Joris Voorn

Joris Voorn is a world famous Dutch techno producer, winner of 2003’s “Talent of the Year” award at the Dutch DJ Awards. Over the next few months, he’ll be playing fifteen festivals as well as touring with Edwin Oosterwal. AMY BLOEMENDAAL caught up with her fellow Dutchman for a chat.

Joris Voorn What is your preference; the bigger or the smaller events?

Joris Voorn I usually prefer the smaller gigs, because the people understand my music and I can connect with them. If you take something as big as Sensation White (in Amsterdam) there’s a big distance between you and the audience, so it’s hard to make that connection.

What is on your rider at these festivals?

Not that much. And people do not read riders, so it doesn’t matter what’s on it [laughs]. The most important thing that is on there is that I need a ninety centimetre space on the right side of my mixer, but I usually end up doing that myself. I’m not the kind of person that would put something on my rider like a bowl with only blue M&M’s.

What music do you listen to that no one would guess you like?

People only know me as a techno DJ and producer. They don’t know that when I’m at home, this is not the kind of music I listen to. When I’m not on stage or in the studio I prefer music like Radiohead or PJ Harvey.

What is the best part of life as a well-known DJ?

The thing I like is that people know what you stand for and what you’re capable of. Of course I have to prove myself at every gig, but it becomes easier because the crowd is there for you and they know what you do and who you are.

And the worst part?

That you have to play the same hits over and over again. In Asia my playlists are all the same, because the people there aren’t that well musically educated. But in Australia people, luckily, are up to date and they know when and where different DJ’s are playing. That motivates me to make every gig as unique as possible.

Finally, why are Dutch guys such great DJ’s?

I don’t know, there’s probably something in our water [laughs].

Tour Dates

Friday, 13th May: Geisha, Perth

Saturday 14th May: Spice Afloat Midnight cruise, Sydney

– Where: Sta
r City Casino Wharf, Darling Harbour

– Boarding: 00:30

Friday 20th May: Prince Of Wales, Melbourne

Saturday 21st May: Barsoma, Brisbane