Without doubt the hottest new trance DJ / producer to emerge from Holland this past couple of years is Richard Durand. Recommended by the mighty Tiësto as his ‘Tip For The Top in 2007′ in DJ Magazine, Richard responded with a string of stunning productions, including official remixes for Tiësto, culminating in a new entry placing in the DJ Magazine Top 100 DJs poll and subsequent rise into the Top 50 places.

The Richard Durand sound is trance, techno and tough electro in a unique package that’s both dynamic and devastating. Having initially made his mark as a solo producer with big tech trance bombs such as ‘Make Me Scream’ and ‘Slipping Away’ on the Terminal 4 label, the huge success of his remixes of Tiësto singles ‘Lethal Industry’, ‘Flight 643′ and ‘Break My Fall’, plus infamous festival favourite reworks of the likes of Prodigy‘s ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ and Snow Patrol’s ‘Chasing Cars’ soon had Richard Durand marked as one of the hottest remixers on the planet with consistent playlist support from the DJing elite Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Judge Jules and Eddie Halliwell to name but a few.

Richard Durand continued to deliver big tracks in 2008, adding his magic touch to Fragma’s ‘Toca’s Miracle’ and stepping up to rework Armin Van Buuren’s ‘In And Out Of Love’ to equally devastating effect. At the same time, Richard’s solo productions were also hitting the headlines; his ‘Weep’ track featuring Skin from Skunk Anansie on vocals was signed to Perfecto and proved to be one of the summer’s biggest anthems.

It was also 2008 that saw the Richard Durand DJing schedule explode into overdrive as the dance community embraced an artist who was not only a hot producer, but also one of the most technically accomplished DJs in dance music today. Utilising 4 x CD decks and effects units, Richard Durand DJ sets are a whirlwind journey of cutting edge tunes, exclusive reworks, slick mixing and technical wizardry behind the decks. His ability to work crowds into a frenzy and a clear passion about his music have cemented Richard Durand’s place as a fans favourite the world over and a legend in the making.

Richard Durand’s show-stopping sets and crowd pulling DJ status is confirmed by his DJ diary reading like a who’s who of A-list events, headlining global festival brands such as Sensation, Trance Energy, Planet Love, Coloursfest, Tunnel Electrocity and Summer Of Love, plus leading club brands including Godskitchen, Gallery, Gatecrasher and Slinky, a standout summer residency at Judgement Sundays in Ibiza and tours to every corner of the globe. He’s also joined the exclusive set of DJs to be awarded a coveted ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, as well as co-hosting shows twice with Judge Jules on Radio 1.

In 2009 Richard Durand clocked up another huge remix, this time of Art Of Trance ‘Madagascar’, before setting another landmark on his rapid career path to the top by releasing his debut artist album ‘Always The Sun’ on Magik Muzik / Black Hole Recordings. The album spawned massive singles such as ‘Into Something’, title track ‘Always The Sun’ and ‘No Way Home’. When Black Hole announced at the start of 2010 that there would be a new figurehead of their legendary ‘In Search Of Sunrise’ series of CDs previously fronted by Tiësto, there proved to be just one obvious successor to the throne – Richard Durand, with ‘In Search Of Sunrise 8 – South Africa’ released in May and currently hosting tour dates worldwide.

Sunburn Festival for Mr. Durand is not a new affair, for 2012 was his third time in Goa. He has a massive fan base in India and even named one of his compilations after India. His uplifting, melodic tunes always do some serious dance floor damage and this time was no exception. A packed crowd at the Helia Stage was set ablaze as Nikhil Chinappa announced Richard Durand’s entry. What happened thereafter was a spectacle of raw energy and good vibes.

We caught up with him right before his set at Sunburn and were blown away by his humility. Heres what Richard Durand had to say:

Hey Richard!

It is an honour and a matter of immense pleasure to interview you for our portal- The Bangin Beats. We love your work and are seriously amped to hear your set at Sunburn! Also, we’re hoping you’ve formed a favourable opinion of our portal.

Q) What is the inspiration behind Richard Durand? How did you come about choosing this as a profession?

RICHARD DURAND: When I was young I loved electronic music a lot. At that time, I spent most of the day playing the piano. When I reached the age that I could go clubbing, I got addicted to this style of music… Then I started to try making it myself and here I am…

Q) How would you best describe your sound to someone who is new to electronic music?

RICHARD DURAND: I make my music to make people dance. So, very energetic and full of banging beats and melodic moments.

Q) Do you play for the crowd or as per your own desire?

RICHARD DURAND: I always play for the crowd. By now I know exactly what people like to hear and love to dance to. DJs that only play for themselves should stay home!

Q) In one of your older interviews, you said that the Indian crowd is very emotional and into the music. Where would you put India on the map when it comes to electronic music?

RICHARD DURAND: Upcoming, still a bit underground and very into good music.

Q) Dance music is exploding all across the world. Do you think that is good for the music or is it commercialising and damaging to the genre?

RICHARD DURAND: No. For me what counts is that the more people who love what we do, the better it is.

Q) Your association with India and Sunburn is a very old one! What is your opinion of the Sunburn Festival and of the musical acumen in India in general?

RICHARD DURAND: I think Sunburn is one of the best festivals in India. The fact that it is so near the beach creates an amazing atmosphere. Also they manage to program a spectacular DJ line-up every year.

Q) What made you name India for the 9th Volume of “In Search of Sunrise”?

RICHARD DURAND: That is an easy question…I love India!

Q) Sunburn has been putting in a lot of effort and getting in all it can to India. Do you think it is better to do lesser but quality events like it is in India or have numerous events thoughout the year like, say in North America or Europe?

RICHARD DURAND: I always try to look at the whole world and pick out the best events and clubs. So I almost never go back twice in a year to the same location and place. So yes, I love to do quality events.

Q) Which is the best festival you’ve ever played at?

RICHARD DURAND: There are a lot of good festivals and Sunburn is very high on that list. 

Q) Who is your notable artist for the year 2012? 

RICHARD DURAND: I really like the remixes of Russian duo Eximinds at the moment.

Q) Do you intend to stick to Trance, or are there any chances that you’ll diversify into other genres?

RICHARD DURAND: At the moment it is still my favourite style. So yes, as far I can say I will not change my style very soon.

Q) What do you have to say to the aspiring DJs and Producers who are just taking off?

RICHARD DURAND: Never copy another artist’s style, take time to create your own. Never get in for the money but for the love of music. 

Thank you for the interview!

(You can see his smashing performance at Sunburn here from 4:03:28 onwards)