EDM Insider Exclusive Interview with Ruben De Ronde

EDM Insider is excited to bring to you an Exclusive Interview with DJ/Producer and A&R for Armada Music, Ruben De Ronde. De Ronde has been working behind the scenes of Electronic Dance Music since 2002 and has been producing since 2000. It wasn’t until several years later in 2006 that his first track “Mr.White” gained DJ support, but since then much has happened for the DJ/Producer. De Ronde tells EDM Insider what it’s like working for Armada Music alongside Armin Van Buuren as well as his future EDM plans!

EDM Insider 1. How long have you been interested in Electronic Dance Music? Do you have any musical background?

Ruben De Ronde: I have started in the EDM industry when I was about 16, so that is already 13 years ago. At first I started DJ’ ing in two clubs as residents, and in 2002 I set up a record label for Basic Beat (a former Rotterdam based record company), called Intrenze. I signed the first tracks ever by guys like Mike Foyle and Daniel Kandi (under his Aurelius guise). After 3 releases on Intrenze, I started out my own record company called Statement, where I still release my music on. Since 2007 I am part of the ASOT team, helping Armin van Buuren out with his weekly radio show, as well as being an A&R for Armada Music. I started making music around 2000, but nothing serious until I think 2006, with the remix of Mr. White that was the most supported track of me when I started out. The first single I released was Republique with a M.I.K.E. remix, and from there on I released about 3 singles a year.

EDM Insider 2. Aside from EDM, what other genres of music do you enjoy listening to in your free time?

De Ronde: I love listening to cheesy pop music like Lily Allen, but also to Dutch hip-hop like Opgezwolle. The beats they used (they have split up a couple of years ago) are something else

EDM Insider 3. You have worked on remixes for Cosmic Gate, Aly & Fila, Way Out West, and Marcus Schossow, do you typically follow the same routine when remixing a track?

De Ronde: I think I am one of the few producers that starts from scratch with every track, I never use any templates, because I think every track should be unique! I hardly take in any remixes, so I really cherry pick the requests that I get in. That way I always affiliate to the songs that I put my signature on. The recent remix I did of Wezz Devall is a real techy and hard remix, while I just did a more trancey one for John O’Callaghan. I always try to put in something so you will hear its me though!

EDM Insider 4. Are there plans for any upcoming releases from Ruben De Ronde this year?

De Ronde: I have just released my single with Danny Chen, That One Word, on my own label Statement! I got to know him last year, and he has the same kind of style that I have, plus he really pushes the production skills to the max. We are going to make many songs together I hope! Beside that I have finished a vocal track with the Russian singer Aelyn, about three new tracks done as we speak, I made two new tracks with my good friends Tenishia, a track with Sean Tyas for his album, working on a track with my Dutch/German friend Woody van Eyden and with one of my best friends Bram Troost (a more housy tune). So I have to say there is a lot going on in the studio!

EDM Insider 5. You’ve been working side by side with the worlds #1 DJ, Armin Van Buuren, Armada Music and the A State Of Trance radio show for quite some time now. What are some things you can tell your fans about a day in the life of A State Of Trance radio or gig?

De Ronde: It is great working with Armin, for his radio show. Every week we push to the max to deliver a great show, with the best tracks around. I am really looking forward to the celebrations of ASOT 550, because I think we are writing history each time we are doing live shows.

EDM Insider 6. Do you find yourself spending more time at home or spending more time traveling?

De Ronde: It depends a bit, there are busy times that I am away every weekend, and right now I have some time at home for studio work. I did around 35 flights this year, which isn’t to bad I think!

EDM Insider 7. After watching the rise of Electronic Dance Music, which countries or cities would you say have most adapted to the EDM scene?

De Ronde: That is really hard to say, because there is some countries I haven’t been yet. I would love to play in the USA and Asia at a certain point, but I am not taking in bookings for the USA yet, because I want to have the working permit in place. I have played a couple of times in Russia this year, which have been great. I can’t wait to go back for a big tour again in February!

EDM Insider 8. Who are a few of your favorite rising producers at the moment and why?

De Ronde: Besides guys that are already doing great, and work with on a daily base, there are a couple of great talented producers, which I am really a fan of. The Russian duo Craving are fantastic, they have a crystal clear sound, and made a great remix for me, for my track Timide. Two other guys that have remixed Timide are on fire too: Andrew Rayel and Elfsong. I have mentioned Danny Chen already, I think he will do great things. Keep an eye out on Mike Danis, Flashtech and Raneem, they are remixing my track with Danny Chen, and both of them are doing a great job!