DJ
Tiësto
Dubbed the biggest DJ in the world, Tiësto
talks to John Keay about involving young people in fighting
HIV
Tell me about Dance4life.
Dance4life is an global collaborative project providing a platform for young
people to get more actively involved in the fight against HIV. Some time ago,
Dance4Life asked if I would become their official worldwide ambassador. I
immediately knew it was something I wanted to do.
How can young people get involved?
With the Dance4Life school project, young people raise money through activities
they organise themselves. In return, a special event with all different kinds
of artists will be organised for them by Dance4Life.
Has HIV touched your life personally?
Not directly but I have met people with HIV and heard their impressive stories.
That was one of the reasons I chose Dance4Life.
How much did you know about HIV before you got involved with Dance4life?
I knew the basic info about how you could get it and what the precautions
are but I was unaware of the global threat it poses.
What is your main goal as Dance4life ambassador?
I want to help Dance4Life to create more awareness about HIV among young people
by helping them spread their message.
How did it feel sharing a stage with Bill Clinton, Kofi Annan and
Bill Gates at the Aids conference in Toronto?
I did not have the chance to speak to them because it’s such a big event
and everybody is doing his own thing. Next day, the people who attended the
event, said that the Dance4Life showcase was one of the conference highlights,
which was good to hear.
As a globetrotter, what do you think about countries with HIV entry
restrictions - the US for example?
I think that is total madness, pure discrimination and very sad.
You’ve had 1.5 million hits on MySpace and MixMag call you the
biggest DJ in the world. To what do you attribute your success?
I think it’s a combination of having perseverance and being progressive
in your style and performances. You must not give up when things don’t
turn out to be how you expected. That would be the most important advice I
would give to aspiring DJs.
What makes a good DJ?
It’s not just playing records. There are so many DJs you really need
to be different. There are ways to set yourself apart, for instance, playing
a unique style of music. I try to create my own sound which people like to
call the sound of Tiësto. Also I play a lot of my own productions which
other DJs do not have.
What was it like working with Maxi Jazz on the Dance4Life single?
I wanted the track to sound like an old Faithless tune meets Tiësto.
Maxi Jazz is an amazing artist with a great voice. I was really honoured to
work with him.
Does clubbing vary from country to country?
Normally, when people hear a good track, they yell and raise their hands in
the break. In Argentina this was the other way round, when the break comes
they sit down on the floor and when the climax after the break comes they
all jump up and go dancing again. That was really hilarious.
What is your No1 album of all time?
Beastie Boys, License to Ill. The record was way ahead of its time and it’s
a real party-maker. Every time I hear it I feel happy straight away.
• The Dance4Life single by DJ Tiësto featuring Maxi Jazz is availble
now.
• www.myspace.som/tiesto
