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We interviewed him on one of his very few days off his job allows him to set aside. We met in the Netherlands, of course. To be more precise, in Rotterdam. Our meeting point was a very central coffee shop, just before lunchtime.

Because of the time the place was pretty crowded, and this resulted in the first and rather fundamental problem. How would Ronald look like? A phone call to his PR agency helped narrow the field: "You can't miss him. I think today he's wearing a T-shirt with a skull printed on the front". That was a very useful hint, as a guy dressed like that came in immediately after. We couldn't possibly miss him.

Before starting any interview we always try to get a general idea of the person. Funny, unpleasant, eccentric, difficult to interview... Ronald immediately caught us by surprise by ordering a glass of soda water. We would have never expected it from someone who stays up all night to make people dance virtually all over the planet. Neither would we have expected to find such a funny, approachable and easy person, confident with what he is and what he does.

Ronald van Gelderen is 30 years old. He has been into music since he was 13. He has worked as a professional DJ for six years. "You just start with a programme on a local radio and find yourself involved in a job like this" he said. "Anyway, in the past it was different, and maybe easier in some respects ("easy" being an understatement here, as achieving success is never that easy. After all, talent is what makes the difference)" he continued. "Getting to produce a record was something really special, and not everybody could afford it. Production costs were high and technical equipment very expensive. Now with new technologies you just need a computer in your basement to easily produce a record. Producing a record is no big deal. But since almost anybody can do it, hitting the big time by gaining on competition is getting more and more complicated...".

A new single: "This way" sung by Ronald
This is a special moment in Ronald van Gelderen's professional career. Over the last few years he has made a name for himself all over the world in the field of "trance" music, a word which he actually defines a bit too much overworked. Together with DJ Tiesto, Armin van Buuren and Ferry Corsten, Ronald is now part of the internationally known top group of Dutch DJs. A few weeks ago he finished producing his new single "This way" (be yourself music), which marked a turning point in his career. Not only did he mix dance and pop music but for the first time he used his own voice instead of turning to other singers. "It was really exciting" he explained. "With this record I actually laid myself bare. I sang and wrote the lyrics. I don't like standard lyrics such as 'the sky is blue, I love you...', if you know what I mean. I try to give some substance to what I write. At first, I didn't tell anybody I was the singer, as I wanted to hear honest opinions. I was curious to know what other people thought of my performance". Ronald's curiosity was immediately satisfied. His single became a top hit and soon after it was included in his fellow DJs' music selection.

But Ronald's profession also means often travelling throughout the world for long periods of time. "On Sunday I'm off to Tunisia. Then I'll have to get ready for a trip to Australia". Europe, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Australia... are all set destinations in Ronald van Gelderen's tour. The busiest period used to be the summer. But when you become famous and successful seasons do not count anymore, and you are busy travelling virtually throughout the year.

We asked Ronald if there is a country where he has not worked yet but would liked to. "China" he enthused. "It must be great to work there. Hopefully, I'll be able to do it very soon. I know that some colleagues had to perform first in front of a sort of 'commission'. But once they were okayed the doors opened wide for them and a lot of work came in".

Nevertheless, Australia tops his personal hit parade, at least for the time being. "It's a totally different world, an amazing land; people are nice and nature is wonderful. The last time I went there I swam among the dolphins. It was an incredible experience. And then the kangaroos. You can't find them anywhere else in the world. That's why I love travelling so much. I like seeing things you don't expect to see and that not everybody has seen. I like being amazed".

A world-wide audience also thanks to the Internet
Keeping in contact with his audience is also key to Ronald's job. Hence the fundamental role of the Internet. Through the Internet everybody - all over the world - can follow his show 'r.a.w.' every Saturday. They just have to log on http://www.etn.fm. "This show made me aware of how big an impact can the Internet have on a world-wide level. After every show invitations flood in asking me to perform in places scattered around the world. Singapore or Japan, for instance, being the remotest".

I couldn't imagine my life without music
"Seriously, I just couldn't". That was his answer when we asked him what he would have done if he had not chosen this career. "Maybe something related to astrology, I don't know".

And what about the future? "I think I'll go on travelling a lot and producing records and music for advertising, or soundtracks. I might devote myself a bit more to the radio, one of my favourite activities. Going back to your question: I wouldn't change my life or job for the world".

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august 2006