Few purveyors of trance boast the kinds of credentials that Ferry Corsten does. The Dutch DJ/producer has made a name for himself as one of the world’s foremost authorities on the genre, and with trance making a triumphant return in the U.S. he’s got a lot on the horizon as well.
Longtime trance fans will remember Corsten and Tiësto’s Gouryella side project from the turn of the millennium. Shortly after Dreamstate SoCal renewed faith in trance as a post-EDM commodity, Corsten announced that the project would make a triumphant return – and he’s taken the concept to Atlantis in Australia and Insomniac Events’ Beyond Wonderland in SoCal, among other settings.
A few weeks back, Corsten caught up briefly with We Got This Covered to reflect on the live show in addition to a handful of other topics. Ever the good sport, he even maintained a diplomatic air through some of our curveballs.
Take a look at what he had to say below, and enjoy!
How does it feel to be back in Miami for Ultra and Winter Music Conference?
Ferry Corsten: I honestly find it too crazy during that period. It’s nice to see all the familiar faces and work the shows but I’m not going to lie – it’s great to be back on the plane on my way to the next show now.
I saw you had a little photo op with Paul and Markus! It reminds me of a photo I’ve seen of you, Tijs and Armin from the ’90s where you all look like the cast of Goodwill Hunting – and I think you all used to make hardstyle. What’s it like for an artist with your tenure to look back on how much things have changed?
Ferry Corsten: Tiesto and I did hardstyle at one point (although he’ll never admit it), but as far as I know Armin did house as well as trance. It’s great to look back and see the change. Any artist should continue to grow artistically and yet at the same time be able to look back at his past with certain pride.
SoCal trance fans were beyond excited for Gouryella. How was the experience there?
Ferry Corsten: SoCal was fantastic. It is one of my favourite markets to play in. It was very special to debut my Gouryella show there.
You’ve got a new Gouryella single in the works, too. What can you tell me about that?
Ferry Corsten: I’m really happy with the single and currently playing it on my Gouryella shows only. The crowd seems to love it as well.
So I don’t know if you remember, but I Tweeted you about the Corsten’s Countdown intro. I’m sorry, man, but it used to be so awful! Why did you keep it for so long and what was the final straw that made you change it?
Ferry Corsten: Always appreciate feedback on the show, man, so thanks for sharing. I see where you are coming from, but it seemed that most of my listeners loved it because it was never to be taken seriously. The same goes for the other jingles we were using. But I guess you grow up and so does the radio show itself… change is always a good thing. It was definitely time for a face lift. I’m glad you enjoy it now. Keep on listening.
What can you tell us about any unreleased music in the works?
Ferry Corsten: Not much because it’s not yet released – but it will be epic, I promise you.
That concludes our interview with Ferry Corsten, but we would like to thank him very much for his time.