Dutch the way we like it
He put the groove back into trance. He’s a Dutchman, which in this day and age is nothing unique, for Sander is among many from the Netherlands blessed with musical genius, a genius that continues to take the world by storm. After entering the DJ Mag Top 100 at 32 in 2006 and then climbing to 15 in just a year, it’s clear to see what lies ahead.
The astonishing rise of Sander van Doorn isn’t really that astonishing really when you consider the staggering amount of talent flowing through his veins. In just five years he’s clocked more hit records, dance floor destroyers and sell-out gigs than most DJs do in a lifetime, and his journey is still in its infancy.
His debut album (“Supernaturalistic”) demonstrated the vast scope and diversity of this young superstar, and paved the way for a very bright future. It’s not just the original material that makes the SVD sound so recognisable and unique; it’s the remixes, covers and surprising choice of bootleg covers that makes Sander capable of producing just about anything.
His Identity radio show, now in it’s third year and broadcast on DI.FM, has given Sander a platform to distribute the sound that thousands of fans adore, and a stage to test his own productions. Watch out for his radio show to be broadcast soon on Bigfish Radio which in case you haven’t heard, has reached an audience of 300,000 listeners since its inception back in 2007 through its weekly broadcast over Magic89.9Fm in mega manila, and nationwide over 12 cities through Killerbee stations. (For more details check out our Facebook page under Bigfish Radio and get a chance to download the show every week and enjoy it straight on your laptop or iPod.)
Follow Me Here, Sander’s remix of the Police song Message in a Bottle, was the trance tune three years ago but this Dutchman is more than just another producer. Working under the variety of different names, he is making arena-filling trance, house and techno that’s being battered by everyone from the calls of Carl Cox to Ferry. His set fits in everywhere, especially in Godskitchen, and for some clubbers every night is Sander’s Night.
He is undoubtedly one of the most in-demand performing DJs in the world with a diary that boasts the biggest clubs, arenas and festivals, but Sander feels as much at home catering to the intimate crowds as he does playing to the masses.
The year 2008 brought with it a new chapter for Sander van Doorn including his own online TV channel at Selfcast.com, where some of his biggest shows are streamed live to massive audiences. He became an ambassador for Dance4Life, scooped an award for Best Breakthrough Artist at the IDMA’s at WMC 2008, and received a nomination for Best Underground Dance Track for Riff.
Ibiza 2008 also brought new developments for Sander with another residency at Judgement Sundays, headline sets at Cream and yet another award for Best Breakthrough Artist at the Ibiza DJ Awards. The main stage at Dance Valley and Global Gathering also cemented his stature as one of a new breed of superstar DJs. His most remembered appearance was in 2002 before a 90,000 solid crowd under a heavy rainfall. Now that is what you call passion for dance music, never mind the mud, rain or the hills of the valley — everyone in one beat. It kind of strikes me when I recall some of the “so want to be scene” clubbers complaining that a local gig is too hot or too crowded. Clubbing is passion, so step up and just dance.
All Sander’s tracks seems to work in the big room. With a testimony from Armin van Buuren who said Sander is the master of soundscaping, which is more important in dance music, you can see he spends a lot of time balancing the sounds he uses without making it too clean; indeed, he brought the groove back to trance.
On the release front comes a surprise remix for Robbie Williams, which follows a hugely successful take on Sia’s The Girl You Lost, and there’s also brand new original material to be unleashed.
Topping things off, Sander’s new online home is born, a very nice website with some very cool and functional features.
With Top 100 voting once again upon us, we wait with baited breath to see where Sander will reside this year. This could be another interesting year for the top DJs.
If you are wondering whether Sander Van Doorn will make his way to Manila, I can assure you this will happen very, very soon.
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This is where your music education starts, right here in “Beat Generation,” Young Star section every Friday. For comments and suggestions feel free to e-mail me at rickydaker@gmail.com.
