Ferry Corsten, a powerhouse electronic dance music artist, began producing music in his mid-teens. By 1999, the then 27-year old, Rotterdam native had scored a top 20 hit, “Out of the Blue,” on the UK charts. Since then Corsten has easily matured into one of the most successful DJs of his genre: He’s been steadily ranked in the top 10 of DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs; nabbed over 10-gold certified singles on charts around the globe; and played sets at many of the most prestigious dance clubs and festivals worldwide. Corsten’s discology and collaborations have involved U2, Tiësto, Armand van Helden, The Killers, Moby, Faithless, BT, Nelly Furtado, Shiny Toy Guns, and Public Enemy.
B ack in March, Ferry Corsten headed back to Miami’s legendary Winter Music Conference to present the North American launch of Once Upon A Night: The Experience, his new concept tour, a six hour interactive journey in three parts (sunset, night and sunrise). 2009’s Winter Music Conference saw over 60,000 crazed dance music fans, from 70 countries, flock to Miami, this year that number allegedly increased.
The saga of a show, took place at Karu & Y and was produced by Made Event and featured Cosmic Gate, Solar Stone, and Sied van Riel. The touring-show highlights the magic of the compilation visualized by a never-before-seen, state-of-the-art, living backdrop and production– emulating sunset to sunrise; from dusk ‘til dawn; pre-party through after-party.
Corsten set aside time to shed some light on his ambitious tour concept, Miami’s WMC and himself, before it all got started.
Benjamin-Émile Le Hay: Once Upon a Time is some of your best stuff yet! Very thorough. Tell us how you’ve progressed as an artist?
Ferry Corsten: Thanks for the compliment. I’ve always been very open minded to music in general and nowadays, it’s “more allowed than ever before” to blend all of these different genres into a unique concoction. This has allowed me to progress as an artist.
What was it like to be back in the studio?
It’s always great to go back to the studio after touring consecutively for a number of weeks. I start getting that itch to go back to my own little world and work with ideas that I’ve been playing with on the road.
Now you started–at what–age 16 producing music? How did you fall into your talent and passion?
Yup, I guess I was one of those lucky ones that knew at a young age where my passion lay. I taught myself to understand the music that I liked and somehow figured what made the music I like different from the other music that I would listen to on the radio.
You’re also an electrical engineer, correct?
Yes, I am. I’ll tell you now though, if you asked me to draw up a design for a building, house, or a studio for that matter… I wouldn’t know where to start.
What was it like to work with Tiësto as Gouryella? Certainly one of the best collaborations of its kind ever.
They were good times, a lot of fun, and no pressure. Thanks!
You’ve seen quite a lot of chart success– most notably in the UK– This isn’t always the norm for electronic dance music artists. To what specifically do you attribute your commercial success?
You know what? I wish I knew! If I did I’d probably have more hits.
Corsten’s Countdown has been a huge success. What do you think the significance of programs like Podcasts or XM radio is for industries leaders today?
I think that these programs and Podcasts have influenced the scene greatly, and have changed the dance scene as we know it. It is an amazing tool to promote music to the masses.
Does any music or art inspire your own originality?
No music or art inspires me specifically…It tends to be a combination of things.
You’re launching this massive US Tour — we were fortunate enough to catch you in NYC — how do you balance a heavy schedule with your personal life? Do you set time aside to relax?
It’s great to have a team around me that understands what I need and help give me the balance to enjoy my job, and at the same time, allow me to enjoy my private life.
What are some memorable sets and/or festivals that you recall?
I’ve just finished my last artist album concert in Kiev Twice In A Blue Moon: The Experience. I remember getting nostalgic after getting off the podium. I guess it was closing another chapter in my life.
You’re heading to Miami again. Why do you look forward to WMC?
WMC has become a great hub for hook ups and a great place to present your latest music and concept for shows.
Can you elaborate at all on this new tour concept? What can we expect specifically? What’s a “living backdrop?”
You can expect a massive visual interpretation of Once Upon A Night as a show – I will play all the tracks from the new album OUAN, which will be combined with state of the art visuals. The living backdrop is what you are looking at the DJ booth and everything behind it – the living aspect refers to the crazy visuals you will see during the show and interactive character with the audience.
How did you decide on it?
With these type of shows, I am allowed to present my productions on a show level and since I am part of the creative process in the show as well, in terms of production, visuals etc… I find it fascinating to have my music interpreted in another way.
What is the atmosphere like at WMC?
There are people from all around the world, especially North and South America and they are there with one purpose only: to have a good time and enjoy the best dance music in the world for one concentrated week!
Any places in particular that you enjoy in Miami?
I love comfortable places, and there’s this one little restaurant called Nemo on Collins Avenue. It has a nice little garden and it’s just a nice little place where we always go, every year.
Aside from music and ruling the nightlife scene, how else do you enjoy yourself?
I really love spending time with my 1.5 year-old daughter Gabriella.
Corsten’s fresh compilation series similarly entitled Once Upon A Night is out! Sprint to Corsten’s website for details: www.ferrycorsten.com.
