Sied van Riel for Trance Energy

Sied van Riel for Trance Energy

Sied van Riel (pronounced Seed van Real) is a long-term dance fan and is one of the major acts at Trance Energy 2009. It wasn't until early 2006 that Sied produced his first track, 'Fearless', released on Sub Traxx. 2008 he unleashed 'What You Want', 'Minimal Symhony', 'Contrasts' and 'Rush' to the world with the last one being dropped on Tiesto's "In Search of Sunrise 7. 2008 proved to be his year and 2009 promises a lot more!

Trance Energy Dates
Sydney- Thursday April 9th at Hordern Pavilion
Melbourne- Friday April 10th at Calder Park Raceway
Brisbane- Saturday April 11th at Riverstage
Perth- Sunday April 12th at Claremont Showgrounds

Trance Energy has a huge lineup:
Armin van Buuren
Paul van Dyk
John O'Callaghan
Marcel Woods
TyDi
Fausto
Sied van Riel
MC Mighty Mike

Future Stage
Re-Ward
Cliff Coenraad
Marcus Schössow
First State
Aly + Fila
Ali Wilson
Simon Patterson
MC Gunner

High Contrast Stage
Judge Jules
Wippenberg
Rank1
Danjo
Joop
Jochen Miller
Artento Divini

Trance Classics
Johan Gielen
Spider Willem
Bas & Ram
Scot Project
Yves Deruyter
Talla 2 XLC
MC Francois

How does it feel to be called "the hottest producer around" and "the next big thing to hit trance"?

Sied van Riel:It is very flattering, isn't it? Not that I think it. It's is very flattering that Armin said I was 'cool', I used to look up to Armin when I was a kid, so I am very proud, to be honest.


What do you love most about trance music?

Sied van Riel:It is something I can relate too, I have used it as a doorway to get rid of my emotions that are swimming in my head. I understand that pop music has more sales but trance is my life.


Is trance music becoming more popular in Australia?

Sied van Riel:I think it has great potential, the audience is becoming bigger, to all the different type of trance style and they can relate to it. I think it is becoming more open too because trance music used to be 'uncool' no would admit listening to it, that is changing and it is becoming accessible.


What drew you to trance music at the age of 10?

Sied van Riel:I was drawn to electric dance music, the people that lived next door listened to it. I was cleaning the apartment and I heard it, I knew the family and we would have dinner together on a Sunday night and they would play it for me. That is how I was introduced to all types of electric dance music, that was in about 1990 when it wasn't as widely recognised but it was still great and it surprised me.


How do you describe your music?

Sied van Riel: Deep, driving, warm, melodic-fuelled trance with each track or remix directly related to my personality, experiences and state of mind. I play on my name and call it the 'Real Thing'. I play with the music and make it my own with progressive trance, I do whatever I want to create the 'Real Thing'.


Was there a moment when you knew you had made it in your industry?

Sied van Riel:It only occurred to me in the last few months, I am moving to the level I want to be at and can grow from. The last few months have become serious, it's cool. Last month was extraordinary I saw it in production and there were more people at my gigs.


What are you looking forward to most about Trance Energy?

Sied van Riel:I've never been to Australia, so I am looking forward to that. I'm bummed I am only there for four days and I have to rush back because I would have liked to see Australia. I have been told the crowds in Australia are amazing so the first thing I am going to do is go to Trance Energy when it opens and enjoy the crowds, watch them enjoy the music. I also get to experience a barbeque. I have friends in Australia who are organising a barbeque for me!


What inspires you?

Sied van Riel:My whole life helps me make my music. In the studio I am thinking about my experiences. I often try and think a lot, normally when I come home from a gig I am normally a bit drunk and I sit down and think and work out music. Mostly I am inspired by life in general although I have been listening to 80's music and that is inspiring. I've been listening to the U2, Simple Minds, Lenny Kravitz, and The Doors they all have a special sound that is inspiring.


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Sied van Riel:I didn't actually expect it to be so hard. Everyone had told me it was a 'hard industry' I have just learnt to think about how I step. Some people think that the music industry is a negative thing; I don't think it is negative. I don't mingle with others any more, I am just there to do my thing, and I want to give 200% to the crowd. This is what I want to do with my life.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Sied van Riel:I listen to a lot of 80s, like U2, Nirvana and I love putting Metallica on when I'm in the mood and turning it up real loud. As well as Armin van Buuren. I listen to all sorts; I listen to a bit of 80's pop too, like Michael Jackson. I grew up listening to old-school Reggae so I still listen to that too.


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Sied van Riel:Well I need to produce to get gigs. I always wanted to be a DJ and that is what I like doing, I enjoy it more, but I know I have to produce to get gigs. Producing seems to becoming more my thing, it is hard to start though. I always love DJing though.


What has been your favorite part of becoming an artist?

Sied van Riel:I love travelling. I enjoy travelling around and sitting in hotel lobbies just watching people and at the airport too. I never get board at the airport! I love going to different countries that is the cool part and travelling and meeting people. You do see some bad things too, like taxi drivers that are being paid bad money and having to support large families on that money in Europe. I used to be very reserved and now I have changed, I love meeting new people.


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Sied van Riel: Armin van Buuren he is a favourite of mine.