In 2006, trance heads from all around the world collectively rejoiced to the arrival of a fresh creative producer from the Netherlands. Sander Ketelaars aka: Sander Van Doorn has been a natural chart-topper from the very beginning, constantly bringing a unique sound that has consistently caught the attention of not only his growing number of dedicated fans, but also big name artists such as: Pete Tong, Judge Jules, Tiesto, and Carl Cox.
With his record breaking rise to fame within less than 5 years (Starting in 2006 at #32 on the Dj Mag top 100 Djs list, and then quickly rising to #10 in just 3 years in 2009), Sander has released 2 ear smashing albums (Supernatralistic – 2008, Dusk Till Doorn 2 CD Compilation – 2010) both of which contained multiple tracks that reached the top of the trance charts on Beatport.
Also no rookie when it comes to awards, Sander continued on to win the ‘Best New Producer’ award at the Trance Awards in 2006, and the ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ as well as a nomination for ‘Best Underground Track’ for his creation “Riff” at the International Dance Music Awards held at the Miami WMC (Winter Music Conference) in 2008. He even launched his very own podcast in which plays on XM satellite radio every Saturday called “Identity Radio” that is still going strong and on its 93rd episode after over 3 years of broadcast. Everything that this young producer/dj touches seems to effortlessly turn into gold, and honestly it does not seem like he is anywhere near slowing down.
Every year that passes brings more and more accomplishments, and 2011 was no exception to another year where Sander continues to rise to the top. Playing all over the world, he landed several headlining high-profile gigs such as (but not excluding to): the Sensation Festivals, Trance Energy, Mysteryland, and even Electric Daisy Carnival. On September 19, 2011 Sander also dropped a brand new 11 track album, cleverly named “Eleve11” (eleven tracks, and released in 2011) and if it is to be anything like his previous albums it is sure to be nothing short of amazing. As he continues to produce everything from genre-crossing breakdowns, to uplifting skin-tingling synth riffs, Sander’s originality is still catching the eye of thousands and he never fails to keep his listeners on their toes. While he constantly pumps out hit after hit, and sells out tour after tour one must wonder how Sander finds time to live a normal life.
After all, traveling through several countries within just a few weeks, creating remixes and new tracks every month, AND running a weekly radio show/podcast, can get tiring for anyone. Toughing it out through his ever-growing busy schedule this rising star does it all with full passion and ease, all while miraculously managing to stay normal, and completely down to earth.
Many view the International Dj to have an image similar to the whole “Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll” (or in this case Sex, Drugs, and Dance Music) with a personality revolving around egos, record sales, as well as eating, drinking, and sleeping: PARTY.
It is extremely refreshing to learn that not every celebrity Dj falls into this stereotype, and while the world is constantly moving past them they remain in place, with their morals and head fastened tightly: ON. We took some time to slow it down with one of our favorite trance Djs to ask him a few questions about his inner ‘normal’ self, as from the outside there is clearly nothing normal about his crazy and fast-paced life. We were pleasantly surprised to find that Sander still sees “A home cooked meal with the family” as his favorite place to eat, is “Learning how to snowboard, and interested in wine and working on my collection!” and still feels “Going home is like a holiday” even after being to several countries all over the world. When we asked him what he likes to do when he goes out with friends he responded with “Sometimes we will go to a club, but I prefer to have friends over so I can really enjoy the time with them and relax.” Sander is a true example of a superstar Dj “Keepin’ it real”, and we are absolutely in love with it.
Not everyone knows the real story of how someone rose to fame, and it is very rare to see someone famous remember and acknowledge their roots. After all, everyone starts somewhere and it is really a sad sight to see when someone leaves their past behind. Everything/everyone that we have done/met in the past has led us all to this point in our lives, and it is hard to find someone who sees their past in that way.
When we asked Sander to dig deep into his roots and tell us how he initially got into electronic dance music, he responded “It all started with just going out with friends. I began to hear the music out. I started to listen to Dj’s like Marco V, and I really just loved the energy and the vibe of the whole scene. I mean, who wouldn’t?” We couldn’t agree more. Who wouldn’t love the vibe of togetherness and peace, all dancing under one beat? It is surprising to know that the same feeling that has captured us into loving this music scene was the same feeling that lured Sander Van Doorn into doing what he does! We were curious as to where he began his music career and we were surprised when he told us “I worked in a bar in my hometown many years ago. I started spinning after the place closed and the staff was cleaning. It didn’t take long before they asked me to spin for a crowd.”
Who would have known that our very own Sander Van Doorn began his Dj career almost by accident! Then we wondered, what would our beloved Sander be doing if he never found dance music? Where would he be today? When we asked him he told us “Before I was producing/DJ’ing I was working in my brother’s aluminum fabrication shop. Very boring! I was also going to school for business and marketing. I guess if I had continued with that I would be working in that field doing presentations on Monday morning!” Can you imagine a world without Sander Van Doorn?
Everyone has favorite things, but when it’s someone who travels the world, performs for thousands of people, and has music that is known internationally, are their favorite things the same? We asked Sander what a few of his ‘Favorite Things’ were cause we were sure you’d like to know….and we’re not going to lie, we were dying to know as well!
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