JORIS VOORN INTERVIEW

Marks this album the end of conventional compilation/mix albums?

"I don’t think so. Balance 14 is the result of doing things my way. Finding the kind of tracks that are interesting enough to leave untouched in a mix is something I have difficulties with. It’s a style thing - many of the tracks I play as a DJ aren't six minute arrangements that you can mix one after the other."

What does it take to convert a great track into an even greater remix?

"In my opinion a great track doesn’t really need a remix. It’s easier to work on a remix for an average track, or a slightly odd or different track - so you don’t feel the pressure to outperform the original. Usually the secret is to try and do something different, so you won’t be competing too much with the original track.

Did you have any mentors?

"I used to look up to certain DJs and producers when I started playing, if that’s what you mean. Derrick May was very inspiring to me because of his eclectic style of mixing House and Techno. But the artists I used to like back in the days have moved more to the background these days. Things have really changed."

What is the best and the worst remix you've ever done?

"Not sure if I should tell anyone that :) But yes, there have been projects that I decided not to release in the end because the results weren’t satisfying."

With Balance 14 you've taken things to the extreme - what will be next?

"I’ve started working on some new music recently, slowly building up for a new artist album, but no rush there. Besides that there are a few other projects coming up, like remixes and EPs for artists on my Rejected and Green labels."



Good tracks need no remix? That's an interesting approach for someone who never seems to stop cutting and slicing his (re)mix material! Truth is, with his style and skills, Joris can take things beyond the concept of a traditional remix or DJ mix. We were lucky enough to get a review copy, and Balance 14 contains amazing stuff indeed. Mind blowing? We'll leave that up to you.

Let's make one thing clear though. Putting these mixes together, Joris worked with the precision of a surgeon and with the heartbeat of a wizard - matching together every single part in a perfect new harmony. Where Dr. Frankenstein failed Mr. Voorn succeeded cum laude. Balance 14 holds a different kind of beauty.

Things have really changed indeed. A new Landmark has been set.

  Joris Voorn

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