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 It's been a while since we caught up with the dirty rocker Ronald Van Gelderen but we had the chance to get right up to date with all the very latest from the RAW Sessions Recordings creator...
Ronald Van Gelderen has come a long way from being one of the new faces on the trance scene and since his early audio gems 'Proceed' and 'Sustain'. He's one of the most established artists and DJ's on the circuit with a distinctly individual production style that has earned him fans all over the world. It’s been a while since we last gave him a grilling here on i:Vibes and since our last meeting, way back in 2005, Ronald has since hosted a very successful radio show 'RAW Sessions' (not his first by any means as he divulged in this interview) and just last year launched his very own label 'RAW Sessions Recordings'. He may be known to many as the dirty rocker but the only thing that’s filthy about Ronald is his music! That’s filthy in a good way and there is plenty of new material coming your way this year to inject some audio tech filth into those clean ear drums. His latest single 'In Control' will be out in March on his own imprint and for one we here at i:Vibes can't wait as its a sensational production effort. Right then, on with the interview:
i:Vibes: It’s a pleasure to have you on the site once again Ronald, the last time we had you under the microscope was way back in 2005 and my things have moved on since then. How are things for Ronald van Gelderen at the moment?
Ronald: Hahaha! Well, 2005 is a long way back, and things are good sir! Thank you. A lot of things have changed sins then. I think the biggest change is how I started representing myself as an artist when I do my performance. There has been a lot of talk going on about that in the past but I still feel very comfortable performing with the whole rock thing. Musically a lot has changed also. For starters, for a year now I am running my own record label RAW-SESSIONS RECORDINGS, which is still growing but doing very well at the moment and receives many support from all the big jocks. With the experience I had with Tsunami recordings and being an artist at High Contrast for five years, I had the feeling it was time for a change so I could do my own thing. We’ve just had our 6th release on the label and it is still going strong. The 7th release is on it’s way and will be my new single “In control”, which already had massive feet back.
i:Vibes: Your early musical influences were a mixture of Hip Hop and swingbeat as I’ve read from the archive. Are those styles that you still listen to today away from the dance scene?
Ronald: Yes, I think so. I listen to a lot of different styles of music. I love the new Jay-Z stuff as well as U2, Depeche Mode, Liam Galagher and Coldplay. Also the hip hop from back in the days like “Gangstarr” is something I can still appreciate.
i:Vibes: Have you ever been tempted to adopt any of those styles into your own productions?
Ronald: I did actually. “This way” most definitely carried the Depeche Mode influence in it and I wrote “Dirty Rocker” with a big influence by The Prodigy’s “Firestarter” .
i:Vibes: What or indeed who would you say has had the biggest influence on the style of music that you produce today?
Ronald: That would be Liam Howlett from the Prodigy. I obviously do not produce the same stuff but like to create the same energy in my productions. Vocal wise, Dave Gahan from Depeche Mode.
i:Vibes: Your sound has continuously developed over the years since your early hits like ‘Proceed’ and ‘Sustain’, records that introduced the world to Ronald Van Gelderen. Have you any plans to give those classics a new update?
Ronald: I have been thinking about it a few times but I see a lot of artist/producers re-making/releasing their big classics right now. But in my opinion it looks a bit cheap. It’s like trying to make a few more bucks of an old success. I recently saw a big trance record being re-released with about 10 remixes from all different genres. With all due respect, That’s just not my thing. But one new good remix from an oldie, one day..who knows..
i:Vibes: How would you describe the sound of Ronald Van Gelderen today?
Ronald: Like a stampede in your basement! Haha! No serious, I have a big love for the tech stuff lately and I’m still into the euphoric things so I’m trying to achieve a combo between those.
i:Vibes: With so many different styles gelled into your tracks, rock, tech, trance, techno and many other variations what is the creative process for when putting a new record together?
Ronald: Beats…I mostly start to create a pattern of slamming beats. When the beats are right the melody slowly develops in my head.
i:Vibes: Do you set off with a particular style in mind or just go where the creative juices take you?
Ronald: I definitely go with the creative juices but it all has to fit in the RvG prospective.
i:Vibes: Is it a different process, in terms of production, when looking at a remix to get the original across with the Ronald van Gelderen sound?
Ronald: Yes for sure! With a remix is mostly all you do cover the original with a RvG flavour/sauce, because the main melody or vocals are already there. With my own stuff I have to start from scratch and build it up from there.
i:Vibes: ‘Vinken Park’ was one you’re last recent single productions and a very good one at that. It splits into two moods with a dreamy atmospheric melody at the heart and surrounded by tough, rough, rolling build. How do you manage to find that right blend between the two for tracks like this?
Ronald: Like I said, I want my tracks to be energetic and euphoric. It’s not an easy thing but I still manage to get it done somehow. “Vinken Park” is a good example of how I want the label to be different! A lot of labels carry the same sound in every track they sign. I try to avoid that. “Vinken Park” was totally different from “Backstabberzz” or “Devil with a cause” but it still fits the RvG sound.
i:Vibes: Moving into a more uplifting mood was a track you did called ‘Rush’ back in 2008. What’s more rewarding, producing an uplifting melody to die for or coming up with a downright filthy bass line?
Ronald: “Rush” was more of a joke actually. I wanted to produce a record with the “old 1999 feel” to it. That worked well but I would not produce a record like that again I think. But as far as the melody, that was most definitely a killer one! Haha! But waking up in the morning and creating a filthy appendix churning baseline still makes me very happy!
i:Vibes: What are the latest productions that we can expect in the near future from you?
Ronald: I just finished and released a remix I did for a record I signed on my label. Adam Foley pres. Advanced “Live”. I’m very happy with it and it already receives a lot of feedback! Then my new single “In control” will be released in March which is a melodic techy banger! And right now finishing of another track containing vocals again.
i:Vibes: Out of all the tracks you have produced and remixed which ones have given you the most satisfaction?
Ronald: I think “This way” because It gave me the opportunity to develop myself also as a writer singer and not just a producer. And of course the track “Liam Rocks” which I wrote for my baby son. It contains a sample of the Johnny Depp movie Blown.
i:Vibes: The past few years have been very productive ones for yourself with the addition of your very own label, RAW Sessions. How did the move to set that up come about?
Ronald: Like I said earlier in the interview, the time was there to start doing my own thing. After 10 years of producing for Tsunami and High Contrast I felt like this was the path to follow.
i:Vibes: When it comes down to what artists you have produce for the label what is the process for picking the next RAW Sessions producer?
Ronald: I’m working together with Jorn Heringa from Spinnin Recordings when it comes down to deciding which tracks we release on the label. Spinnin Recordings handles a lot of stuff for my label which I, for the simple fact just don’t have time for. Sometimes I receive a track from someone and if I think it would suit the label I will check with Jorn what he thinks. The teamwork between Spinnin and me works out great!
i:Vibes: What artists out on the scene right now are you most impressed with?
Ronald: Sander van Doorn keeps impressing me all the time with his great diversity in producing. Benno de Goeij is producing wise one of the best out there who has taught me a lot in the studio in those years we worked together. He produces all the stuff for Jochen Miller now and works with Armin. Next to Benno also Eric Prydz, what can I say..Brilliant! And as far as the younger generation: Jonas Stenberg, Adam Foley and Evol Waves are definitely on fire!!
i:Vibes: You have just released a brand new single for RAW Sessions with a tough and rough tech juiced up production from Adam Foley under his ‘Advanced’ alias. How highly do you rare Adam Foley as a producer?
Ronald: I think Adam is one of those producers that can produce any kind of style in dance music. Looking at what he has achieved already. Very impressive. I am a proud label director to have someone like that on board!
i:Vibes: What future releases are in the pipeline for this year for RAW Sessions?
Ronald: A new Ronald van Gelderen, Also a new Jonas Stenberg vs. Evol Waves is on the way and most likely another smasher from Adam Foley.
i:Vibes: The label name is also the name of your weekly radio show which has hit over 134 episodes. With so many radio shows out there what are the tricks of the trade in keeping yours so fresh?
Ronald: What a lot of people don’t know is that I have been in the radio business sins I was 13 years old. Pirate illegal radio back in the days. Next to DJ-ing and producing, radio is another passion of mine. My radio show is not just a mix, like most shows out there. It is a real presented show. When I started with Raw-Sessions in 2006 I already knew I wanted to deliver a real show! The trick is to involve the listener in what you do as a radio jock. For 2010 I have a whole new concept planned for my show which is something no one has done before. Keep you posted about that! And remember, Raw-Sessions is also available as a podcast now at www.ronaldvangelderen.com.
i:Vibes: Not only a producer but your always a very talented DJ which has taken you all over the world and played at some of the biggest dance music events. For anyone who has not had the experience of a Ronald Van Gelderen DJ set what can they expect?
Ronald: Energy, energy, energy…In those 2 or 3 hours that I play I try to take as many people as I can on this euphoric energy trip. It’s like telling a story for a few hours.
i:Vibes: Over the years you have been playing around the globe where have been your favourite places that you have played at?
Ronald: Australia is still number 1 for me, but America is also a real fun place to play and to be. I actually love to play anywhere in the world. As long as the crowd and atmosphere is good!
i:Vibes: Which festival for you is the best one you have played at?
Ronald: Dance Valley festival in Holland. Always takes place in the summer which gives it a great vibe! The Sunrise Festival in Poland is also a crazy one which I would love to do again someday!
i:Vibes: Do you prefer playing at the smaller intimate club gigs or the huge festival arenas?
Ronald: I love to play at both actually, but sometimes it happens that a festival for 10.000 people turns out to be shit and a little club party amazing. so it’s always a surprise what to expect. But a dark mysterious club is something I can definitely appreciate!
i:Vibes: A lot of DJ’s now take some extravagant kit out on the road for their live performances. What is your setup you currently use when out performing?
Ronald: I’m not really into that whole “gadget” stuff (yet). At the moment I still do not get that whole thing of DJ’s bringing laptops and all that. For me all that laptop gadget stuff makes the thing about DJ-ing and what it’s all about disappear a bit. What I mean is, when you are concentrating on your laptop with all the programs and sequencers during your show it is hard to find the time to interact with the crowd. In my opinion a performance is 50% playing your music and 50% interacting with the crowd, to feel and see what they want. I see a lot of the younger DJ generation forget about that sometimes. But hey, maybe I’m just to old school!! Hahahah!!!
i:Vibes: What tracks have been kicking it with you so far this year? The amount of quality dance music just seems relentless at the moment it must be difficult just picking one from a particular genre?
Ronald: Well, “Backstabberzz” of course..hahah.. That was the first release on my own label with a massive Ummet Ozcan remix. So that tune is still very special to me. On/Off by Eric Prydz was a track I almost played in every set and is most definitely a 2009 slammer for me!
i:Vibes: Have you any future plans to collaborate with any producers in the near future? Maybe Marco V as heal so has a rough individual style to his sound that would make a tasty combination?
Ronald: A collaboration with Marco or Sander would be great! Maybe in the future, you never know. I actually always work alone in the studio. The one person I really had musical chemistry with was Benno de Goeij (Rank1). But collaborations can be a lot of fun so who knows!
Finally Ronald, we like to round things off with a quick fire five:
i:Vibes: Where are you right now?
Ronald: Schiphol Airport Amsterdam (on my way to God’skitchen Digital Newcastle)
i:Vibes: Which airport were you last at?
Ronald: Schiphol Amsterdam
i:Vibes: What’s one of your favourite gadgets at the moment?
Ronald: My brandnew iPhone
i:Vibes: How do you like your steak; Raw or well cooked?
Ronald: Rrrrrrraw!!!
i:Vibes: Where are you next playing live?
Ronald: Moscow, Russia
i:Vibes: Many thanks for taking time out for speaking to i:Vibes, were big fans of Ronald Van Gelderen over here and very pleased to see RAW Sessions the label doing so well with some superb releases. We wish you a very enjoyable 2010 until we catch up again
Ronald: Cool! Thanks mate! My regards to all the i:Vibes people who supported me over the years! And as always…..Keep it RAW!!!
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