We could not say anything about trance music scene without legendary Johan Gielen. Surprisingly, he had performed at Japanese club “Velfarre” as resident  for couple of years and said that Japan is a second home. ( Velfarre 1994 – 2007 )The legend exclusively shared the behind story of his latest songs “Mika” and memory of japan to us.

Q1. Please talk to us about your latest release and the inspiration behind it.

My latest release Mika is a tribute to my second home Japan. Every year I try to make one or two records related to my time I was living in Tokyo to keep my memories alive.

The beautiful things I have seen and learned there has become part of my life and it is the inspiration to create music like ‘Mika’.

Q2. How was this year? What was the best experience of 2017?

2017 was a great year for me. I’m really happy with the productions I made and also with the spectacular gigs that I got to do. The best experience was the gig on the Trance Energy stage at Tomorrowland: amazing to see that the music where it all started back in the day is coming back again.

Other highlights were the start of my “Trance Classics World Tour" in Holland last March and the mix compilation “Trance Classics The World Edition”. Great to see the perfect balance between the classics and my new stuff. I want to keep blending old and new over the coming years.

Q3. What do you feel has been your biggest achievement?

For 2017 I really feel the USA deal with Schulz Muzic group for the next 3 years is a big achievement. I will finally be able to go back to the US for touring and I’m excited to see my fans over there.

Q4. What was your first impression of Japan? What was the most surprising or impressive experience? Something within your expectation?

My first impression of Japan was that it is a different world. It’s so nice to see the respect and discipline Japanese people have for one another, it’s not easy for a guy coming from Holland to blend in with that but after a wile I adapted and from there on it was a perfect world for me . 

The most impressive experience for me has to be when I was resident at the famous Velfarre club in Tokyo. I played six evenings a week for 2 years and every day was so special: the crowd, the fans, the staff and my colleagues. Simply an amazing time and a lot of memories .

Q5. Can you give some advice for the amateur DJs. How did you acquire your DJ skills during you amateur years?

Put your heart into everything you do, be original and follow your instinct. Back in the day when I started I was driven by music day in day out .

A lot of doing and practicing will get you there but the golden rule is and will always be: don’t copy, be yourself and try to establish your own way of playing and making music.

Q6. How do you learn to create tracks and the production process itself?

Good tip is when you’re a beginner, it’s helpful to work with people who have the skills and are willing to teach you how the basics work. From there you can create your own style and your own workflow.

Q7. What are you expectations for 2018?

Lots of touring with my Trance Classics World Tour concept. I would still like to play in USA, Asia, Scandinavia and Europe.

Besides this there will be a lot of gigs on the worlds biggest festivals (I would love to tell you more but right now I can’t)… Keep an eye on my socials and you will find out soon ;-).

Q8. Can we expect you in Japan for gigs in 2018 ?

Yes my agency is talking to some promotors in Japan, so I will come back to share my music with my Japanese fans in 2018 .

Q9. What is your motto in life ?

What goes around comes around and you give you get, you get you give! 

Q10. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan.

Thanks for your support through all the years and I’m looking forward to share more music and gigs in 2018 with you.

25 yeas of his career can be said that it is the history of trance music scene. We are living upon the basement which he has created for 25 years. Performing in front of audience in all around the globe at world big festival such as Tomorrowland and Trance Classics World Tour. He said “I really want to go back to Japan” when we closed the interview and he departed to upcoming journey in 2018.