The dancefloor’s motion 11…
Thought to be a technical and musical genius by many, Sander van Doorn is without a doubt one of the worlds most essential, influential and popular DJ/Producers in dance music today. In very short order, Sander has become a brand synonymous with excellence – both production wise, and in front of the thousands he plays to nightly. He is truly one of the strongholds in dance music, a generation defining artist that reshapes our perception of what dance music can be, and he does it all with that electrifying Sander van Doorn smile…
Welcome Sander, a big DMC favourite currently at No. 1 in the world famous Buzz Chart with the deep and hypnotized ‘Drink To Get Drunk’. And the album now out…
“Yes the album came out on the 19th and so far so good! It’s called Eleve11 as you may already know, and it has the Buzz Chart #1 on there!”
Talk us through the album…
“I think for me, this is a real representation of where I am artistically. There are some more clubby tracks of course, and ‘Love Is Darkness’ and ‘Koko’ are both there, but for me, I really wanted to create something that people could enjoy anytime, something that really allowed me to grow as an artist. I have to say, I am really happy with how it turned out and people’s reactions to it!”
And some collaborations on it, something you have avoided so far…
“Yes, there are quite a few actually. One with Laidback Luke called ‘Who’s Wearing The Cap’, another with Sidney Samson and Nadia Ali called ‘Rolling the Dice’, ‘Eagles’ is a fan favorite so far, a collab. with Adrian Lux and then there is a track with Frederick, Timezone and one with Tom Helsen, ‘Believe’.”
I remember when a Danny from Turnmills told me on the phone they had just booked you for The Gallery – I knew there and then that we had a new superstar on our hands, the Newman brothers know their shit. A big moment for you?
“Truly a huge moment! I have always had a great team around me, so they believed in me and really pushed hard for better venues and gigs for me. But, yeah, what a great feeling getting a show there!!”
Is it fair to say, ‘Grasshopper’ has opened a lot of new ears to your sound, why did you feel back at the start of 2011 to drop a BPM or two and push another boundary musically?
“Well, I have always been open musically. I have a trance fan base so I have been categorized as a trance DJ, but this has never been the case. For me, I am a DJ, I play music. So genres don’t interest me, but good music does. I think that fans have gotten the message that a Sander van Doorn show or track is always something just for them and unique. At least, this is my goal!”
You have been a household name only a few years compared to people like Sasha and Coxy, but already your air miles must get you to the moon and back – is the travelling a pain in the arse or is it a chance to switch on that computer and make some music?
“It’s the part of the job that can be stressful, especially on tours in the US or Canada where shows can be thousands of miles apart. If the show I came from is on the west coast, say California, and I have a show the next day in NY, I lose 3 hours and have to get less sleep so I can get the flight. The other way is better (NY to California) because I can sleep and still leave at a reasonable hour! But, all in all, that is a small inconvenience to do what I get to do! And yes, I do write on the plane, but I prefer to do that in my hotel room.”
Was it a wretch to leave the family aluminum business – did they think you were mad to pursue a life in music?
“Ah, well my family wasn’t too pleased that I was going to leave not only the business, but school. But, I have to say, they really did support me and let me take a risk so I could follow my dream. I think they’re happy with the result!”
Your Identity radio show is huge, you’ve changed things around a bit recently though…
“Yes, I like to keep things fresh and I was getting bored with the same old show. So we’ve added some new segments and features, but still kept the main flow of it.”
What are your current big tunes you are smashing up our dancefloors with?
“My current tunes are always on sandervandoorn.com. Since I’m not sure when this will come out, that will be the most current!”
Is there a club sound system you practically like – and will save any new material to test out there?
“Not really. Most of the clubs nowadays have incredible sound, so I try new ones out anywhere.”
With your music being described as cinematic, would you like to score a film or maybe write an opera?
“I’m open to that definitely! It would have to be the right film, but it’s something that has been discussed and if the opportunity comes up, then yes!”
To create that epic sound on your tracks do you use a specific mastering programme or do you have a trusted engineer for those final mixdown moments?
“I do everything myself! I have a keen ear for this, or so I have been told and I like to start and finish the track – it’s SvD from beginning, middle and end!”
You have created many bootlegs which have then gone on to become releases for you, are there any bootleg remixes you have done that can’t be cleared?
“Not so far. I have been asked to do official remixes that for one reason or another didn’t happen. Usually because I just don’t have time to get them done within the short timeframe given.”
What’s the biggest compliment you have ever been given by a fan?
“I get proposed to occasionally. The best ones are that something I have done that has inspired them. You never think that when you’re doing something that it will impact anyone, so when people tell me their stories, I find that pretty incredible!”
What was the best piece of advice your family has ever given you?
“To follow my instincts.”
How important do you think the DJ Top 100 poll is, you zoom up every year…?
“Because it is the industry standard of sorts, it has become important. But no DJ wants to campaign and ask for votes. I am happy to see that they have taken some steps to protect the poll from cheaters, but at the end of the day, we all just want to play music for people. Being higher in the poll makes that a bit easier.”
What advice can you give to aspiring Sander Van Doorn’s out there?
“Don’t aspire to be me. Do your own thing and be original, that’s the only way to break in these days!”
What one club when you see it in your diary do you think – yes! I love that club!
“Any of the Sensation events I am always proud and happy to see on the calendar! I also love doing the Boomboxes!”
What are the next plans for your Dusk till Doorn brand?
“I will keep bringing the concept to clubs across the globe and also plan to release a new Dusk Till Doorn compilation in the future.”
Who would you really enjoy getting in the studio and doing some tracks with?
“Moby“
So it’s your birthday – which 3 DJs do you ask to play for you?
“I wouldn’t ask any! I would chill out and if I could have anyone play, maybe Sigur Ros or Coldplay!“
What has been the best festival of 2011?
“I really liked playing EDC in Vegas.”
What was Ibiza like this year?
“This season I didn’t just do one venue or brand, I was able to play for a few. So that’s a great thing for a DJ and something that made Ibiza extra special this year.”
What have you got in store for us with your new label in 2012…?
“Ah, lots of new records and a few surprises. So much great music coming! Doorn has really become a great label and I am really proud that so many excellent producers are sending me their tracks!”
And finally, tell us the story about your name, your surname was originally Ketelaars but you felt it was difficult to pronounce in English – where did Van Doorn come from…?
“A friend and I were just chatting and he came up with it! Guess I owe him a beer!”
