Tiësto

The global phenomenon

Hey Tijs, good to hook up with you again. Another massive summer for you. Firstly, tell us all about the College Invasion tour you have just completed in America, why did you decide to embark on a campus tour in the first place and where surprised you on the road?

“Great to speak to you again too! The College Invasion Tour came about because it’s a market that I don’t usually get to play to and the US students have been asking for it. There had been so much feedback on my social media networks from students looking to me to come to play at their schools; how could I turn it down?!”

What was the highlight of the tour?

“The whole tour was one big highlight; every night was something new and amazing. Ending the tour at the Home Depot Center and making history playing to 26,000 fans was really something special though, that’s a memory I’m never going to forget.”

How did the crowds on the dancefloor differ from a regular Saturday night out…?

“The crowds were some of the wildest and most energetic I’ve seen in my entire career. They were literally going crazy from the start to the end without drawing a breath. It was amazing.”

Joining you on the tour was your 18 year old prodigy Porter Robinson, a current high school student who performed with you on your recent Canadian tour and who’s single ‘Say My Name’  topped Beatport’s Electro-House chart – what’s the story here with Porter – why is he one to watch?

“Porter Robinson’s a great example of the talent that’s popping up all over the United States. He’s the product of the incredible growth of electronic music in the US over the last few years. He tore apart each show on the tour and people need to look out for him as his best is yet to come both in terms of his work as a DJ and as a producer.”

How was Ibiza for you this Summer at Privilige – the island had the best summer numbers wise for a while – what changes did you see there this year?

“Ibiza and Privilege are like a second home to me; they always treat me right. The enthusiasm gets better and better every year. The people there really turned it up a notch all summer long.”

Where is your chill haven in Ibiza?

 Dan. Now that would be telling!”

Of course it would. Well what was your summer anthem?

“’Maximal Crazy’.”

You are just back in Las Vegas at The Joint which must be like your second home these days. How has 2011 been in Vegas and what do you love about the place?

“Like Ibiza, Las Vegas is another place that just always treats me the right way. They don’t call Vegas Sin City for no reason, that place really knows how to go crazy! There’s never a dull moment being there which I really like.”

How difficult do you think it is for a young DJ to break through these days if he is not making his own music alongside his deck skills?

“I think it is probably a little harder than it has been in the past. Making music has become a really key party of breaking through as a DJ. It isn’t impossible, but a DJ will have bring something really fresh if they’re going to stand out from the crowd.”

Why do you think clubland has changed so much over the last five years, five years ago 85% if kids on the dancefloor were off their heads on drugs, these days it seems it’s just a case of music and alcohol swimming around their heads. Why do you think that is the case now?

“Like everything dance music has evolved and grown up and more people realize you don’t need anything but the music to have a great time.”   

What is your favourite app?

I like Whatsapp. it’s great for me to catch up with my friends while traveling.”

What are the big 10 tunes you are spinning at the moment?

– Maximal Crazy (Original Mix) – Tiësto
– Calling (Original Instrumental Mix) – Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso
– Dr Gonzo Anthem (Original Mix) – Crookers
– Future Folk (Original Mix) – Tommy Trash
– Work Hard, Play Hard feat. Kay (Original Mix) – Tiësto
– Happy Violence (Original Mix) – Dada Life
– Sending My Love feat. Max C (Original Mix) – Swanky Tunes & R3hab
– Alive feat. Kate Elsworth (Original Mix) – Dirty South & Thomas Gold
– Advanced (Tiësto Remix) – Marcel Woods
– Epic (Original Mix) – Quintino & Sandro Silva

What is the best record you have ever played to a dancefloor?

“That’s an impossible question I’m afraid! I’ve been lucky enough to play tens of thousands of great records over the years, so it would be unfair to single one out as the best.”

Not a lot of people know this, but I am really good at…

“Beer pong!! If you don’t know this, its an American college drinking game involving cups of beer and ping pong balls. Very dangerous, particularly if you’re playing against me!”

There are  rumours of some large stadium tours taking place with a certain Canadian performer next year – any truth in this?

“If I had a dollar for every rumour I heard about me…”

Who has been the biggest influence in your life? 

“My mother.”

If we came back to yours after a club, what Back To Mine tunes would you play us to either chill out or carry on the party?

“Probably some Miike Snow, some Royksopp, and some old chill out classics like Massive Attack…” 

The Swedish House Mafia sold out Madison Square Garden in hours – do you think though that you were the original DJ to test out the ‘stadium’ market?

“I will leave it to you guys to make those judgements…”

What was the most important thing your parents taught you growing up?

“Believe in yourself.” 

What is your favourite club around the world you love returning to?

“One of my favorites is Liv in Miami. It’s a glamorous club with beautiful people, but it also has a feel like you’re playing at an awesome house party. The DJ booth is great too; it fits up to 20 people so I can have a bunch of friends there behind me while I play.”

What has been the best festival you have ever played at? 

“Coachella is pretty hard to beat.”

 Is there a type of music you just have to turn off it comes onto the radio? 

“Not really. I love music full stop.” 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

“I’ve always wanted to do something with music since I was a child. I used to love playing music for my family and friends, and DJing gave me a way to keep doing that. I also wanted to be a soccer player when I was young.”  

How much does all this travelling to do your adrenalin system – do you still get that buzz every time you walk into a packed Tiësto club?

“Absolutely. There’s no rush like see thousands of screaming fans as you walk on stage. Their energy is some kind of super-fuel!”

And finally – what is planned for 2012 already, a new album perhaps?

“I’m going to start working on a new album for 2012 once I’m finished touring for the year.”

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