1. How do you feel about composing The Gallery's 15th Birthday compilation and this year's Trance Energy compilation?
Sander van Doorn: It's an honour! I was booked at the Gallery back in 2005 for my first show in the UK and I think it really helped kick off my DJing career as after a few shows I became one of their resident DJs. I still remember starting that first set with Audio Bullys' "Big Bang" and finishing it with DK8's "Murder Was The Bass". Fast forward 5 years and now they present my own night Dusk Till Doorn! I just played at Trance Energy in my home country to 20,000 people and it was out of this world! It flies the flag for true Trance lovers and to be asked to represent them is great.
2. What was your inspiration for mixing both albums?
Sander van Doorn: As I've been a resident at the Gallery for 5 years it was decided by all of us that I should do a mix that featured highlights of my time there from 2005 to present day. The Trance Energy mix is a reflection of what you would hear in my more trancey sets. I wanted the listener to feel like they were listening to me DJ live.
3. What was your reaction when "Renegade" was chosen as this year's Trance Energy theme?
Sander van Doorn: I was asked to write it by the guys at ID&T and Trance Energy, it was a great honour to be asked. I wanted to do something a bit different to make it stand out as it would be easy to keep churning out the same style. Maybe a little risky but the feedback has been amazing!
4. You definitely have an unique style, something new for so many of us. Who influenced your sound and style?
Sander van Doorn: Marco V has my main inspiration, he is always one step ahead of the electronic dance scene, crossing new boundaries and inventing new styles.
5. With that being said, describe for me your overall musical vibe?
Sander van Doorn: Driving, melodic, euphoric and techy!
6. How do you view the current climate of today's EDM artists ? Are You content with it ?
Sander van Doorn: Dance music as a whole is really opening up. I think the barriers that divide genres and the tribal way in which people used to like only Trance or only House are disappearing. I certainly love playing across the board and I think it will make the scene more popular as there will be something for everyone.
7. Has your reworks of Top 40 artists such as Robbie Williams and Depeche Mode brought more people to your sound?
Sander van Doorn: I think so. People who might not have heard of me before with my more underground tunes would have been pulled in by a front man such as Robbie or a legendary band like Depeche Mode. My remix of the Killers' "Spaceman" always goes down well and it helps engage the crowd when they can sing along to something that everyone knows.
8. Can we expect any vocal productions in the future?
Sander van Doorn: Definitely. For now though I'm keeping that as a surprise, I'm working on an album for release in early 2011.
9. With the use of internet marketing tools, such as your "Identity" radio show and video tutorials, how do you think the internet changed electronic music?
Sander van Doorn: It has completely opened up the dance world. More fans, more producers... I think we all know how the internet has brought everyone closer together and it's no different for electronic music. The EDM scene would be so much smaller without it.
10. What do you like to do in your spare time, completely away from music?
Sander van Doorn: Sleeping in a normal pattern, going out for nice meals, spending time with family and catching a good movie..
11. Your performances at Club Space and Ultra in Miami were fantastic. Was it everything you expected?
Sander van Doorn: Everything and more! I had a great time in my first few weeks in the US and after a couple of shows back in Europe I'm just about to head back and finish the rest of the tour. This year was without a doubt my most productive WMC yet. The reaction in both North and South America has been overwhelming, a great start to 2010 and has motivated me in all kinds of ways - I'm really knuckling down and getting on with writing my album as I have so many fresh ideas.
12. Is there anything else that you would like to say to your fans and readers at TranceSound.net?
Sander van Doorn: Thanks so much for all your continuing support!
Interview made by Abigail Duran aka VeraNationGirl (TranceSound.net PR forum moderator)
Links:
Sander van Doorn official website
Sander van Doorn @ MySpace
