‘Hello World’: Ferry Corsten talks new music, cyclical nature of genres and more
Among many music lovers of all backgrounds, Ferry Corsten is a legend. Since his early years breaking ground in the trance and progressive house scenes, he has remained a symbol of artistic evolution and continuous growth as a producer. In many ways, his upcoming Hello World EP is serves as a culmination of his musical journey. The first output in a trilogy, Hello World consists of seven anthemic tracks, each adding its own style and flavor to the whole. Scheduled to be released on February 23 via Flashover Recordings, the finished compilation is an exploration that transcends genre boundaries, touching on elements of electro house, big room, tech house and trance. The storied producer caught up with Dancing Astronaut to talk about “Hello World”, his favorite artists and the cyclical nature of music.
Tell us about this upcoming EP. What was the overall direction you were going towards?
As a music producer I love being able to have the freedom to create various types of sounds and styles when I produce. All of my production always have a “trance” flavour but I also like the harsher granier elements of today’s genres. This EP has all of that but the focus has definitely been on vocals.
Do you have a favorite tune from the EP? Any that just make your heart swell?
I love the Flashover Mix of Back to Paradise really does it for me. On the other hand, when I hear Tonka I really get excited and I want to play it out.
The Flashover mixes of “Back To Paradise” and “Make It Ours” have more of that trance-y sound you brought in the early 2000s. Are the Flashover mixes meant as a return to that sound?
Flashover mixes are definitely there for my trance fans and they fit well in my sets.
Do you think you’ll ever produce another fully trance or true progressive-based album again, like L.E.F.?
I always say “never say never,” so I guess it is possible.
Has the market for that sound diminished in the United States, in your opinion? If so, where in the world have you found it thriving?
I think the scene overall has changed, not diminished…not just in the United States but everywhere. With the current developments, looking at the resurgence of deep house with so many different elements from the early ’90s, I think we can expect the same to happen for trance again soon enough.
What’s the hardest part about the process of evolving musically, in your opinion?
I think the hardest part of evolving musically is whether your fans accept your new productions and styles. I’ve always felt as a producer to push boundaries and give myself creative freedom when I produce. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot styles have their peak moments…sometimes I do get inspired to produce similarly but other times I don’t. I never feel forced to adapt to any style or pressured to do so. I think it’s important as a producer and an artist to stay true to what you believe in whilst keeping your eyes open for current developments.
What is your favorite memory from your early career?
I’ve got lots of memories but I’ll always remember the first time a bunch of record labels were trying to sign a single of mine. It was really exciting to see how excited they were about the track and how they were all trying to get their hands on it. It meant a lot because it was my first taste of seeing such an exciting process, and of course it was great because they were all fighting for a track I made.
What are some new things you’re planning on trying this year, both musically and personally?
I’d definitely like to take more time producing music so I’ll probably take some time off from DJing to focus on this. I have a newborn so I want to take some time off for that too….kill two birds with one stone.
Who are you listening to currently and why?
My wife… I don’t have a choice.
Can you give us the names of some artists and pieces of music that played a major role in shaping your identity as an artist?
William Orbit, Barber’s “Adagio for Strings”…Judge Jules and Pete Tong and currently Markus Schulz.
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