Menno de Jong has long been one of the most respected Trance DJ/Producers in the scene today. It was back in 2004 when he first burst onto the scene as a 20 year old with his debut production ‘Guanxi’ which was signed to Anjunabeats. Since then he has remixed for the likes of John O’Callaghan and The Thrillseekers as well as producing outstanding tracks such as ‘Spirit’, ‘Turtle Paradise’ & ‘Never Lose The Magic’
Having now spun in over 25 countries, the Flying Dutchman has played at clubs and events such as Godskitchen, Gatecrasher, Global Gathering, Tomorrowland and Sensation White. This NYE Menno will make his Trance Sanctuary debut as he headlines their exciting party at Studio 338 in London. With it being the biggest date on the clubbing calendar, we thought we should find out a bit more about the man who will be at the controls on this special night.
Hi Menno, where do we find you today and what have you been getting up to?
I've just got to my studio in Haarlem, just outside of Amsterdam in The Netherlands, where I live. So far getting emails done before starting on some new music ideas for upcoming collaborations and solo singles.
I read that you were just 17 years old when you started DJing. Going back to that time, who were inspirations as a DJ?
I grew up listening to Tiesto, and shortly after also Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten and Paul van Dyk. But basically I was listening every bit of Trance I could get my hands on.
You will be the 6th Dutch DJ after Estiva, Juventa, Jorn Van Deynhoven, Signum and Artento Divino that has been booked at Trance Sanctuary in their relatively short history. It’s fair to say that The Netherlands produces a lot of DJs, so why do you think Trance and dance music in general is so popular in your country?
Trance and electronic music in general is so engrained in our society that we catch on from an early age. Music is as much a cultural and social phenomenon as well as entertainment and so it's really easy to learn from each other and help each other in such a small country.
Tell us about your year so far, what have been the highlights?
This year has been great so far, after making some chances to my studio setup and DAW things are starting to speed up quite a bit. This year I've done remixes for the UK's Chris Porter and John O'Callaghan, Svenson & Gielen's classic 'Beauty of Silence' and released a new solo single on In Trance We Trust called 'Any Other Day'. There's a new vocal single lined up for the beginning of 2014 which will be followed closely by a collaboration with UK duo Stereojackers. As you can read this year has seen a strong connection accross the pond!
That remix of 'Beauty of Silence' has just been released. How did the opportunity come about to be able to remix the track?
It came about in a funny way, I was making an original track for myself but for some reason I couldn't find the right melody for it. After hopelessly trying everything (this is the producers life haha) a light went on in my head and I thought – wouldn't that melody work nicely here?
The track was then finished in 2 days and when I played the remix to Johan Gielen, who together with Svenson has been a great inspiration to me, he was enthusiastic. We sent it to Hight Contrast / Be Yourself Music who own the rights of the track and they were up for a re-release so I was very happy about that!
In a lot of your recent set's you have been playing the more uplifting/banging side of trance. Do you think that 138-140bpm sound has had a bit of a resurgence this year?
There has been a lot more good Trance available lately indeed, and a large part of it can be credited to UK producers. Also, the Trance events in the UK seem to be exceptionally good these days, it always has been and still is one of my favourite places to play.
So you will make your Trance Sanctuary debut on NYE at Studio 338 in Greenwich, London. What have you heard about the party and what are you most looking forward to about it?
I have heard good things about Trance Sanctuary, I can't wait to play for what I've heard is a crowd that loves their Trance, and parties hard! Especially on a special night like NYE.
What can the crowd expect from your 2 hour set?
It's New Years Eve, so there are going be some belters in there of course!
What do you like about London as a city?
London is amazing, and is really convenient as it’s just an hour on a plane from Amsterdam. I've been on countless city trips there and always enjoy coming over to DJ too.
Outside of music, what other interests/hobbies do you have?
I like swimming, running, watching movies and traveling.
You have been DJing for over 10 years now now, what's the funniest moment you've experienced whilst DJing or at an event?
I vaguely recall a certain Andy Moor trying to give me a piggy back ride, and also trying to get me to sit on his neck. It was amusing but I did feel slightly violated :-)
Finally do you have a new years resolution and if so what will it be?
I feel every day is a new day and you don't need to wait 365 days to make good resolutions. I became a pesco-vegeterian this year and took up swimming, two things I plan to keep going for 2014!
Thanks for your time Menno, see you on the 31st December.
Thanks a lot, I look forward to seeing you all then.
For more information about Menno De Jong, please click here
For more information about Trance Sanctuary NYE at Studio 338 in London, please click here
All images courtesy of Menno de Jong. Not to be reproduced without permission.
*****Tickets*****
£18 Early Bird Tickets SOLD OUT
£22 Advance Discount - SOLD OUT
£25 Standard
Purchase from
Skiddle - http://skdl.it/17KL3Dt
Viewtickets - http://tinyurl.com/VIEWNYE
Following on from our sell out event last year, Trance Sanctuary are please to announce we will once again be holding NYE party!
Since launching in March 2011, we have held 16 events in 3 different venues across the capital. This NYE see's us pack our bags and move over to the newly refurbished Studio 338, which is only a stone's throw away from the 02 Arena. We will be taking over the Gallery room on the top floor of the club which has a capacity of 400 and we can't wait to see all our DJs in action.
Last year many people were left disappointed when tickets sold out week's in advance. So make sure you purchase now to guarantee your place on the TS dance floor.
Studio 338, 338 Tunnel Avenue, Boord Street, Greenwich, London, United Kingdom SE10 0PF
Nearest Tube North Greenwich (Jubilee Line)
Flyer:
Region:
London
Music:
Trance.
DJ's:
Trance Sanctuary NYE at Studio 338 (Gallery Room)
Menno De Jong (Trance Sanctuary Debut)
Ali Wilson (Black Hole Recordings)
Mark Landragin B2B Lewis Duggleby
Alan Banks James Rae (Discover Records)
Annalisa
LXJ B2B Andrew Sharpe
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