Bangalore seems to be the place to party as it never fails to attract well-known international DJs. This weekend, the City played host to DJ Richard Durand from Holland. Richard has had his name featured in various international ratings and his club mixes have fans all over the world.

In fact it was pleasantly surprising to see a whole group of fans come to the party in t-shirts with his name on them! Metrolife caught up with this happening DJ before he set the dance floor on fire...

How long have you been a DJ?

I think I’ve been playing for almost 10 years now. I started playing House music (now involved in Trance) and I think I met the right people, I was asked to play in different places and well, before I knew it I was into Deejaying full time!

You have played all over the world, where, according to you, is the best crowd?

I don’t think I can pick one particular place. I love every country I play in and the crowd is the same everywhere. But I must say that sometimes, as opposed to playing in Holland where there are usually 10 huge places with the best DJ s playing, I love going to a country where they are anticipating my arrival.

How did you find the Indian party goers in the cities that you have seen so far?

I was in Goa, Bombay, Hyderabad and now Bangalore. I just loved the crowd. They were very enthusiastic and many were aware of my music. People danced for three straight hours, that’s something I personally can’t do.

Why did you set up your own label, isn’t it easier to approach an already established one?

Well, I set up my label because that way my creativity is not hampered. I don’t want my music to be turned down because some record executive had a bad weekend. A lot of record companies will ask you to tweak the music according to their taste. I believe in my music. It may not appeal to everyone but at least I have the freedom to express myself with my own label.

What is your best moment as a DJ?

Playing in festivals is great fun. But I think the best moment is when I see any crowd go crazy... that always feels like the first time I played.

BEER PARTY

Richard Durand was in the City to play for a party that launched Budweiser in Bangalore. Crown Beers India Ltd., the joint venture between Anheuser-Busch and Crown International has brought the popular American beer down to India. The launch party was held at Amnesia in Chancery Pavilion. DJ Richard Durand rocked the party with help from DJ Pearl and Nikhil Chinappa.