Hi Sander, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. What have you been up to today?
Hi! No problem! Today I have been locked away in the studio working on some new tracks.  After a weekend of Djing I always feel inspired to get back in the studio with fresh ideas.

How has the summer been treating you so far?
This summer has been amazing!  I’ve played some great gigs in Ibiza   and my ‘Dusk Till Doorn’ nights have been going really well all over the world.  I think the highlight of my summer was closing the Mystery Land festival in Amsterdam.  There was an amazing fireworks and lightshow halfway through my set.  It was such an honour to be asked to do that.

Have you been to Ibiza much this year? The usual suspects were writing the island off – as they do every year – due to the Global recession but general reports seem to indicate the island is thriving as always. How did you find it over there this year compared to previous years?
I had heard that it was a little quieter than normal this year, however, the gigs I played in Ibiza this summer were still packed out.  You can’t keep Ibiza down!

How important would you say Ibiza is to the global EDM scene?
Ibiza becomes the home of electronic music over the summer months.  Events are broadcast all over the world and you get the best DJ’s and producers all in one place showcasing their music.  Some of the biggest tracks of the year are debuted in Ibiza and it sets the benchmark for music that will be released that year.  I think its great that you can have what is effectively a 4 month festival that guarantees the sun will be shining!!

I see that you have recently returned to your Purple Haze guise with your recent Bliksem production. Why was there such a long time period between that and your previous Purple Haze productions?
I’ve been so busy working on the recent remixes and have had a hectic Djing shedule of late. I made ‘Bliksem’ and knew that it was perfect to resurrect Purple Haze for that project.

How is the label coming along? Any new projects or releases we need to be keeping an eye out for?
My new single Bastillon is out at the end of September on Doorn records.  Keep an eye out for one of my new tracks ‘Ninety’ which I’ve been road testing at gigs and festivals. I’m very proud to have some great artists signed to Doorn Records at the moment!

Tell us about your Dusk Til Doorn project………
‘Dusk Til Doorn’ is a series of nights held all around the world showcasing talent and music from my label Doorn records.  Its how I dream of the perfect night both musically and visually at some of the best clubs on the planet.  There are more shows being announced very soon so check my website for details!

You have recently been involved in the launch of the Godskitchen Boombox where you performed on it in Moscow and also in the UK at GlobalGathering recently. What do you think of the concept?
They were great gigs and visually stunning.  I think the scale on which it is set makes it very special, really engages the crowd and adds an extra dimension to Djing.

You will be playing for us at our birthday in September, what would you buy Godskitchen as a present?
I think you have enough new toys now you have your Boombox!  Maybe I could give you my new single Bastillon as some audio to go with those amazing visuals!

What are the best and worst presents anyone has ever bought you?
Well the best present I have received recently was a ticket to see U2 on their current tour. I had such an amazing time! The worst present in recent times has to be from my manager.  He thought he’d be nice and upload a new track on to my phone for me to listen to.  I’ve now lost all my phone settings and everything has been deleted from the hard drive, so I’d like to say a big thank you to Michael for doing that for me!!

Your new website now allows people to view videos of yourself in the studio, offering tips and tricks which is very useful, what made you take the effort to do these?
I always get asked about how I produce my tunes and what equipment I use. I thought this would be a great way of showing everyone the basics and some tricks I use to make my tunes and then they can go and take the next step.  I think its important to inspire novice producers and keep the scene full of fresh and exciting producers.

You have been collaborating with various producers recently. If you were to collaberate with any non-trance artist, who would it be?
Well the first one that obviously springs to mind is Michael Jackson.  He has made countless classics which will be listened to for many years to come.  He was a true legend.

Are you a football fan? If so did you watch the recent Holland vs England game? You were a bit lucky to get a draw I would say haha ;-)
Haha – typical English optimism! I’m not a big football fan but I’ll always cheer my country on!!

What do you like to do in your spare time away from the studio?
Spare time is very scarce in my line of work.  My spare time seems to be taken up by travelling!  I do love to eat good food and see gigs when I get the chance.

Finally, if you were to throw a birthday party and you could invite any 3 famous people – dead or alive – who would they be?
Well Nelson Mandella. John Lennon and Ricky Gervais would make an interesting mix! 

DOWNLOAD SANDER'S FREE MIX FROM HERE

Godskitchen's Birthday Bash
Sat 26th Sept
Air Nightclub

Oxygen Room
SANDER VAN DOORN
MARKUS SCHULZ
MENNO DE JONG
JEROME ISMA-AE
JON O'BIR
MARK ETESON

Nitrogen
MICKY SLIM
PAUL THOMAS
NEIL NAVARRA
DUNCAN MURRAY

Carbon Lounge
DEEP CITY SOUL
JEM ATKINS

Early birds - £13.50 +BF
Advanced Tickets £16 + BF

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS