Trance Energy has gained a reputation as the world-renowned Trance-only event, drawing the crowd from all over the world. On 3rd April 2010, a Dutch DJ and producer, Cliff Coenraad had the honours of opening the magnificent High Contrast Stage. Cliff is known for being a highly individual producer, a key member of the Dutch ‘Trance Generation 2.0’ collective and a DJ who re-imagined the trance genre into his own, fresh off-world sound. Agnes Klos talked to Cliff Coenraad after Trance Energy 2010.

Hi Cliff, thank you for finding time to talk to me. How are you after Trance Energy?
Hi, thanks for having me! I’m feeling really great. The gig at Trance Energy was again amazing! Had an awesome time and I think the people who were there had a good time as well.

You had the honours of opening the High Contrast Stage at Trance Energy 2010. Was it your first time playing at Trance Energy and how would you describe the last event?
It was my second time this year. The first year was really cool, just because I was part of a major event. The area I was playing in was pretty intimate, still big though for a couple thousand people but it was smaller compared to the stage I was playing this year. This year was even better because I had to represent the label I’m working for, High Contrast Recordings. Bigger stage, more people, it was simply amazing to be there!

How long have you been DJing and could you tell us more about your background please? What was your first contact with music and how did you end up being a DJ?
I’ve been DJing for quite a while now, started as a 12 year old at elementary school. I was listening to rave music, hardcore as well, just the typical Dutch rave. I was always busy making cut and paste tapes because at that time I couldn’t afford any turntables. Around that time I just performed at high school party’s playing hardcore music. I’ve always been busy with it practising at my friends who had turntables.

Years passed by, played everything from hip-hop to clubhouse to techno, trance, everything in between. I had my first release in 2005 and in 2006 I was building up my name pretty fast. Then in 2007 I got my first international gig in which was EnTrance in Poland. Now 3 years later I’ve played a lot of events internationally like Trance Energy, Mystery Land, Germany’s Love Parade, UK’s Digital Society and Goodgreef and many more.

Could you describe your musical style to those who have never heard you play live?
I always like to call it “Bootyshakin’ Music”. My music has a lot of drive, big riffs, beats you just can’t stand still to. Sometimes I like to go into deeper underground stuff but I also like to play a bit of uplifting stuff. I also like to play original and fresh music, just like the music I produce. Most important thing to me is that you can dance to the music that I play.

Do you plan your sets ahead or do you choose tracks on the spot?
Usually on the spot, I’m always on the look for new tracks. So I have my CD wallet prepared for any kind of event, warm up, peak time or closing sets. I like to be well prepared. Then I see on the night itself which tracks I’m going to play.

Every DJ has a defining moment in their career. So far, what has been yours and why?
I think it has to be my first international gig, EnTrance in Poland. From that time on it went straight up. Have to say last year’s Trance Energy was important to me as well. I also finally found my home label “High Contrast Recordings”. I started working with them end of 2007 and I’m really glad how it goes right now. Releasing quality music, like my track “Gone South”. It was released right after Trance Energy last year so you can say that period was pretty important to me.

How did you get involved with producing and what do you prefer doing: DJing or producing?
I started producing music when I was 14 years old. A friend of mine had a music program and introduced me to it. I was hooked from that time on!
I like to do both DJing and producing. The best thing for me is to see people going nuts on my own tracks when I’m DJing.

What is your favourite piece of equipment at the studio and what are your studio habits like?
My favourite piece of equipment is definitely my Mac Pro. It’s a beast and just had it for half a year now and it works great! Have to say I’m pretty mad on my Focusrite MixMaster as well. It’s a hardware compressor which has a great sound and nice musical EQ which bring the final touch to my tracks.

Which tracks are you the most proud of and where do you take your inspiration from while producing?
I’m most proud of “Gone South” and probably my remix for “Southside Spinners – Luvstruck”. I get my inspiration from anywhere. I get inspired from all kinds of music, travelling and personal events in my life.

Can you remember the biggest crowd that you played for and where it was?
I think it was EnTrance in Poland, 10.000 people, don’t know if Love Parade counts as well, but that event had over a million visitors!

What does a DJ need to do if he/she wants to be invited to such a world-famous event as Trance Energy? Can you give a piece of advice to those who are aspiring?
Just do your own thing and do what you love and makes you happy!
Release quality music and look for the best label to work with.

Describe an average day in your life.
Get up at 9am, going into the studio at 10, make music till 6pm, dinner at 6.15, working through some emails at 7, after that chill out time with friends or a movie.

What do you listen to on your Ipod?
Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and liveset recordings/podcasts.

Name three tunes of all times.
Hard question! But my favorite picks are Marco V – Tolerance, Tomcraft – Prosac (Tony H Yeah Remix) and Tony Walker – Fields of Joy.

Where in the world do you like playing the most? Do you have a favourite venue where you like coming back?
I always like the UK because of the enthusiastic crowd! Love it there!
I also like big venues like the Jaarbeurs in Holland where Trance Energy is being held.
There are a couple clubgigs planned for this year which I’m certain of that I would like to come back to after that, just keep an eye out on my website which clubs that will be.

What goals would you still like to achieve?
Take over the world with my bootyshakin’ music!
Playing every weekend on a different continent. And make that number 1 hit single!

If you could play back to back with any one DJ who would it be?
Dj A-track! His skills are just…. wooaaah!

What is your biggest addiction in life?
Beats!

Finally, what are your plans for the rest of 2010? Will we be seeing lots more of you?
Releasing a lot of music. Got about four releases planned for this year.
My new single is planned for May and a big anthem is coming up as well.
For the rest, DJing around the world. Going to visit Scotland, Ukraine, Poland, Australia and loads more.

Thank you for your time, Cliff.
Thanks for having me! =)