Misja Helsloot talks to us about meeting DJ Tiesto, his label Gesture Music, the Impulz theme, upcoming productions & remixes and also the arguments for mp3s amongst other things

i:Vibes: Dutch producer Misja Helsloot has been busy lately putting together the final touches to his latest release "Different World" in conjunction with friend and fellow producer Roland Kramer, here we speak to Misja about his life, his music and his opinions.

At 29 years of age, you've gone through a lot, especially since your first taste in records in 1992. How would you describe your journey in music, your first encounter with DJ Tiesto, your first CD compilation, and others?

Misja: At first, it was more of a hobby that just grew and grew, and I never thought I could make a living out of it. So in the beginning I did everything in my spare time and loved every minute of it. Back in 1994 I was still in high school (I am an Engeneer Information Technologie - Equivalent to a BSc in Information Technology) and met Tiesto at a record store which was on my way from school to my home. He was working there and helped me a lot with getting records and my first compilation "In Trance We Trust 001" into action. After that, bookings came up and I was ready to go my own way into the dance music filled world. Just after ITWT 001 I found out that a CD gives you a big "trademark", leaving an impression on listeners. At home I love playing CD's by Sasha and Digweed, even though it's something totally different from the ITWT sound. But besides listening to the music I played that style of music and I always try to combine progressive with trance.

i:Vibes: You recently formed your own label Gesture Music, where did the idea come for the label and what are you hoping to achieve with it?

Misja: The idea behind Gesture Music is not that simple. Together with Roland and Maarten we discussed the idea for a long time. We all released records at different companies and so we saw different ways of working to get a track released. We wanted to try and get the best from all aspects which we saw in those companies and to have it all in our own hands. I think when the music is yours and the company is yours you will work for 300% to make it work. So far only our own productions have been released. In 2003 there looks to be releases of other producers like Silver Piece (aka Revolt), Ozone (aka Airbase) and P.A. Groove. With all these releases we want to create the kind of promotion those artists deserve and in the end we hope to do more projects like Compilation CD's.

i:Vibes: And the latest track to come out on the label in conjunction with the massive Impulz event taking place to produce the Impulz Theme. Was there a particular type of song you and Roland had in mind when producing this track? or perhaps there was a theme you 2 had to follow?

Misja: We could produce what we wanted. But when you know it will be an Atnhem of and big event, it should be very easy to remember so vocals are needed and a nice lead. Before we started we listened to other theme's like DanceValley and Sensation. Those theme songs are huge, and we wanted to give it the same feeling but with our own flavours of music. Roland and I are different in music style as well; Roland is more proggie and I am more trancey, so the track was born out of different examples and different styles. "A Different World" was the title for the event so all matched up in the end.

i:Vibes: With numerous compilations under your belt, which one has been your favourite, and what are plans for more compilations if any?

Misja: I have two favorites. Sorry for that, Ha Ha Ha Ha. The first one is ITWT 001. Not because of the style or the music, but just the fact that the CD means to me. Without that CD I would not been where I am now. That CD gave me a lot of opportunities which I took all of! If I could do ITWT 001 over again it would sound more like ITWT 007 so I am glad Black Hole gave me an other chance. My favorite in music and style is my last CD "Capital". This is exactly how I would play now in a club. At the moment I am working on a new concept, I am not sure where it will be release and when. I will see what my opportunities will be, but I will let you know of course.......

i:Vibes: On the production front, you have the Different World production out this coming week, a project with DJ Dazzle under the Birds & Blokes guise and another collaboration with DJ Ton B, what more is to come in terms of solo productions in 2003?

Misja: The collaboration with Ton TB will be release soon on Combined Forces under the guise MTB. Beside that I did a track together with Johan Gielen. When that will be released I don't know. Of course it will be ID&T because that's where Johan is at. Together with another Johan (van der Hurk) I am working on a project called "No Control" and so far we have three tracks finished but we don't know what we are going to do with it. We recently did a remix for Soulvation here in Holland.
Next to all this I am currently working on my follow up for my solo project "Misja Helsloot". But this will take some time.

i:Vibes: And as 2002 comes to a close, how has the year been for you in general? The industry as a whole has seen numerous setbacks, primarily the downturn of the economy and a lack of parties in general.

Misja: Well the way you ask the question would suggest it has been a bad year, but not at all for me!!! I got lots of gigs, started my own company, sold a lot of my debut single, licenced to the UK (EVE Records) and produced an Anthem for a big event. Could it get better????

i:Vibes: (laughs) I guess not everyone in the industry has had it as well as you have this year! Anyway, Where do you hope dance music in general will head towards in 2003 and where do you think the focus will be in terms of music style?

Misja: As far as I can see it's getting better again. But more and more promotion will take over. Just releasing a track will not work anymore. The music business can be seen as changing into a lot more of a commercial business. Some will dig that and some won't, but when your heart is with the music you will stick with it.

i:Vibes: and Where will you be on New Years Eve?

Misja: First I play in Amsterdam in club XtraLarge (http://www.xtralarge.nl) and afterwards I have to play in Eindhoven in club 5611. So both gigs in Holland.

i:Vibes: Christmas Day?

Misja: At home eating. Haha

i:Vibes: The biggest up and coming tune we should all be looking out for?

Misja: Ozone - Ionize
So far a little few got the track on CDR, it will be released on Gesture. But it's just just massive.

i:Vibes: What about the advent of digital media. Do you think it has damaging effects to the industry as the RIAA have mentioned and even so, is it applicable to all labels and artists big or small?

Misja: I think it damaged a little, but I think all the companies exagerate a little. For example. The new CD of Madonna; I would never buy it, but now I downloaded it. But I think that people who always buy her albums still will and because of the economy people buy less CD's. Of course there will be some who will download it you can't stop that but why did the sells of CD's grow in the USA??? Because ot the price. In Europe CD's are expensive. If they drop the prices that would help as well.

On the other hand, without the Internet I would never have played all over Europe. My CD's are available on MP3, even in countries where it's not in the shops. So new promoters hear my music.

i:Vibes: Finally, what would you like to say to the people out there?

Misja: Hope to see you all, some where on this globe on the other side of the desks.

Misja Helsloot Artist Profile

Gesture Music

Misja Helsloot's Site