DJ Interview - Robert Nickson

Being a consistent releaser on world number one DJ Armin van Buuren's Armada label, and performing on festivals & events across the globe, Dutch DJ / producer Robert Nickson continues to build on his unique sound. His latest production 'Circles' has made it into the cd wallets of all major trance DJ's worldwide and has featured on Armin van Buuren's prestigious ASOT 2009 compilation. We take a moment to catch up with him on the eve of his 2nd New Zealand visit.

You played in Auckland last for Oxygen in 2007, looking forward to coming back? What do you like most about NZ?
Yeah I can't wait, last time was awesome. Really loved the crowd and New Zealanders are really friendly. Looking very forward to coming back!

Your new track, Circles, out now on A State Of Trance, has gained support from Armin van Buuren and Above & Beyond, with repeated plays on both A State Of Trance radio and Trance Around The World. How does it feel to have such big name support around your tracks?
I was quite surprised really at how often it was aired on those radio shows. Both Armin and Above & Beyond have featured it on their latest compilations which is obviously great. It's always nice to get support from guys you really look up to.

When Armin van Buuren was quoted as saying "If you ever have to explain to your parents what trance music is, play Spiral", and the mixmag review of said "When you die and go to trance heaven, this is what they'll be playing in the arrivals lounge", did you fear that your future productions would be judged against one tune? Did it make you raise your own standards?
To be honest, I didn't really think about it like that at the time, it was one of my first releases and I was thrilled with the all praise it got. I think it’s inevitable for future productions not to be judged against one track. But at the end of the day, you’ve basically got to do what you want to do or there’s no point. It’s better to focus on tracks you like and hope other people will like them too, rather than making tracks everyone likes except yourself.

Favourite event you have performed at?
Loads of events have really good, but more recently playing at the A State of Trance 400 even in Rotterdam. I got a slot last moment in the 2nd room, playing at the same time as Armin in the main room. I imagined it would empty out but there were still well over 1500 people there. Everyone there really seemed to be enjoying it, and perhaps best of all, everyone was there because they love trance.

What motivates you in the studio?
Hearing other people’s music, trance and other styles. It’s when I hear tracks I love and think “I’ve gotta do this! This could’ve been me!”.

Favourite drink to have in the DJ Booth?
Anything with alcohol will do!

What are your top 5 tunes at the moment?
In no particular order:

• Avenger - Orcha
• Dakota – Sin City (Rex Mundi Remix)
• Paul van Dyk – Nothing But You (Super8 & Tab Remix)
• Purple Haze – Bliksem
• Robert Nickson – ID

Describe your sound in one sentence.
Uplifting melodic bangin’ trance with a touch of fluff 

What inspires you musically?
I’d like to say everything around me, stuff I see everyday. But really, it’s when I hear other music, especially non-electronic music. There are movie soundtracks that create such an intense or emotional feeling, it makes me want to run back home to the studio.

What are your goals for the next year?
I really want to produce more, and more different styles. Maybe an album, but who knows.

Where do you see the trance sound heading over the next year or two?
Tough one. A few years ago it seem to go harder and techier, now it seems a little more melodic and slower on side, and faster and more bassline driven on the other side. I think we’re gonna see more of the 128bpm Anjunadeep style progressive-house trance. Lovely!

What was the most satisfying production you have worked on, and why?
I don’t think I’m the only one to say that I’m never 100% satisfied with a track. There’s always ‘one more thing’ you want to do, but at some point you’ve got to say enough is enough. It’s easy to say your latest track is your most satisfying, as you keep improving and learning new tricks.
So having said that, I think I’m working on my most satisfying production now ;)

What is the one place that you would really like to tour?
I hear so many great things about Eastern Europe, Poland, Russia, etc.. I’d love to get a piece of that action!

Could you choose a favourite passion between DJ'ing and producing?
No way! That's just too hard to choose. Producing a track is rewarding in so many ways, but then nothing compares to the adrenalin rush of playing at events and travelling all over the world.

..and last but not least. Any advice for upcoming DJ/Producers?
Produce, produce, produce! Get your tracks out and build a name for yourself! If you do a good job, the dj’ing will follow.

Catch Robert Nickson at Space - Auckland, for VACCINE on Saturday the 15th August