He’s regarded as the ‘Father Of Hardstyle’, having established and built the Blutonium empire into one of the biggest hard dance brands around the world. Releasing a steady stream of successful mix CDs locally on the Ministry of Sound label, Germany’s Blutonium Boy has managed to go further than many of his European counterparts, and he’s preparing to return to Australia for his fifth down under tour. ITM got an update straight from the horse’s mouth.

You began your DJing career in the late 80s in South Germany. Your musical tastes must have diversified quite a bit since then?

Of course! But this is a normal development, as you progress with time and with what people like. I used to play what other people made, but now I play my own stuff.

Can you describe to us the difference between DJ Session One and Blutonium Boy? Do you play a different style under these names?

DJ Session One was my first moniker – between 1995 and 2000 – as a trance DJ and producer, but later I wanted to change into harder sounds, so I decided to leave Session One behind and get started with Blutonium Boy.

What career would you have chosen if you did not get into producing or DJing?

Maybe no career, I don’t know! DJing was my passion, so it’s a very difficult question for me, because I was always doing what I wanted!

Blutonium Records is one of the most successful hard dance labels in the world. What were some of the steps involved in launching your own record label?

The most important step was that the first record – (BLU-001) DJ Session One ‘Dreams In My Fantasy’ – was a massive hit here in Europe. I had so many possibilities later to invest the money it earned into the right business for the future. And also, people must like what you do. You need real fans!

How did it feel having ‘Dreams In My Fantasy’, released way back in 1997, become such a huge success, especially as it was the first release under your own label?

I felt very good. For me that was like opening a door into another dimension of life. Travelling around the globe, talking to all nations, hanging around with cool guys and also at the end, a of bit money!

Does Blutonium Records take in up and coming producers?

Not at the moment because Neo and I already work together so well in the studio, so why would we change this great partnership when we’ve been going for so many years?

You are praised as the father of hardstyle. Why do you think this style music is immensely popular these days?

I think because there are lots of very talented producers around who are making great stuff.

When did you launch Blutonium Media? Tell us a bit about it?

I launched Blutonium Media at the end of 2000, because we were doing so much work for major companies, radio, TV and event promoters. Our customers… actually it’s better I call them fans, they respect that what we do and bought our records, and because of this we’ve had the chance to continue our work over many years now.

‘Legalise’ is a track that you made with John Ferris, an Australian DJ. It was a hit in Germany when released, will you be working on more projects with John, or any other Australian DJs?

At the moment we’ve released a new track together with John called ‘Generation Bass/Showdown’. Of course we’d love to go on to work with John, because we think he is one of Australia’s pioneers in the club scene. I don’t know if I will work together with any other Australian DJs, one day maybe, I don’t know.

You regularly visit the land down under, what are some of the things you like most about Australia?

I like to sit on the ferry in Sydney on my way from Darling Harbour to Manly Beach. I like to go out with my managers from Ministry of Sound to a nice restaurant, having great conversation and some awesome fresh king prawns. I also like the feeling of being a small town European boy in Australia. So many million of Europeans would love to travel once in their lifetime to Australia, but it’s not possible for everyone. For me it is now my fifth time that I’m coming over, and I’m enjoying it more than ever!

Be sure to experience Blutonium Boy’s pounding hardstlye for yourself when he tours this month:

Feb 16 – Sublime, Sydney
Feb 23 – Family, Brisbane
Feb 24 – Universe, Melbourne