Ferry Corsten interview at Futuremusiccharts [Archive]

Anlong

08-03-2006, 05:22 PM

The Dutch dance music scene is obviously up and going. In the past few months, acts such as Hi-Tack and Ferry Corsten have gained huge international dance hits. They have achieved that respectively Say Say Say (Hi-Tack) and Fire. The latter is also included on Ferry's upcoming album, that will appear on May 26th. It will be one hectic year for the 32-year old dj/producer from Rotterdam. Plenty enough reasons to hear Ferry tell his story about the new album and the process preceding the release.

FMC: What is peculiar about your production is that they are all so diverse and consist of unique sounds. Where do you get your inspiration before producing new music? Do you get ideas for a melody line you'll subsequently work out? Or do you play with the sounds and go on from there?
Ferr: That depends on the track. Sometimes I have a clear idea for a melody, but sometimes I hear an old track that gives me the inspiration of doing something with it. I absolutely have NO standard in producing a new track.

FMC: You have scored 4 Top-40 hits in both the UK and The Netherlands. How far are you focused in scoring commercial hits?
Ferr: I preferably make stuff I find pretty and good. If it turns out to be a hit, I'm very happy with it. But maybe more important to me is the reaction of the audience on a new track during the set. That's where you see direct results, and that's awesome.

FMC: Not long ago was your latest vinyl release. This was Whatever! and it has done very well in numerous dance charts. Various known remixers have been working on it. Was it the intention to release this track on a CD single as well?
Ferr: They have actually become great remixes. But it's not the true intention to release Whatever! as a CD single, because that track is still from my previous album.

FMC: It was the intention to have your second artist album in stores by last year. The release album however was delayed for a brief period. How far is your new album?
Ferr: The album will be out in springtime, to be precise, on May 26th. That day will also have the release party, which is in the Heineken Music Hall. The album will be called L.E.F., which stands for Loud, Electronic, Ferocious. I have collaborated with various people for this album. For Fire I have used the vocals of Simon LeBon. For the album I have used several new sounds. Furthermore I try to sustain variety and new sounds in my music. I think I have done it properly. Furthermore I want to keep it secret for a little longer, and all will be revealed during the release party.

FMC: For years you are in the top of the DJ Mag poll. How do you explain your popularity? Is that because of your DJ capacities or your qualities as a producer?
Ferr: I hope both! I think those two elements can't be seperated. On the one hand you need to have good productions to gain celebrity. On the other hand you must know how to DJ and to feel what the audience demands. Nevertheless, I'd rather see myself a producer, much more than a DJ.

FMC: Because you are so popular worldwide, you travel day in day out from one place to the other. How do you keep holding on with all that? Do you have enough time for social things Do you think you can sustain this way of life?
Ferr: I no longer have a biological clock because of all the travelling. Because I'm on the road too much, I spend most of my spare time at home. With my wife, family and friends. But I'm still glad I can travel a lot and spread my music throughout the entire world. Every country has its own vibe and audience. It's always new and interesting to be somewhere. So I'll keep holding on for a little longer! ;)

FMC: Are there anymore ambitions, musically-wise?
Ferr: Definitely a lot! First stop: finishing my new album L.E.F.