DJ Vortex (aka Vextor) is the A&R (Artists & Repertoire) manager of STIK Records and what some people would call the true Godfather of Hardstyle. He has been DJ’ing for 20 years and producing for 15, releasing on highly respectable labels such as Tidy, Activa, Theracords, and DJ’s United (and that is only naming a few!). You can catch Vortex on the Edmonton, San Francisco, and Los Angeles dates!

What inspired your stage name?

It was actually my friends who gave me my nickname: they said I was a Vortex… of music!

How did you get into the scene?

I was a vinyl collector; my friends used to organize parties; a lot of radio stations were born; it happened all by itself.

What was the first record you ever purchased?

I’m having a hard time remembering, but it was probably a vinyl from Pink Floyd. Techno music wasn’t born yet.

Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?

I don’t have one! I just put all of them in my “Vortex” when I produce.

Would you describe your first DJ gig?

I was so excited, like I am now before every gig.

What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?

There are many, for many different reasons: sometimes for the magnitude of the party, others for the crowd or the experience I had; I love to play big festivals but also in clubs.

What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?

Basically, everything has changed. In the past you were a DJ first, and a producer second, but now they start producing and then begin to perform as a DJ but playing their own productions almost exclusively. The work of the DJ, as a researcher and discoverer of music, is disappearing.

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?

I have already been on tour in the United States and South America, but the Trauma tour is certainly the biggest of them!

What made you want to start producing Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?

I just was producing the music that I liked, then at some point some people in the Netherlands began to say it was “Hardstyle”.

What is your favorite track that you have produced?

Well, I could say “Incoming”, but honestly my favorite track is always the one I’m working on right now.

What advice would you give to up and coming Hardstyle producers?

Just produce; forget the rest.

What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?

I have too many favorite tracks, it’s impossible to choose only 3.

Are there any exciting projects you want our readers to know about?

As many already know, I also produce uptempo Hardcore under the name of Vextor.

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

Ennio Morricone: the king of soundtracks; but it’s just a dream.

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?

I can’t wait to meet all of you!!! 🙂