“There are always a few key moments in everyone's life where you get to certain places and meet certain people. It's important to be ready at these moments and to be able to take the opportunities. I don't believe in luck as much as in opportunities.”
12 years after he started his DJ career Dutch tech type Joris Voorn admits he’s had a wildly successful 2009, including winning the (somewhat belated) ‘Best Breakthrough Act’ at Ibiza’s DJ Awards in Pacha.
“I think it's been a good year for me because I've had some quality releases, even if I may say so myself,” Joris confirms.
“I worked quite a long time on my Balance 014 mix CD in 2008, which did pretty well in 2009 plus I released my new 'Dusty House' concept as well this year, which surprisingly was a big success, as it was only planned to be a fun side project. Besides that I've developed my DJ setup in a very nice and interesting way, which allows me to really get the best out of the music I play.”
Though one of his biggest tracks of the year was called Sweeping The Floor, he’s quick to point out that its title wasn’t autobiographical.
“I've never had a cleaning job, no.” he clarifies, “I did work in a bar for one day, trying to be a waiter but that didn't work out too well. I've done a few other student jobs too, but my real profession at one point was being an architectural designer.”
Compared (favourably) to Richie Hawtin earlier in the year for his heavily edited cut and pasted Balance compilation he’s regularly seen as one of dance culture’s most technically gifted players though he’s magnanimous towards DJs mixing just the ends of each track together.
“Technical skills are very important for serious DJing, whether it's knowing how to beat-match or knowing how Traktor software works and being able to handle it in a creative way,’ he begins, “And though I personally don't see a challenge in the 30 seconds mixing if other DJs can do a great set by playing great music that way it's all good to me.”
“Besides, not all musical genres sound better when mixing 4 tracks or samples together, so every style suits its own style,” he says.
IHOUSEU: When did you go 100% to making a living off music? And how easy was it making the transition?
Joris Voorn: “I made the switch in 2003, I believe, which was a good time as there weren't as many producers out there as today. I had done a lot of music work beforehand, so I had a good basis to start with. It's not as easy today I think, so I'm happy to be from the earlier generation.”
IHOUSEU: How important is it to have an image these days? how much attention, planning do you devote to what you wear on stage?
Joris Voorn: “It's important what you wear, although it's not any different what I wear on stage or in every day life. A stage image is not so much about what you're wearing, but rather about a true interaction with the crowd. It really helps for example, when the crowd sees a DJ is enjoying the music as much as them.”
IHOUSEU: You mentioned in an earlier interview -"when the audience is a bit funny or just OK, I start feeling a bit insecure": how important is performing these days?
Joris Voorn: “How important is performing, as in the necessity to be on stage? It’s very important. On stage is where I make my living, I’m afraid releasing music is not exactly a very lucrative business these days.”
IHOUSEU: How ambitious are you? How much is the goal to top DJ mag's top 100? To be as famous/ successful as Tiesto?
Joris Voorn: “I love music and the music I play, and as long as I can do that I'm happy. I already got so much further as an artist than I could have ever have dreamed of. The DJ Mag top 100 is a popularity list that says more about what most people from a certain age group listen to than about who's the best DJ. To really get as famous as Tiesto the first thing I'd have to do is say bye bye to my fan base and my own musical philosophy and change my sound to something that's easier for the mainstream to digest. The chances are close to zero I'll ever make that switch. However, maybe one day things will change and everybody starts listening to techno or tech-house. Never give up hope.”
Joris Voorn DJ dates:
11 Dec 2009 – SQ Club, Poznan
12 Dec 2009 – Klub 55, Warsaw
18 Dec 2009 – GREEN NIGHT, Atak, Enschede
19 Dec 2009 – Aurora Electronic Festival, Bologna
24 Dec 2009 – Liquid Club, Ausburg
31 Dec 2009 – Cocoon, Frankfurt
01 Jan 2010 – Warehouse Project, Manchester
