in the studio at night.

I’ve put out some Trance songs back then. But what really got things started was a remix I did for Benny Benassi’s – Satisfaction in 2002-2003. After that I got the opportunity to release lots of other stuff on the record companies labels. It was an ideal situation since I was packing up and delivering my own vinyl and cd’s. In 2005 I quit the warehouse job and started producing full time as a “professional”.

WiRTeam: How long have you been producing?

For a very long time. I started producing music in 1996 with a program called FastTracker. Back then I was producing Hardcore Music.



WiRTeam: What or who inspires you to produce music?

I try to inspire myself all the time. I love the power and the emotion music can give to people. And I love the challenge to try and prove that all the time.



WiRTeam: Why do you prefer working as ‘Ghost’ Producer rather than presenting yourself in the clubs / festivals?

I love being in the studio and creating stuff. That is who I am and what I do. For me that’s the best way to present yourself.



WiRTeam: What is the average value of a track? How long you take to produce?

I think you are referring to money here? Well I can tell you that I don’t charge as much as some of the Top DJ’s are getting for a gig.

Production time depends on a lot of things. That’s really hard to say.

If I have a good amount of inspiration you could say one week to finish a full track on average.

WiRTeam: What is your opinion regarding the DJ Mag ranking?

I like the DJ Mag. But honestly it has nothing to do with the technical skill of being a DJ. It’s just a popularity contest. That’s why I figured I might as well compete for it. The one with the biggest marketing skills / budget will win, so don’t forget to vote for me.



WiRTeam: Currently, what are the three best DJs in your opinion?

Well I don’t really listen to DJ sets. So it would be better to ask me for the three best (dance) producers. In that case I would say, Adam Richard Wiles, Thomas Wesley Pentz and Giorgio Tuinfort.



WiRTeam: What is the simplest and hardest part of the production of a track?

The simplest part is the first 90% of the production. The hardest part is the last 10%. Getting everything just right.



WiRTeam: How is the life of a Ghost Producer? How do you react when you see your music become a hit and someone else takes credit for that?

The life is good, especially here in Aruba where it’s always nice weather and you can always go to the beach. If you combine that with a lot of studio time you basically describe a perfect life. However being a producer is still a very tough career. There is always some form of pressure. People expect a lot of you and you always have to deliver. Same goes for a DJ. Although a DJ can play the same set while I have to create something new every time.

I love it if a track becomes a hit. It’s great to see and hear all the positive reactions and to hear your tracks on the radio. My name is still in the credits though, so that’s enough recognition for me. I do appreciate it when a DJ mentions me a co-producer in interviews or whatever.

WiRTeam: If you could change something in the electronic music scene today, what would you change?

Make it even bigger!

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