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PVD Chats on Radio 1 - Read it here !!!
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| Kytracid |
I dunno if ppl have already read this but i found it quite interesting so I'm pasting it here.
Paul Van Dyk - King of Trance
3rd November 2001
Paul Van Dyk has just been voted the number four DJ in the world. The German DJ, is better known to many trance fans by his shortened name - god. Answering fans questions in a live web chat Paul got the chance to share his thoughts on the current dance scene, contemplate life as a cartoon character, and give us an idea on his plans for the future...
Cath Stewart: What is so different about this mix CD than any other Ministry mix CD?
Paul Van Dyk: The main difference is that they aren't just mixed together in a DJ style. They are ripped apart and put back together, they're special remixes for this album.
DJ Timmus: What inspired you to come up with Another Way?
Paul Van Dyk: After the trouble I had with my former label I was disappointed with the music industry. I went back to what I enjoyed most, which is making music.
J Holt: Do you like the country of Colombia then?
Paul Van Dyk: No, because you are away from the studio and home! The reason it (the song) is called Columbia is because of the venue Columbia Hall in Berlin.
Chandler: Do you think that "For an Angel" is the best tune you've ever made? I sure do!
Paul Van Dyk: No, I don't think so. It's definitely the most recognised tune I've ever made - it just got voted the second best dance track ever. It's a special tune for me, but not the best. It's not a problem, I understand it. When I went to Depeche Mode I wanted them to play all the old stuff!
Helen D: What is your favourite Smith's record?
Paul Van Dyk: It's called 'Half a Person'. It's a very beautiful song and reminds me of old times. I don't have a direct musical connection with The Smith's but I listened to stuff like this when I was a kid...
colin Alison: Would you ever consider using a Morrissey vocal for one of your tunes?
Paul Van Dyk: No! I don't think Morrisey's vocals would fit my music.
ArturoBonetti: 'Out There' the new song on Columbia EP, was very different from your old and current style. How did you come up with this track?
Paul Van Dyk: I don't think it's so different from my old style. People pin me down to one sound. If you listen to the full back catalogue there are more minimal, banging tunes.
JC: Do you prefer making instrumentals such as 'For An Angel', or tracks with vocals like 'We Are Alive'?
Paul Van Dyk: It's down to the vocals and to the voice of the singer. I don't prefer one or the other. It depends on the feeling of the track. In terms of vocals - so far I like 'We Are Live' with Jennifer Brown and the track I've done with my wife. They're very special.
DJ Timmus: Do make your tunes easy to mix in on purpose? If so keep doing it - it makes a lot of DJ's lives easier!
Paul Van Dyk: Of course I do, as a DJ myself I know what's helpful. It's annoying when there's an amazing record which is **** to mix.
Carl: Why did you like Darude 'Sandstorm' so much? So many people thought that it was crap and cheesy!
Paul Van Dyk: I think I played it about 3 or 4 times, but it was always when it was recorded. I didn't play it as much as people think. If it had been an underground release people would still play it. Even though it's cheese it's still cool!
Celestial Me: Paul Why did you become a DJ?
Paul Van Dyk: I didn't choose to be a DJ, I made tapes for my friends and myself to listen on the way to parties. They passed it on to producers in 1991 when it all happened. I had an apprenticeship as a broadcast technician. I had to stop when I left East Germany. I was also a carpenter.
Ian Craig: What difference did the wall coming down have on your life?
Paul Van Dyk: A big one - it had the same effect on me as anyone else in the West. I left before the wall came down so maybe my life would be the same, but all our lives were changed by this event. One of the biggest things in the last century. Maybe that I don't take things for granted. Nothing in East Germany was easy. The easiest way to understand it is like chocolate - a bar for Christmas was a big thing! I was fortunate to grow up in East Berlin so I could listen to the best radio station.
Jamie John: How do you feel about getting voted number four in the DJMAG top 100?
Paul Van Dyk: I heard it yesterday. I'm very honoured - a big thank you to everyone who voted for me. I don't know the listing, who's in front or behind.
Carl: Who do you think should have been top of the DJ mag 100 best DJ's?
Paul Van Dyk: I think someone like Nick Warren, Dave Seaman and many many more. But there's only space for 1!
Zah Taher: Who do you consider to be your rival?
Paul Van Dyk: I don't know. I am self critical, if you make art on a serious level you have to be. There are people you like more than others, but I wouldn't call it a rival thing.
Holly Kilham: What did your T-shirt say when you played at the N.E.C last Saturday? I couldn't work it out!
Paul Van Dyk: I don't know! Van Dat, I think. What colour was the T-shirt Holly?
Eye Q: Why do you think the German nation is so good at making top techno/trance records?
Paul Van Dyk: Its a few people with a free mind. There are as many amazing people in the UK and US, and in the old days all those people came from Belgium and Holland. Electronic music is a world wide youth culture. What's important is giving people a good time and making them dance.
Ville Tikkala: I read from one Paul van Dyk interview that he might use guitar on his next album. What kind of guitar is it?
Paul Van Dyk: It could happen. Sometimes I play the guitar to chill out and try to get out of the studio. Sometimes it's really cool to sit in the garden and play. I don't like putting a rock riff over a dance track or the other way round.
Keqka Keqi: What does it take to be a good DJ?
Paul Van Dyk: The ability to interact with the crowd and at the same time have a clear idea about your own sound and professionalism. My biggest asset is combining these.
TimB: Do you think that your most known tune, the one who put you on the map with the non-trance lovers, 'For An Angel', will get another remix?
Paul Van Dyk: It's in my hands, not the record company. Probably not.
CJ: What UK gig do you enjoy playing most and why?
Paul Van Dyk: The thing is I don't have a favourite, but I have a great time in places like Gatecrasher and Cream. The UK festivals are great. I always do my best.
JC: Paul, I heard you play a blinding set at Gig on the Green this summer. Which of the events you've played in the UK so far this year have you most enjoyed?
Paul Van Dyk: Gig on the Green was very special in that it wasn't only a dance festival, and combining Eminem and Marilyn Manson on the same night. I arrived too late so I didn't see Marilyn. I tried to check out Eminem...but it stopped after some incident with a weirdo! I don't think this sort of music is good to play at festivals - it's better in the house, or in a proper club. It didn't come across at the festival, but the album is amazing.
Michael Jay: You've been able to sustain such an incredibly dynamic set list from one week to the next for as long as I can remember. Where do you find new tracks, and how do you find the time to research?
Paul Van Dyk: I get a lot of music sent to me. I have a small turntable with me a lot of the time to listen in hotels. It's a small portable one.
Tamara T: You've said that you'd like to do work with Eminem...are you going to pursue it?
Paul Van Dyk: What I said was that I enjoy working with people who have a clear idea about their own sound - like Eminem. But no, I'm not going to pursue it.
Zah Taher: Do you accept the idea of ectasy being the base of all clubbing?
Paul Van Dyk: No. There are people obviously not taking ecstacy.
Louise Niblock: When I was at Heizkraftwerk in Munich you lost my silver pen after autographing my CD, any chance of a new one- I bought it in Karstadt in Germany!
Paul Van Dyk: I'm very sorry about that - if I see you again I'll give you a pen!
Tom Starr: Your Love Parade sets have been some of your best sets ever. How do you pull off such a magical mix in twenty minutes?
Paul Van Dyk: I try to put the essentials of my favourite records into the 20 minutes.
Jaimee D: What makes the Love Parade so different from playing at a festival?
Paul Van Dyk: It's not a festival - its a gathering of over a million people to celebrate tolerance and a cosmopolitan way of living. It's a real event, not fake.
Holly Kilham: Do you ever go to watch other DJ's as part of the ordinary paying crowd?
Paul Van Dyk: When I have the chance, yes. My schedule doesn't give me much time. I could get to gigs early, but I prefer to rest and be 100 per cent fit.
Louise Niblock: I'm very honoured that you stole my pen you can keep it as a gift from me!
Paul Van Dyk: Thank you very much.
Andrei: Why haven't you released "Autumn" considering it's been appearing in your sets since early last year?
Paul Van Dyk: It will be released on Ministry's 'Politics of Dancing' CD. There's no reason why it won't be a single.
J Holt: Seen as you do so much flying, are you worried after the terrorist attacks in America?
Paul Van Dyk: I worry about terrorism, not so much about flying. I cancelled the weekend after September 11th. It didn't feel right being in front of people expecting me to give them a good time. I just had a two week tour in the US. People appreciated that I went out there. One thing I realised, people are usually very outgoing. People are now much more careful, looking around themselves.
Suneel Basra: I am a devoted follower from New York...the people here need you!
Paul Van Dyk: Thank you very much, I'm looking forward to coming back, especially NY.
Louise Niblock: Do you get any people trying to snog you after gigs? What do you think of you adoring female fans?
Paul Van Dyk: Hmmm...they should treat the people they love with a certain amount of respect.
Christian: When was the last time you threw a superstar tantrum and what was it about?
Paul Van Dyk: I don't think I have stuff like that. It has nothing to do with being a DJ. Yesterday my phone didn't work and I threw it against the wall. It has nothing to do with being a DJ though!
Puni: What’s the most ridiculously expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
Paul Van Dyk: My studio. It cost around...a hell of a lot of money. Most of my income.
Grovesie: I am in a right stinking mood. What would you play me to lift my spirits?
Paul Van Dyk: A difficult question if I don't know you. There's not a particular record that lifts my mood.
Bedroom DJ: Where did your love for trance originate?
Paul Van Dyk: I don't know - the first I heard was in '85 on the radio. Maybe then. The first record I wrote the name down was the Transcendental EP - Ron Allan.
Ville Tikkala: I am from Finland and I listen your radio show on Fritz via Internet. Why do you do that show? Do you want people to find new kinds of artists and music that way?
Paul Van Dyk: Of course, that's one issue. The other is that its a radio show you can listen to in that part of Germany, to find out what's new. I have to find the time in Berlin on Wednesday nights or pre-record it.
Bedroom DJ: What's currently the tune from your box that gets the punters rockin'?
Paul Van Dyk: A record called NU-NRG - it's called Dreamland.
Carl: I know you don't like to categorise your music, but what do you think of hard house?
Paul Van Dyk: Hard house is an essential part of a club night out when I play, but where does hard house start and techno end? I don't know.
Twinkle Star: Why did you stop playing for at least five minutes at the Mayday Mezzanine ball?
Paul Van Dyk: Did I? Someone was putting something in my glass - I wasn't aware of what was going on. And I was very angry - it wasn't down to my own mistake.
Pete Mistry: Are you likely to play anywhere else in the UK apart from Gatecrasher/Cream in the next year?
Paul Van Dyk: Of course! Everywhere I think. Those are the two clubs who you think of which are always fun. I could name a thousand more. I'm tempted to play small clubs - it's not down to the money. I play small clubs for small money. It's about the vibe and the music.
chandler: Do you like the TV shows "Friends" or "Frasier"?
Paul Van Dyk: Yes. My favourite comedy - these are both pretty cool.
Puni1: Do you get to recognise the regular faces that turn up to your gigs? I'm the Asian girl that always gets you to play Born Slippy at Gatecrasher!
Paul Van Dyk: Yeah, from time to time I realise, but I get confused where I've seen people from.
Boss-Dyk: Have you come to South America?, why don't you play here in my country - electronic music is developing here.
Paul Van Dyk: I've only been to Brazil. I'm planning on touring in South America. We're trying to get things together.
Mr Greeder: What tune should I rush out now and get on viynl?
Paul Van Dyk: The Dave Swayzey thing - it's amazing. Brand new. I got it last week. Not banging, boring progressive house. It's very melodic.
Ross Jarvis: Do I ever annoy you when I pop up at the front of every crowd you play to in England?
Paul Van Dyk: No, it's not annoying to see people. Sometimes it's a bit tricky. Sometimes people think they are your best friend. I'd like it if they were more respectful of personal space. I do lots of signing and shaking hands, but it always has to be respectful. I respect them.
Holly Kilham: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
Paul Van Dyk: I would like to be my rabbit. I'd get the best treatment! A cosy cool small little animal.
Twinkle Star: Does it annoy or bother you that people sometimes refer to you as GOD?
Paul Van Dyk: Sometimes it scares me. I've been stalked - badly. I was scared.
Puni Cho: Do you think Underworld will ever re-release ‘Born Slippy’ with your remix on it? If so, when?
Paul Van Dyk: No. We tried to put it on the Ministry compilation...but Underworld wouldn't give us the rights. I don't know if it's tricky legal stuff behind it. I'm not mad at them - I respect their decision.
Carl: Are you friends with Sasha? Are you looking forward to his forthcoming album?
Paul Van Dyk: I'm looking forward to his album as much as everyone else. We are pretty good friends. but don't see each other much. I can't comment until I've heard it.
Essex Boy: Do you ever wish you did a 'normal' 9-5 job instead of late nights etc?
Paul Van Dyk: No! Sometimes I wish I had more time for my life and family, but I love what I do. The first two years when I also had a job were basically too much, a really hectic schedule.
Rising High: I'm doing creative music technology at Uni and I have to do an essay on the affects DJ's have had on the music industry in the last 15 years. What do you think?
Paul Van Dyk: If you try and focus on the industry itself they've made a very important marketing tool when they play a record a lot of people will go and buy it.
Hendrik De Clercq: Could you describe your character in three words?
Paul Van Dyk: there's no way! There's not even one word. I would be a very poor character if I could.
Lisa O: You are a contestant on Big Brother. What famous housemates would you like to share this experience with and what would be the first thing you would do on leaving?
Paul Van Dyk: I would never do such a thing. If I was forced to take someone famous - George Bush. Someone has to leave in the first week! The world is safer if he's in the house! The first thing I'd do when I left is hug my wife.
Louise Niblock: Would you ever star on The Simpsons or South Park, like other famous musicians?
Paul Van Dyk: Well, I really enjoy those two programmes. Being on South Park as myself would be really funny.
Mark: What a set at the NEC last week, it sounded like you played a lot of your own music. Was that your own remix of Ralphie B Massive?
Paul Van Dyk: Yes, I played a lot of my own stuff. And a lot of the Ministry remixes I've done.
Carl: Do you ever mix with CD's? What do you think of MP3 DJ'ing?
Paul Van Dyk: I never play MP3's. All the new stuff I play on CDs. Every good venue has a CD player. We use Denon or Pioneer.
Twink Happyhippie: Did you ever get into other types of music when you were younger?
Paul Van Dyk: No, I was into indie guitar music back then.
Schranz: Did you like Kraftwerk and Tangerine dream
Paul Van Dyk: I'm not much of a Kraftwerk fan. I like people who've referred to them as their heroes. People might expect it - but no. I like the go-betweens, Prefab Sprout, the Smiths, New Order....
Dizzy Steinway1: Is Paul Van Dyk your real name?
Paul Van Dyk: It's in my passport - so yes. It's pronounced Paul Van Dook.
Matthew: What is your favourite song of all time?
Paul Van Dyk: Probably 'Unfinished Sympathy' by Massive Attack. Outstanding.
Radio1 Hostess: That's all we have time for. Here's Paul with a final word...
Paul Van Dyk: Thank you to everyone who joined in. Thanks for the last hour! |
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| tranStreemAdmin |
| cool, i missed that, real questions, good info! |
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| Starfox |
i`m there :stongue: :stongue: :stongue:
jA babY :whip: :whip: :whip:
f0x |
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| djnaeblis |
SWEEEEEEEET! :)
much THANKS! |
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| Juricimo |
| quote: | Originally posted by Kytracid
Dizzy Steinway1: Is Paul Van Dyk your real name?
Paul Van Dyk: It's in my passport - so yes. It's pronounced Paul Van Dook.
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wow, Dook??? i didnt know that!!
>JM< |
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| flystyler |
| I posted a thread about this before the event, but it was taken off with that dodgy forum insident where loads of threads got wiped. Thanx for posting this. Very interesting, shame an mp3 question was not asked. He must hate mp3's |
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| kurai |
Wow thanks a lot
I really enjoyed reading this interview..
So according to him, there's a PVD remix of Ralphie B. - Massive? |
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| Starfox |
| quote: | Originally posted by kurai
Wow thanks a lot
I really enjoyed reading this interview..
So according to him, there's a PVD remix of Ralphie B. - Massive? |
u don`t have Politics, or do you? |
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| kurai |
| quote: | Originally posted by Starfox
u don`t have Politics, or do you? |
I have, but unfortunately no tracklist ;) |
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| VisionsofPVD |
Whats up Starfox,
Yeah im the one who asked him about coming to New York..i wished he answered some more questions that i had submitted..
Cant wait until DC... |
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