Exclusive Interview with Ruben De Ronde
Walking the fine line of trance, house and progressive, we find Dutch DJ and producer Ruben de Ronde right in the middle of all things. No borders can stop this talent from touching the very edge of different styles, from the trancy ‘Forever In Our Hearts’ to the deeper, arousing progressive ‘Timide’ and the big room trancers with Maltese friends Tenishia. Since 2005, he’s poured out his sounds straight from his own label, ‘Statement’, as well as working extensively with Armada Music. In 2008, his first solo-production, ‘Republique’, became a Top 20 hit in the Beatport chart and got the ‘Captivating’ stamp by the renowned DJ Mag. Since the year 2007 Ruben has been part of the Team of A State of Trance, together with Armin van Buuren, co-hosting the radio broadcast with Armin on his World tours, celebrating the round numbers of his radio show. As an artist/DJ Ruben made his debut during the massive ASOT550 celebrations in Moscow 2012, playing in front of over 10,000 party people.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Ruben De Ronde, shortly before his performance at KU DÉ TA Bangkok on 25th April.
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music – especially Trance - in the first place and how did you get into DJing and producing music?
I got in touch with Dance music through my brother, he started DJ'ing Drum and Bass and infected me. Radio always intrigued me and there was a radio show called "In 2 Trance" by Koen van Tijn and his weekly two hour radio show was always playing quality trance, so thats how it all started!
You play and produce a mix of Trance and Progressive House. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Music that puts a smile on your face!
In 2008, your first solo-production ‘Republique’, made it into the Beatport Top 20 charts right away. What other - more recent - tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I produced a chill out album last year, as this is the music that I love listening to besides dance music. I named it after two cities I played in last year during the A State of Trance 600 shows, Sao Paulo and Sofia. As a dedication to all the people there I decided to give it away for free on soundcloud.com/rubenderonde In a couple of weeks the remixed edition will be released!
Since 2005 you are working with Armada Music – the record label of Armin Van Buuren (the #2 of DJ Mag Top 100 DJs) – and since 2007 you are part of the ASOT (A State of Trance) team. How did you get involved with Armin Van Buuren and ASOT?
I started my own record label Statement! Recordings 10 years ago, and I was always promoting the releases at parties, handing out CD’s and vinyls to DJ’s. At a certain point the director of Armada Music contacted me if I wanted to join the label to do that job for Armada!
As an artist/DJ you made your ASOT debut during the ASOT550 in Moscow 2012, playing in front of over 10,000 party people. What other ASOT events - besides Moscow - have you played since and how is it to be an ambassador for the mighty ASOT brand?
It is a HUGE honor to be part of the ASOT team, putting together such a massive show every week. Working with Armin is one of the nicest thing there is, because it is inspiring to work with someone that is so dedicated to what he does. This year I had the pleasure to play at Yekaterinburg in Russia and Buenos Aires in Argentina! Memorable nights!
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
I have played gigs in places I never would imagine playing, like in the heart of Siberia and remote places in Asia. The biggest one so far was a back 2 back set with Joven of Tenishia during last years New Years Eve. The promoter told it was going to be big, with a crowd of around 30.000 people. In the end there were WAY more, about 400.000!
You are on the lineup for the Creamfields dance music festival, what else is on your agenda for 2014 and what are you currently working and focusing on?
Like said there will be a remix edition of my album ‚From Sao Paulo to Sofia’ soon. I am working on new music together with singer Aelyn, producers LTN, Chris Schweizer and my good friends Tenishia!
You live in Overeen, a town in the north of the Netherlands, a bit over 20km from Amsterdam. What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife in Amsterdam? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?
To be honest there aren't a lot of trance events in the Netherlands at the moment. Most of the current events are deep house events. Make sure to check local up and coming DJ Kevin Duane, he plays at a lot of great events in that style.
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?
I never leave my house without my iPad, laptop and Sony PSP. Besides that I always travel in a hooded sweater and bring a sleeping mask, otherwise there is no way for me to sleep on the plane!
New Year’s Eve you played at the “Heineken NYE 2013 Countdown” in Hanoi (Vietnam) - back 2 back with Tenishia (the #65 of DJ Mag Top 100 DJs) - in front of 500,000 people. How do you enjoy playing in Asia?
I love playing in Asia! In the recent months I have been to places like Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Seoul. They have one thing in common: Music lovers! So I cant wait to come back!
On 25th April you will perform live here in Bangkok at KU DÉ TA Bangkok, supported by David Gravell. Have you visited Thailand before? Will it be your Bangkok debut?
It will be my Thailand debut indeed! I have heard many good things about Bangkok from fellow dj’s so I cant wait to see and experience you party people myself!