Taras Van De Voorde

Taras Van De Voorde is your typical citizen of Rotterdam; a people who are not afraid to do things slightly different. Like the architecture of Rotterdam, Taras is always looking for new ways to innovative and this has not gone unnoticed. Pete Tong has been singing Taras' praises for his latest track The Game, and while both flattered and excited by this, Taras says "It's a good start." Nicole Hofman catches up with Taras to find out what he has in store next.


(Tracklisting below)

Pulse: Hi Taras, can you give our readers a quick rundown of who you are and what you exactly do? Taras: Hi. First of all, thank you for doing this interview. My name is Taras van de Voorde and I live in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Started DJ-ing around 1994 and in 2007 I started to produce music. I released records on Wolfskuil, Manual, Moodmusic, Noir, EC, Rebirth, Exceptional and many more.



Your previous hit 1998 was high ranked in the dance charts. You’ve just released your new track The Game. Do you have the same expectations for this track? Well, I hope so [laughs]. The feedback from all the DJ's and all positive reactions from the people on the dancefloor are amazing but we'll see where it will end up. Pete Tong played it in three episodes of his show, same as radio 538. Some big Ibiza compilation albums knocked on the door as well. So I think it’s a good start.

You’ve already received lots of positive feedback on The Game. Can you tell us what it does to you receiving feedback from big names like Pete Tong? I still think it is pretty unbelievable. You know, I make music just for fun and suddenly all the key players are playing your music. That gives a kind of weird but very cool feeling.



In another interview you mentioned that one of your goals is to create an album. Are you already working on it? No, I've changed my mind a little bit. At this time I’m just focussing on producing dancefloor music and in my honest opinion, it is useless to release an album with just ‘Taras van de Voorde dancefloor’ tracks, especially in these hard times of selling records. People don't buy (download) entire albums anymore, so I think it is a waste of time for now anyway.



Who or what is your main influence in music? And can you tell us why? My influence comes from everything around me but Michel de Hey changed my musical direction back in the mid 90's. I went to his 'future' club nights in Nighttown (club in Rotterdam RIP) and in that period I heard so many good 'different' records. Before that time I was more into the harder genres of house music, Gabber! 

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future? Are there any artists or DJs in particular where you're looking forward to work with? Well, not sure about that. But there is a collab coming out soon on Monique Musique which I did with Boris Ross, who is my neighbour. At this time we are working on our second single and that one is almost ready. Earlier this year me and Estroe made a tune together and this will be released this summer as well, including a super dope remix by Neil Quigley and Navar.



Over the last years you’ve played at major clubs and festivals in Europe, like Awakenings, Dancevalley, Paradiso, Barcelona (Raum), London (The Egg), Antwerp (Cafe d' Anvers) and Milan to name a few. Which places or festivals are on your “I would love to play there“ list? I like to play everywhere! Doesn't really matter but I would love to play more abroad! Love to meet new people and experience their cultures.



What’s on your schedule for the forthcoming months? I'm playing at a lot of festivals and clubs this summer, almost every weekend from now on. So, I’m really looking forward to it. Release wise there are remixes and releases scheduled for Adam K & Soha Twilight (Rebirth records), Taras van de Voorde & Boris Ross Don't Stop Us including a nice Surrealism remix on Monique Musique. 

Is there anything else you would love to share with us? Follow me on twitter and facebook to stay updated. 

Interview - Nicole Hofman

Taras Van De Voorde Pulse Exclusive tracklisting:
1. Bas Amro - Ten (Freerange)
2. Tim Wolff - Does That Count? (Taras van de Voorde remix) [Eevonext]
3. Mic Newmann - The Fidelity [Freerange]
4. Taras van de Voorde - The Game [EC records]
5. Taras van de Voorde & Boris Ross [Monique Musique]

Taras Van De Voorde on Pulse