In a recent interview at the Amsterdam Dance Event, EDM Tips sat down with Ferry Corsten, a pivotal figure in trance music whose career has spanned more than 25 years. Known for his multiple aliases, genre-defining hits, and lasting influence, Ferry shared his thoughts on production, career longevity, and what keeps him thriving in an ever-evolving industry…
00:00 – Welcome to Ferry Corsten 01:41 – Why produce under multiple names? 04:02 – Ferry’s new album, “Connect” 05:05 – Ferry’s world tour “What the F” 08:51 – Doing things “not by the book” 10:20 – Balancing happiness with sadness 11:07 – Keeping rhythm in the breakdown 13:20 – How “Veracocha – Carte Blanche” was created 16:55 – The Gouryella “Gurgle” Bass – Mapping velocity to filter cutoff 17:45 – Creating groove in bass lines 19:27 – Essential “Producer Mindset” characteristics to develop 21:32 – Don’t be afraid to get a negative response 22:40 – Moving with trends without selling out 24:41 – The importance of staying up-to-date 25:53 – Running his own record labels 26:40 – Choosing HOW to react to negative comments 29:16 – Layering synths for a huge sound (and subtlety) 31:41 – AI – a threat or an opportunity? 34:01 – Workflow and arrangement 36:51 – The danger of over-producing an idea 38:40 – Ferry’s advice to anyone wanting to produce music
The Power of Pseudonyms
In the late ’90s, Ferry was producing music at an incredible rate. Due to exclusivity contracts with different labels, he adopted multiple aliases—System F, Moonman, Gouryella—to keep releasing fresh tracks. This allowed him to experiment across various styles while remaining adaptable and prolific. Later, he co-founded Tsunami Records, creating a pseudo “full roster” with his various musical identities. Each alias represented a different sound, making him a key innovator in electronic music and laying the foundation for the genre’s expansion.
Clean and Powerful Mixes
One of the defining qualities of Ferry’s work is his clean, powerful sound. Rather than over-layering synths, he focuses on single dominant layers that do the heavy lifting. By keeping arrangements simpler and letting each layer breathe, he achieves a fuller sound without muddiness. This clarity, combined with his deep understanding of each instrument’s role, gives his mixes that distinct “wall of sound” while preserving their impact.
Connect: Ferry’s Latest Album and the “What the F” Tour
Ferry’s upcoming album, Connect, set for release on November 22, 2023, marks a fresh approach to the album format. Rather than a traditional drop, he’s been releasing singles over time, letting each track shine individually before compiling them into a full album. Meanwhile, his “What the F” tour explores his discography with an all-original setlist, where fans experience the evolution of Ferry’s sound across the decades, from trance classics to new releases.
A Mindset for Longevity: Taking Up the Challenge
Ferry attributes his lasting success to a determined mindset and unwavering focus. When faced with setbacks or changing trends, Ferry chooses to take up the challenge instead of retreating. He shared that it’s always been a conscious choice to believe in his vision and push forward, even when doubted by critics. This resilience has been pivotal, allowing him to adapt without compromising his artistic integrity. His message for aspiring artists is clear: “Believe in yourself. Choose to take up the challenge, no matter what.”
Embracing AI as an Opportunity
With the rise of AI in music production, Ferry sees it as a tool rather than a threat. He uses AI to experiment with sounds and find new sparks of inspiration, viewing it as a “sparring partner” rather than a competitor. By embracing AI’s potential, he stays on the cutting edge, integrating new technologies into his creative process while staying true to his vision. Ferry’s open approach demonstrates a mindset of curiosity and adaptability, always exploring what’s next.
Advice for Aspiring Producers
For those beginning their music production journey, Ferry suggests a hands-on approach: deconstruct favorite tracks to understand their structure and arrangement, then swap out elements to make the track unique. This process builds a foundation in production, allowing new producers to develop their own styles while learning from the greats. For Ferry, it’s all about nurturing creativity, while never losing sight of your artistic values.
Final Takeaway
Ferry Corsten’s journey reminds us that creativity is as much about resilience as it is about talent. His career is a testament to choosing to face challenges, adapt to the times, and embrace new methods of creation. With Connect and his “What the F” tour, Ferry proves he’s not only survived the evolution of electronic music but continues to shape it, inspiring countless others to do the same
