It's not trance, it's EDM

This is not the first time you will be playing at the Sunburn fest; what are you expecting this time around?
I have always loved playing at Sunburn and I’m delighted to say, it gets better each time. Correspondingly, my anticipation levels to come and perform here grows in direct proportion to that.

You say, your biggest influence in your earlier years were the West Berlin radio stations. How did it actually influence your music?
I grew up in East Germany and I couldn’t really go to record stores, so it was just the music on radio. There was one moment when I heard Hand In Glove by The Smiths, and I realised that music really meant something to me. When I was about 12, I wanted to learn how to play the guitar like Johnny Marr from The Smiths. Unfortunately, they made me learn East German folk songs, so I didn’t become the guitar player I wanted to be. But all these definitely were my early steps into music.

You have also mentioned that if possible, you would opt to live in Berlin over New York. Is it because you too like many other artistes believe that the EDM scene in America is frustrating?
Berlin was where my interest in music peaked; it would be great to go back to where it all began. America has a strong foothold in the EDM space, having played at some of the biggest festivals such as Ultra Music Fest and Monster Massive, I would say it’s a brilliant experience to play to such energetic crowd.

You’ve been tagged as a trance producer for the longest time. But you’ve also pointed out that you are not one, but would describe your music as Electronic Dance Music. Is there any particular reason behind classifying your style in a rather broader stream?
I am a musician, and my favourite music is electronic music, and this is what I do. My music combines different formats, variety of sounds and a broad spectrum of dance music..

Your fans have said that your latest album, Evolution, has the best music you have produced. How do you think you have evolved since your last album, In Between, in 2007?
Life itself is my greatest source of inspiration. All the experiences, somehow flow into my music. In the last 20 years, there were improbable changes — electronic dance music has evolved from a small subculture to the biggest musical culture of the world and our communication has changed radically through Facebook and Twitter. Of course, these changes also influence my music. In this respect then the title ‘evolution’ best fit. I don’t see it as being ‘the new PvD’, or ‘the old PvD’. It’s just a fractional evolution that goes to make up the always-slightly-changing bigger picture.

As of today, is there any artiste whose music style you consider to be closest to yours?
Maarten de Jong — he’s a very talented producer from The Netherlands. He’s going to go places.

You are actively involved with various charities. Can you tell us more about it?
I support Rückenwind, a foundation in Berlin and Akansha in India. Both of these work towards the cause of protecting underprivileged children. I have also worked with Rock The Vote, the FEED programme, the Hurricane Sandy relief effort and most recently, with the Peace One Day initiative.

PvD — a good producer or an amazing DJ… And at this point in career, do you think it is still important to bag a spot on the DJ lists?
I love what I do, be it producing or being a DJ, sharing and playing my music with fans is something that drives me. Everyone wants to be the best at what they do. You play to win. My goal is not limited to being on the list — I’m certainly not done yet.

You have received the Order of Merit from the state of Berlin, have had Grammy nomination, innumerable number ones on the charts, have been voted as the No 1 DJ of the world, twice. What next?
There’s always something left to be achieved. The moment that’s no longer the case, will be the day I don’t make music or perform in front of audiences anymore. I have to say I don’t see that happening anytime soon though. There’s always something new to say and always something new to challenge yourself with.

Catch PvD perform live tonight as part of the two-day Sunburn Festival 2013 at Ezone, Marathalli, 3pm onwards. For tickets log onto www.bookmyshow.com.