Ruben De Ronde has constantly given us a buzz in the scene with his exceptional releases heavily supported by his fans and fans of trance scene. He has joined others in playing at big festivals and gigs all around the world and also did a fantastic work touring with Armin Van Buuren for the “A State of Trance Festival Tour, ASOT”. He is not only a DJ nor Producer but he owns his own label “Statement Music” and discovers music in many aspects. Let us share an exclusive interview with him regarding his experiences in 2016 and his early plans in 2017.
Q1. Your 2nd album My Story just got released last week. How did this album come together?
I started working on My Story about 3 years ago, and along the way the tunes were shaped up in the way they are now! When the time went along, I also released several other singles, but I felt the tunes that came along were a perfect fit into the way it is now. I feel that certain tracks on there wouldn’t have been received super well as regular ‘single’ releases. Some of the tunes were started, as mentioned, three years ago. So I have to be thankful that some of the singers were so patient with me haha!
Q2. As the album is called ‘My Story’, can you tell us a little bit about how your musical background shines through in this album?
I believe the most important message that I wanted to bring with this album is positivity through diversity. Every single tune on the album has something emotional to it. From techno to down-tempo to trance, I believe every single bit that defines me as an artist.
Q3. What was your best experience of 2016? And what’s your resolution for 2017?
Oh wow! That is hard to pin point! I have had an amazing year. I ticked a couple of gigs of my bucketlist, playing at Ultra Music Festival in Europe, Amnesia in Ibiza, Echostage in Washington and even Digital Society in Leeds. One other highlight was the UK tour I did with Armin van Buuren. 4 nights, 4 massive venues, and memories made! I could mention all the gigs I have done, because they have been special. My new years resolution is to try to get to Japan, because I have only had the pleasure to play in your country once, and I really want to come back soon!
Q4. Where do you get inspiration from when producing music?
I get inspiration from everything around me. From personal situations, happy moments and reactions on fans. Sometimes you come up with a random melody, sometimes things just happen in the studio. If I have to bring up one thing as inspiration, I have to say the audiences I have the pleasure to play for!
Q5. Which other artists inspire you the most?
There are a couple of artists I really look up to. Musical wise I really love the sounds of Eric Prydz and Andrew Bayer. Also guys like Guy Barone, Rodg, Estiva and Grumm surprise me with all their productions. They all manage to be successful, without selling out to a certain sound.
Q6. Your label Statement! released some really great tracks in 2016, what can we expect to happen in 2017?
I have just finished a massive new project with Rodg! Those tunes will be spread out throughout 2017. Besides that, expect more music from Estiva, Thomas Mengel, MUVY, Same K and much more amazing guys.
Q7. Last November you also organized your 1st Statement! clubnight in the Netherlands, what was that like? Are there going to be more Statement! nights in the near future?
Yes!!!! Are you guys in Japan up for one? Let me know!! The first night in the Netherlands was amazing! It was an eye opener to see that people from all across the country come down to Venlo to celebrate music with us.
Q8. DJ Mag just started a vote for "Top 100 Clubs", can you tell us a bit more about your favorite clubs and why?
It is really hard to just pick one club, because every club is SO different! I am trying to tick off all the whole list, hoping to perform at all of them. I am half way I think, so there is a lot do!!!!
Q9. What is DJ Mag to you as a DJ and producer?
It means a lot! I remember that in the early stages of my career I received a review on one of my tunes, which was very unexpected. It was quite an inspiration and it made me believe I could achieve certain things! Right now I am also a writer for the Dutch DJ Mag, review trance tunes every month!
Q10. What would you like to say to your fans in Japan?
I hope to see you VERY soon, because it has been way to long since I have been able to party with you! Thanks for the massive support!
Ruben De Ronde continues to discover music not only from his genre but through production and releases. When “ARMADA NIGHT” launched in Japan, he came with David Gravell and Japanese fans went wild than ever, leaving a huge impact in the Japanese market. A player like Ruben De Ronde, who is a world-wide famous DJ/Producer receiving offers from Tomorrowland radio, Dance Valley, NatureOne’s, Kazantip, Sunrise Festival and many more, Japanese fans would love to see him perform in the near future. We hope to see more of his exciting music and shows.