Richard Durand Interview

Richard Durand is one of the hottest new trance DJ and producers to emerge from Holland. Richard Durand's sound is trance, techno and tough electro in a unique package that's both dynamic and devastating. Durand has an impressive line of amazing productions including remixes for Tiesto such as Lethal Industry, Flight 643 and Break My Fall as well as many solo producer tracks including Make Me Scream and Slipping Away. Richard Durand remixed Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars and has supported Armin van Burren, Paul van Dyk and Eddie Halliwell tours, worldwide.

Durand is an outstanding DJ able to use 4 x CD decks and effect units to create a whirlwind performance that turns crowds into a massive frenzy as he showcases his passion to music. Crimson Communications confirms that "Richard Durand's show-stopping sets and crowd pulling DJ status is confirmed by his DJ diary reading like a who's who of A-list events, headlining global festival brands such as Sensation, Trance Energy, Planet Love, Coloursfest, Tunnel Electrocity and Summer Of Love, plus leading club brands including Godskitchen, Gallery, Gatecrasher and Slinky, a standout summer residency at Judgement Sundays in Ibiza and tours to every corner of the globe".

Airport and Killrockstar Entertainment Present: In Search of Sunrise: South Africa National Tour Dates:
In Search Of Sunrise 8 - South Africa Compiled & Mixed By Richard Durand available now.
Friday 10 September Family Nightclub (Brisbane)
Saturday 11 September Palace Theatre (Melbourne)

Interview with Richard Durand

How did it feel to hear your songs played all over the airwaves?

Richard Durand: It's a nice feeling as its confirmation that people somewhere are liking the music I make!


How would you describe In Search Of Sunrise 8?

Richard Durand: Taking over the CD series from Tiesto I was conscious to not change the original concept while still selecting tunes that I really liked personally, and I was lucky to have a huge selection of tracks on offer when I was mixing the compilation. Trance as a whole has changed a lot since the release of ISOS 7 two years ago, so I'll leave it up to the audience to make the final call on how ISOS 8 shapes up musically.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Richard Durand: I rarely listen to music outside of work. When I'm in my car I always listen to news or talk shows!


What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Richard Durand: My 'Night & Day' single featuring Christian Burns is out this month and I've recently started the In Search Of Sunrise radio show and Podcast. Looking ahead into 2011 I'll release a new artist album at the beginning of the year before returning to ISOS to mix the ninth release in the series.
New album in 2011 and ISOS 9 in 2011. And in between of course new singles. Radio show also


Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Richard Durand: Never! I love this job to much.


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Richard Durand: I like both sides to my work equally. Recording in the studio is a gradual creative process, while playing my music to fans is more of an instant buzz and reaction.


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Richard Durand: I played the piano since I was a little boy and when I became older and started clubbing, met some friends who I'm still working with now in the music business, and in the process have brought my early musical knowledge over into modern day dance music.


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Richard Durand: My first artist album 'Always The Sun' was an intense project, making 15 new tracks in just three months. I was locked in the studio most days!


What's a typical day like?

Richard Durand: During weekdays I'm always in the studio, either working on new tracks or the radio show, while at weekends I'm always on tour somewhere DJing (although most of this time seems to be spent in airports!)


What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Richard Durand: The relative freedom of my working life. I feel very lucky to be travelling around the world and meeting new people every weekend.


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Richard Durand: All time artist? It would have to be Michael Jackson!


Do you have a website fans can visit?

Richard Durand: www.richarddurand.com and www.myspace.com/richarddurand


Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Richard Durand: Nice friends, good home, minimum stress, good food… and a nice girlfriend!

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Richard Durand
Nickname(s): None (that I'm aware of!)
Star Sign: Aries
Music Talent: Piano
Favorite Food: Indian
Favorite Film: Avatar
Favorite Actor: Johnny Depp
Pet: Cat
Best Feature: Always happy!
Worst Feature: Chaotic
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Barack Obama
Hobbies/Interests: Movie and Sports
First Job: Army
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: At the moment none really, but I was definitely a clubber a few years ago
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: My MacBook Pro
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: "It's to early to get up! Let me sleep!"

Interview by Brooke Hunter