Last month, Jorn van Deynhoven had once again stepped onto ASOT 950‘s Who’s Afraid of 138?! stage. There, he had set energy levels so high that it’s almost impossible to imagine what the trance legend had endured over the past year. But fortunately we had the chance to speak to the man himself, so read on to learn about his road to recovery, as well as what he has planned for the near future! Hint: That includes an upcoming artist album The Future Is Now, which he has already teased with two documentary teasers. On top of that, we’ve now heard two singles off the album, one of which is ‘Waiting On The Other Side‘ released just today!
Jorn, thank you so much for speaking with us. You’re an absolute legend in the trance scene, and we are thrilled to see you happy and healthy after your recent time in hospital. We’ve listened to your upcoming album and we have to say, it’s fantastic from beginning to end. Would you say your health scare has inspired your creativity?
To some extent, yes. 60% of the album had actually been finished at the time of my health troubles back in 2018. The last 40% I finished over the past six months together with my longtime partner and friend Dennis Schimonik. Until today, it’s difficult for me from a neurological standpoint to keep a balance and be creative. It’s just more difficult now than it was in the past. Of course, some tracks reference the new life I have been gifted with and for sure show the emotions I went through during that time of my life.
The Road to Recovery
For those who don’t know, can you tell us what happened to you, and how the recovery has been?
It’s a long story, but in short — For years I have successfully worked in the trance scene as a producer and an international DJ, but in the summer of 2018, during a vocal recording session in the studio, my aorta ripped. I immediately felt something was wrong and called 911 (in Germany 112). I had just made it to the ambulance, but I don’t remember anything afterwards. When I was transferred from the intensive care unit to the regular ward, I was told how lucky I had been, and that the surgery took 12 hours. To put the word “luck” into perspective, I am one patient of 10% worldwide who manages to survive this medical situation and surgery. After that, I had to undergo another difficult heart surgery, which took about 4 hours. Thank God, this was also a successful one. Six weeks later, I was able to leave the hospital, and over the past 1.5 years, I gradually recovered. A lot of things are still difficult for me until this day. But with a little bit of time, I’m sure I will be able to master these hurdles as well.
Beyond the musical realm, how else have you been impacted by these events?
Well, it is a completely new way of living. I have to be way more careful with a lot of things. I can only eat certain vitamins, no alcohol, enough sleep, no stress, etc. Essentially, my lifestyle is way more conscious and well thought through than before.
‘I Need Your Lovin’
Back to the album! We love the track ‘I Need Your Lovin,’ which features the wonderful Sue McLaren. How did you get connected with Sue, and why did you choose her as the voice behind your take on this classic?
This track had inspired me in my round childhood. I had loved the original of ‘Everbody’s Got To Learn Sometime’ by The Korgis even as a child. For sure there were conversations here and there before, but I was confident on reproducing this particular title under my name. And for that, I didn’t want anyone else but Sue McLaren to deliver the vocals. I have loved her voice for years already, and it had been a big wish of mine to have her sing the lyrics to this track. Once she agreed to do it, I was ecstatic, and I put even more go and enthusiasm into its production. It was as though a dream came true. A dream song with a dream singer. Nothing more is possible!
We were struck by the lyrics “Change your heart, look around you. Change your heart, it will astound you.” Is this a message to your fans? Do you feel you’ve had a change of heart?
Well, I didn’t write the lyrics, as the original was released back in 1980. But if everyone took that sentence to heart, we probably wouldn’t have any wars in this world. No hate, more love!
Although the vocals come from ‘Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime,’ we personally think that most of our current generation’s experience comes from Beck’s version that was used in the iconic film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Do you have a connection with this film, or has it influenced you in some way?
Unfortunately I’m not familiar with the movie. I should probably watch it some time though. In fact, I had listened to Beck’s version for the first time a few weeks ago on Spotify!
Plans for the Near Future
Where can fans expect to see you in the near future and what’s next for you as an artist?
At the moment, my management and I are working on a world tour for my album. We’re looking at and working on many requests on various platforms, so keep an eye on my social media for new announcements and updates! This is where any dates will be announced first.
For me as an artist, it’s super important to get back into clubs and/or onto festival stages. This is where I feel most comfortable, and where I am able to channel all my trance emotions into a musical flow. In regards to studio time, I think I am going to take a little break, as I have been spending more time in the studio over the past three years than I have ever before. I think I have enough output for the upcoming two years to tour. At the end of this summer though, I may release another mini EP, as well as maybe one or two Jorn van Deynhoven remixes.
What’s your favorite thing about getting back into producing and performing again?
To have received a second chance in life!
Before you go, don’t forget to check out Jorn van Deyhoven’s set at ASOT 950 below!
