<b>We speak to Dutch trance DJ Ferry Corsten about his latest album, the state of dance music and Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World.</b> <b>You have performed regularly in the UAE, what keeps you coming back?<br/></b> The Emirates just have got so much to offer! The weather is nice, the people are friendly, the environment is special and the overall atmosphere is so different compared to Holland... There's much that keeps me coming back. <b>Have you had a chance to sample some of the country during your previous stay?<br/></b> Usually, there's not much time for me to discover the country itself. It's airport - hotel - venue - hotel - airport and that's it! Luckily, I've been to a few great places in the UAE. The ferrari world park was one. The rides were great especially Formula Rossa. <b>In terms of a dance audience, how do UAE audiences rate?<br/></b> For such a small population UAE has a great audience. And these people surely know how to throw a party! I'm usually overwhelmed by their enthusiasm. It's fantastic! <b>Are you happy with the reception WKND received?<br/></b> WKND has a an overall high appeal to my fans. I'm happy they like it. When it was released, I was quite nervous of the reactions. But those concerns were not necessary after all! <b>Is it difficult to market dance albums as it is mostly associated with producing singles?<br/></b> An album is something you can make people anticipate to on a longer period of time. It's far more special than just a single, because it defines you as an artist. It has been a challenge to market WKND, but it was an interesting journey and everything has worked out fine! <b><br/>Your sound incorporates different elements from electro, house, dance and techno. Has that always been the plan?<br/></b> Yes. My music is indeed a blend of these styles. Some people define me as a pure trance artist, but I'm not. I like to experiment and try new stuff with tracks. Use new elements in them. However, I always try to stay true to the typical Corsten sound! <b>What do you think of pop's embracing of dance music?<br/></b> It's both a positive and a negative development. The positive side is that more and more people are now confronted with dance music, and the community is growing world-wide. New artists show up from different countries and come with new styles. The negative side is the danger that dance becomes too commercial; producers create crappy music hoping they can make some money out of it. They become lazy, and the quality of dance music out there decreases. Let's hope people won't forget what dance is all about! <b><br/>Do you find with the growing popularity of dance music you are getting busier as a producer and performer?<br/></b> Yes. Every year I'm booked world-wide more and more. My gig schedule has become very complex and there's a lot to do. Also I'm getting huge amounts of interview requests every week. I'm very happy seeing the popularity of dance music grow so fast. <b>Do you approach a club set different to an arena gig? <br/></b> Yes I do, but it depends on the event itself and the crowd. Sometimes I decide to play many new tracks, while another time I chose to use more classics. I adapt my set to the kind of people I play for. <b>With big shows in arenas or festivals, is it tough to maintain that intimacy between a DJ and the audience?<br/></b> I always do my very best to maintain that intimacy, by playing what they seem to like most. It makes me smile watching people go crazy on my set and that increases the relationship with my audience. <b>What should Abu Dhabi expect from your upcoming show?<br/></b> Expect a spectacular set with a blend of new tracks as well as some classics and great remixes! It's going to be great, so make sure to check me out in Abu Dhabi! <i>Catch Ferry Corsten at Du Forum on Friday June 28. Tickets are Dh 150 from www.timeouttickets.com</i>
