Tijs Michiel Verwest, better known as Tiesto in the EDM scene, is a people’s performer. In the past two decades that he has been playing as a DJ, Tiesto has only followed one cue when it comes to churning his music — playing to the gallery. “I have no favourite tracks, per se. I enjoy spinning anything that the crowd seems to enjoy,” says the Dutch DJ who will tour the country this weekend. A Grammy nominee, winner of numerous MTV awards, Tiesto is the only DJ in the world to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds and to have performed at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games (Athens, 2004). Voted “The Greatest DJ Of All Time” by Mixmag in 2011 and ranked in the Top 3 DJs since the year 2002, Tiesto is a universal phenomenon — a fact highlighted over the years, by his collaborations with top artistes such as Kanye West, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Goldfrapp and many more. Having toured extensively for his gigs, Tiesto has a few favourites in terms of music destinations. “I like Miami. It’s unlike any other part of the United States with the tropical climate. Also because nightlife plays such an integral part in how the city operates. It’s always been like a second home,” he says. “I have been to India before and I think it has a great culture. I am looking forward to a warm welcome and a great party. I’ve heard that Sunburn has a very different treatment to their gigs and can’t wait to experience it.” Like most EDM musicians, Tiesto too is often faced with a critical view of his music by traditional musicians. It is often tagged as “out of the laptop” music by people who believe that live music should be about live percussion or instruments. “EDM music is out of the laptop, but only when you tell the laptop what to do, it does not have a mind of its own. There’s a lot of work that goes into creating your own sounds,” he says. For those who plan to tread the same path, Tiesto has just one message: “Always be original and create your own sounds,” he signs off.
