A Finnish DJ/Producer Darude is the producer of world famous track “Sandstorm”, which hit No.1 on many charts around the world. After making a debut other artists would envy in 1999, “Out of Control” and “Feel the Beat” are also another outstanding tracks you cannot miss out when talking about his incredible achievements. Let’s hear the story behind all of his success and his future plans still continuing to create another vibe in the scene.  

Q1. We heard you have been busy touring recently. Tell us more about your Winter Tour!

We thought we had a nice tour put together in the beginning of the year, but when we released the first bunch of dates there was a huge rush of new date inquiries, which we’re happily trying to fit in my schedule, but I’ve gotta leave some time for my family and production as well! :) I’m very happy with all the new and previously visited places I get to play in March & April, I’m excited to play wherever I’m wanted! PS. After the winter, there’s summer… ;)

Q2. What’s the most memorable tour experience you’ve had so far?

It’s an unfair question as for eg. the crowd at Stereo Live in Houston was just incredibly energetic and receptive and in Anchorage at Koot’s I crowdsurfed… Can’t pick one, or two… So outside of shows, it was so much fun to enjoy a couple of powder days on a snowboard in Whistler, Canada, brah!

Q3. What plans do you have in the studio this year? Any new tracks you can tell us about?

I’ve been playing out a new track on this tour, planning on the release in the near future. I’m working on some collabs with Zac Waters, Uberjak’d, Tom Fall, Kris O’Neil, Alex Mattson and Orjan Nilsen to name a few.

Q4. Where are you most looking forward to perform this year? 

I’m a little biased, but the midsummer weekend in the end of June in Finland is always great. I’ll play at 3 different festivals this year.

Q5. What is DJ Mag to you as a DJ and producer? 

DJ Mag has been a solid thing in the industry for a long time, and as a producer for eg, having a record review or an article on it makes a difference. Of course the Top 100 chart is something that some promoters follow closely in some territories, which can be a good thing for you if you’re on the chart. 

Q6. Do you have any plans to tour around Japan any time soon?

I’ll come as soon as a reputable Japanese promoter books me! :)

Q7. What’s your biggest goal as an artist for 2017?

Get a couple of great releases out, up my artist name profile in the industry, gain new fans & listener, to have fun doing it!

Q8. If you had one tip for aspiring music producers what would it be? 

Make music for yourself, exactly what YOU want to do, don’t try to think what others would like you to do..

Q9. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan 

I can’t wait to come perform for you guys, and when I do, come see me and please know that I’m very approachable and I love the interaction between the dancing crowds and me!

Darude has made a huge impact with his release, “Sandstorm” and have become one of the legendary players who we cannot miss out in the scene by now. His first album “Before the Storm” also created a buzz and he is now going through a busy schedule… Despite reaching the over age of 40, he still continues to be open minded in producing different tracks and evolves just like one of the new comers. Let’s see how he is going to be influencing the scene this year with his releases and exceptional shows.