Legendary Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten: I definitely had some memorable nights playing at Cream

In the world of trance music Ferry Corsten is a genuine icon.

Over the past three decades, operating under aliases such as System F, Moonman and Gouryella, as well as his own name, the 50-year-old from Rotterdam has helped shape both the sound and the scene. Twice-named Best Trance DJ at the DJ Awards, his talent has even been recognised by the Dutch King.

Having spent countless nights playing in the city over the years, on Saturday (March 9) Ferry returns to Liverpool with his What The F tour. Clubs editor Emma Johnson caught up with him for a chat.

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Thanks for your time Ferry. Where are you and how was our weekend?
I’m at home in Rotterdam. I played at the Colours 29th anniversary event in Glasgow on Saturday, as Gouryella for the first time in Scotland. So that was fun.

Have you had a busy start to 2024?
I actually took January off to spend more time with my family, and in the studio to work on my upcoming artist album Connect.

However since February it’s been full on again with an Australia/New Zealand tour and [the recent festival] A State Of Trance, so I’d say this will be a busy year for sure.

You have been at the forefront of the trance genre for three decades. What do you love so much about the sound?
It’s all about the melody. It sounds cheesy, but it really is.

The melody in a song is what makes it great and attaches a certain emotion to it. I think if you ask any fan of the genre, they would agree with this.

How has the trance scene changed in your opinion?
I’d say it’s scattered more than it was back in the day. The genre evolved and so more subgenres were created. I think it’s great