Exclusive Interview with Richard Durand
The Richard Durand sound is trance, techno and tough electro in a unique package that's both dynamic and devastating. His first creations were tech trance singles "Make Me Scream" and "Slipping Away" on the Terminal 4 label, but his real success started with remixes of Tiësto singles "Lethal Industry", "Flight 643" and "Break My Fall", and reworks of The Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up" and Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" which brought him into the playlist of DJs such as Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Judge Jules and Eddie Halliwell. Richard Durand finally laid down an album marker in 2009 with Magik Muzik / Black Hole Recordings releasing his debut long player 'Always The Sun' which put Richard's career path firmly in the fast lane with the album spawning crossover hits 'Into Something', 'No Way Home' and title track 'Always The Sun' which made TV channel playlists across Europe and clocked up to 2 million YouTube hits. The year 2013 is dedicated to touring around the globe and hitting all corners of all continents.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Richard Durand, shortly before his performance at Levels on 17th July.
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I think I was about 18 when I first visited the clubs in Amsterdam, I was already blown away from EDM Music. When I left for my job in the army for four years, I returned almost immediately afterwards seriously into music.
You play and produce Trance, Techno and hard Electro. How would you describe your music in just a few simple words?
I think my music is accessible, I do not want to go too deep and hard with my records, I love music with feeling, energy and passion, I do not need to raise people when I'm performing for them. I want them to immediately understand what I want with my sound.
You have been recommended by Tiësto as his 'Tip For The Top in 2007' – since that year you are ranked in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs for six consecutive years already now. What is the recipe behind your continuity?
Haha work very hard! And of course a lot of luck, there are so many DJs and producers who are very good and have a lot of talent but who are not in that list.
It has become more of a popularity price I think. I do my very best to get back to making new music every time and I have fortunately a lot of fun doing it. Maybe that's my recipe, have lots of fun in what you do!
Your remixes for Tiësto ('Lethal Industry' and 'Flight 643') and Armin van Buuren ('In And Out Of Love') have put your name on the map. Equally popular have been your unofficial reworks of Prodigy’s 'Smack My Bitch Up' and Snow Patrol’s 'Chasing Cars'. What other tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
That is a difficult question, of course there are records that I like because they are popular in some countries, but I think 'Into Something' and 'Take Your Time' are two of my best tracks.
You latest and third artist album 'Richard Durand vs The World' was released 2012. What can you tell us about that album and what are you currently working on?
We had invented something new for my new album. It was nice to have some collaborations with other producers but also give other talent the chance to be on the album. It was very nice to work with other producers. It not only learns you new stuff but also give me much new inspiration.
You have been headlining global festival brands such as A State Of Trance, Global Gathering, Sensation, Trance Energy, Mayday, Insomniac and many more. What were you personal highlights so far and what was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
This is hard to say. Sometimes it's just the size of the event that makes it very nice, other times the land or the music. One of the highlights was Global Gathering Festival and Godskitchen Fusion Cube in 2011 both in Kiev Ukraine.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Well that was when a while ago i was playing somewhere and someone came to me to request a records at that moment he pulled the whole DJ Booth from the stage ☺
What do you consider harder: staying up all night to play the closing set or putting together the perfect warm up set?
That depends where you are running a closing set. At ibiza it does not matter because of the 24 hours parties, Opening at the Ministry Of Sound in London is very nice. It is really great to see the people running to the dance floor as the doors open!
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
My laptop My headphones My usb sticks and a good mood, and what I miss? my girlfriend and my friends!
Your last performance here in Bangkok was at Narz Club in 2011. Now you are about to return to Bangkok on 17th July for an exclusive performance at Levels. Did you keep the last show in good memory? Are you excited to return?
Yes very much! It is always cool to perform in Bangkok, I think it is a world city, and a very nice atmosphere to work in, oh and not to forget.. very good food!
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Do you enjoy Thai food?
Haha this question, I had not read yet, so yes my favorite food is Thai food and always find it fun and often good to try new things and eat locally or will you surprise me? What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Levels? I hope for an exploding energy-full evening. I'm obviously play some famous work but certainly also new work!