Tiesto's career is punctuated by landmark achievements ' the first DJ in
the world to sell out a solo stadium event for over 25,000 people, he
scored a number one hit with his single Traffic, the first instrumental
track to reach the top spot in his homeland of Holland in 23 years. His
remix of Delerium featuring Sarah McLachlan's Silence was the first house
track ever broadcast on daytime radio in North America, (it became an
international dancefloor anthem and also spent eight weeks in the UK top 10
chart). He played live in front of billions of people during the Parade Of
The Athletes at the official opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in
Athens. But despite his meteoric success, Tiesto remains grounded about his
achievements and clearly loves making and playing music above the accolades
it brings.

On Black Hole Tiesto has released the Magik and In Search Of Sunrise
mixcompilation series, and most recent Nyana. His remix of 'Delerium
featuring Sarah McLachlan - Silence' was the first house track ever
broadcasted on daytime radio in North America and was eight weeks in the
U.K. top 10 chart.

Born in Holland, Tiesto became a DJ because he 'liked to share music with
other people. When I was younger, I'd listen to a radio show called the
Soul Show, and to Ben Liebrand's mix show, where he would remix and cut up
different tracks, and I just thought - I wanna do this!' Starting out with
a mobile show around the country, he progressed to student parties, and
then to three nights a week in a club, learning and perfecting his craft.
'music was always my first love but back then I didn't know it was possible
to make a living out of being a DJ... If I wasn't a DJ now though I'd be a
chef. I love cooking ' it must be because of the mixing element!' The
productions came later, in 1995. 'I really wanted to produce music that I
could play in my sets, because it brings much more fulfilment to the
process. I bought some samplers, some computer programs, and just started
working on it.' He makes it sound easy ' indeed, he makes it look easy as
10 years down the line his productions consistently bother the charts and
frequently reach number one around Europe.

In 1997 Tiesto, along with Arny Bink, formed Black Hole Recordings, the
label that launched the hugely acclaimed Magik. In Search Of Sunrise, and
Nyana mix compilations. The label grew to such proportions that in 2001
Tiesto started a sub-label, Magik Muzik. 'It's the home of records of mine,
or of people whose work I really believe in,' he enthuses. 'Everything on
Magik Muzik is what you'll find in my sets, which makes it more of my own
little project.' Some of the gems from Magik Muzik include 2001 anthem
Flight 643, his artist album In My Memory, and tracks from Umek, Mark
Norman and Mojado.

Though known primarily for his pioneering contributions to the trance
scene, Tiesto's style is now a mix of everything: 'trance, house, techno -
it's the best of all that the dance world has to offer. In 1998, I was
really a trance DJ, but now I've travelled round the world so much,
different influences have seeped in and I play a bit of everything. I think
the only way forward for DJs now is to play a diverse mix of sounds.'
Indeed, his brand of trance was always pushing at the constraints of the
genre anyway, featuring soaring vocals from the likes of Sarah McLachlan
and Kirsty Hawkshaw, spine-tingling breakdowns, and euphoric melodies at
every end of the spectrum. His productions, sets, and releases range from
peak time club heaven to the sort of perfect chill out that could reduce a
grown man to tears, and have at times owed as much influence to classical
music as to dance.

The many high profile gigs and shows have now taken Tiesto away from
exclusively playing clubs, and propelled him to become more of a mainstream
artist. 'Often at my shows now, half of the people are die-hard clubbers,
but the other half are people who know me from the radio, or from more
mainstream gigs,' he says. 'It's more like they're going to a concert, so
now I get a great mix of both worlds.'

In addition to this huge event, the album 'Parade of the athletes' is
released worldwide in October 2004, which contains the music from Tiesto's
set at the Opening Ceremony. Simultaneously, the title song of his 'Just
Be' artist album is climbing the lists and is heard on dancefloors
everywhere.

Describing the last few years as 'a journey of defining moments,' (as well
as the usual club successes, his shelves are groaning under the weight of
numerous awards ' TMF-Awards, MTV, Dutch DJ - and gold discs...) his
favourites include the second night of the Tiesto In Concert show in
Holland in 2004: 'I was really aware of what was going on, the music was
just right ' a mix of all my big tunes and new tunes, everything just felt
perfect that night. I played for nine hours straight, and it was my
favourite gig ever.' And, of course, being voted by the readers as the
number one DJ in the world for the third time. 'The first time it happened
it was so amazing, I was overjoyed. The second and the third time were
great as well of course, but the first time you're on the cover of that
magazine that is so respected by other DJs ' it's like winning an Oscar!'
Continuing to explore fresh avenues, Tiesto is currently experimenting with
new sounds in the studio, and writing more vocals himself. 'I'm not looking
for any big collaborations right now, I'm more interested in a burgeoning
talent ' someone whose voice is good, and that really touches you. A voice
should sound like an instrument to me. I've had a spell away from the
studio, relaxing and travelling, but now I'm really enthused about getting
back in there. I'm more open to doing remixes again. I like to hear a track
and right away know what I want to do with it, what I can make different,
and whether it'll work for me in my sets ' all my remixes have to be tried
and tested.'

The future for Tiesto promises yet further success, both as the solo artist
he's become and the DJ we know him to be. 'Another album, more remixes,
definitely,' he agrees, 'but it's hard to look too far into the future.
Every couple of months it seems that something new, unexpected and exciting
is happening!'

Sally Learmouth