Radio KUL

There is no need for us to introduce Ferry Corsten.

He has sold millions of records, top-ed every sales and dance airplay chart worth mentioning, stocked up a shelf full of acclaims and awards, and year in year out he churns out music that drive the masses while triggering other producers to keep up. It’s likely he never has to unpack, because every weekend, he’s out there lifting hands at a club or festival somewhere in the world. His face is plastered on the bedroom walls of millions of fans and aspiring DJs – Ferry has inspired a whole generation of youngsters and contributed to music history’s vault as one of this era’s most influential performer and a bold artiste. Through his record labels, he has discovered some incredible talent worldwide. His commitment to exposing all walks of producers and DJs includes a worldwide remix competition for his System F tracks.

Fresh off an appearance on Essential Mix, a newly launched iPhone app, and releasing a new track called “Once,” he makes his way to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (where there’s a Ferry Fever epidemic right now). Here is our exclusive interview with Planet Dance’s national icon, Ferry Corsten.

Ferry Corsten

Hi Ferry, it’s a great pleasure to be speaking with you. Where are you currently and what’s been the most recent highlight?
At the moment I am touring Asia. I just got back from a great visit to Japan. The most recent highlight was the release of my new compilation called “Once Upon A Night.” To promote the album I am touring the globe with various club shows and concert shows called Once Upon A Night: The Experience.

Yes, the new concept tour, Once Upon A Night : The Experience has been described as a ‘6 hour interactive journey over sunset, night, and sunrise’ with appearances by other A-list DJs, and there’s talk of a digital backdrop that’s will leave audiences mesmerised. What went on to the production of such a tour and how does the compilation CD support this tour?
The concept of the show is built around the CD and its artwork. The production of both the CD and the show took months of preparation and various rehearsals. But the result is really amazing and has exceeded my own expectations. I’m really happy with the show and the current reviews about the CD as well.

Earlier this year, System F “Out Of The Blue” was remastered and remixed. And right now there’s a remix competition ongoing for this. What was the motivation to re-release this classic, and which is your favourite remix?
It was more than a decade ago that I had my big breakthrough with Out Of The Blue so we thought it might be a good idea to re-release the track with a lot of good remixers. We’ve had Tiesto, Laidback Luke, Giuseppe Ottaviani and many others who did a remix. I love the Laidback Luke remix but I play Giuseppe’s remix a lot so I guess that’s my favourite.

Flashover and Levare Recordings have been really supportive of new talent, such as Rafael Frost, Mat Zo, Trititonal, Breakfast, and DJ Eco. Which are some of your artistes from these labels at the moment and how do you tell if they have potential?
Like you mentioned, Rafael Frost and Breakfast are both very gifted when it comes to producing music. They both have their own style which makes it even more attractive for me as a label owner to have those guys under our wings.

Betsie Larkin has been on our radio show before. She hosted an episode last year during the week you guys performed together on stage here in Malaysia. Any plans to work and tour with her again? Besides her, are there any other vocalists that currently capture your attention?
At the moment I am looking into new collaborations for my new artist album which will see the light in 2011. That’s all I can say about it at the moment.

You have a very balanced life between music and career, and you have clear direction on all on your projects. In your opinion, what are the keys to having a successful career that’s so demanding while maintaining a happy personal life?
Thanks for the compliment! It is good to be balanced when it comes to work and my personal life. When I am not on an airplane, on the road somewhere or in the studio I try to spend time at home with my family. My tours last for at most a few weeks at a time and otherwise my gigs are in the weekend so I can be at home and in the studio during weekdays.

Which part of the world do you think is now seeing a lot of growth in dance music? Is there a particular venue that you look forward to perform at?
Yes, I think Eastern Europe is doing an amazing jump, especially in Russia. Last time I played I did my Twice In A Blue Moon: Experience concert and it was simply an amazing show. The Russians are doing a great job.

Can you give us some clues on what the rest of 2010 holds for Ferry Corsten?
I’ll be touring with the new concept Once Upon A Night: The Experience and of course promoting the CD at various club shows, events and festivals. You can find me on Ibiza again this year as a resident for Cream at Amnesia and I’ll be releasing the second part of Once Upon A Night in September/October. So pretty busy and I’ll be working on new productions of course.

What can fans expect from your gig here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? You’ve been here in 2008 and 2009. Are you excited to be back this year?
I am always excited to be back in Asia and especially in Malaysia. The audience here have always given me a warm welcome. I’ll be playing a lot of the music that’s on the Once Upon A Night CD as well as a lot of new stuff so I’ll make sure it will be a blast.

And a quick message to fans around the world reading this!
Be sure to check out my new compilation Once Upon A Night and hope to see you all soon somewhere around the world. Thanks … Ferry!

Ferry Corsten performs live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, 23rd April 2010. For more info go to http://www.ferrycorsten.com/.

Catch the best of Ferry Corsten on Radio KUL 137 with Simon Lee and Alvin. The first hour will feature selected discography from Ferry, followed by a guestmix from an artiste of his record label, DJ Ange.

Once Upon A Night is out now on Premier.

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