This post is also available in: Nederlands (Dutch)
We’ve been running into each other at least six times a year for years now. Catching up, enjoying good tunes together, and of course, DJ Jurgen’s set. In this edition of MY MOST MEMORABLE GIG, Dutch DJ/producer DJ Jurgen, a.k.a. Jurgen Rijkers, shares the one gig in Israel he’ll never forget. “The festival was magical.”
“My most memorable gig? Wow, I’ve done so many, I can’t immediately name just one. Okay, a few stand out. For instance, in the late ‘90s I was one of the first Dutch DJs to play in Vegas.”
‘Play some rock music’
“That was quite an experience. I was in my late twenties, and my track “Better Off Alone” had reached the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard chart. But honestly, most Americans had no clue about house music. They didn’t know it. So, there I was, behind the decks with a massive light show at the famous Luxor Hotel, playing to ten thousand people, and they were shouting, ‘Play some rock music!’” (laughs)
Used to the spectacle
“They were clearly not ready for house yet. I was used to all the spectacle and lights by then, though, because I had seen nearly the whole world by that time. Of course, there was no social media back then, so people in the Netherlands had no idea I was playing in the U.S. and many other international places.”
Hour Power
“In the mid-‘90s, I was a resident at Hour Power in Lexion, Zaandam. At one point, one of the Chippendales organized an After Hour Power event in Los Angeles. As the Dutch resident, I ended up playing there too, along with other Dutch DJs like Mark van Dale and Vandy.”
Space on Sundays
“The ‘90s were a time of pioneers. Following the Hour Power concept, I played regularly at Space Ibiza from 1992 to 1995 during the Space on Sundays event. I usually played on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cool thing about Space was its open-air terrace, where you could watch the sunrise. That alone made it special. But on top of that, airplanes flew so low overhead you could almost touch them. Every time one passed, the whole club would start screaming. That thrill never got old.”
From 6 to 6
“Ibiza was different back then anyway. For example, Space wasn’t even open at night – only during the day, from 6 AM to 8 PM.”
Erick E and Tiësto
“I think my most memorable gig was probably in the late ‘90s in Israel. We flew with a plane full of Dutch DJs and fans to Tel Aviv and Eilat. We’d been invited by Heallers and Bas Abels, who were organizing a festival in a beautiful valley. Erick E, Marcello, Jean were there – and I believe Tiësto joined as well.”
Bag of women’s clothes
“The trouble started at the airport. My girlfriend at the time was supposed to come with me, but had to cancel last-minute. I still had her clothes with me, though. Everyone breezed through customs, but I was pulled aside. Israel is known for its strict security. ‘Why do you have women’s clothing in your bag?’ and ‘What are you here for?’ they asked. Only when I showed them a vinyl record with my face on the cover did they finally let me through.” (laughs)
Magical
“The festival itself was magical. I was playing in the valley at sunrise, and when you see those colors, you’re almost left speechless. And when you happen to play just the right tracks at that moment, the entire valley comes alive. That was definitely one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced.”
“Because of COVID, my bookings have been on hold for nearly two years now. Gigs keep getting postponed in the hope things will go back to normal someday. Luckily, I’m still busy running Wild FM. I also host a few radio shows, like ID on Saturday evenings, where I get to play lots of fresh tech house, house, and melodic techno – music I personally love. As for the future, I can only say: hopefully see you soon on the dance floor in 2022.”
This interview with DJ Jurgen was originally published in January 2022 on This Is Our House.
Who is DJ Jurgen?
DJ Jurgen’s musical journey began in the charming town of Delft, where he delved into the world of music, eventually landing a gig as a radio jock for CITY Radio The Hague. With his passion for music ignited, DJ Jurgen soon found himself as a regular DJ at a prominent Dutch public radio station, earning his well-deserved credits in the radio industry.
As the 80’s drew to a close, DJ Jurgen embraced the vibrant Amsterdam dance scene, immersing himself in house music and experimenting with his unique sound. His talent quickly caught the attention of various clubs, leading him to become a resident DJ at renowned venues like Hour Power in Club Escape at Rembrandt Square, Amsterdam, and ASTA in The Hague. At ASTA, he introduced his own concept “ID”, providing a platform for upcoming DJs to showcase their skills.
In the mid-’90s, DJ Jurgen’s passion extended to music production, setting up his own modest studio. His first release, “Chakra’s Feelings“, gained popularity in the underground scene and found its way onto numerous compilation CDs. However, it was in 1998 that he achieved a major breakthrough with his chart-topping hit “Better Off Alone”, propelling him to international fame.
His success opened doors to performances across the globe, from Japan and Hawaii to Dubai, South Africa, and the USA. Notably, DJ Jurgen was the first DJ/producer to receive a nomination for the IDMA award in Miami, further cementing his position in the industry with the follow-up hit “Higher Higher“.
In July 2005, DJ Jurgen continued to make waves with the release of “Wicked Waves“ on the new Yakuza Label, followed by Boyzz on Spinnin Records in March 2007. Over the years, he has consistently released captivating tracks, including “Higher Love” in June 2008 and “Crazy Sexy Cool” in 2009.
Beyond his exceptional DJing and production skills, DJ Jurgen ventured into the world of radio. In 2005, he launched his daily morning radio show on Radio Fresh FM, hosting the popular show “ID” every Saturday night, featuring the latest club tracks and news. The show’s widespread appeal has attracted listeners from around the world, who tune in online to catch DJ Jurgen’s electrifying mixes on Wild FM ID.
As the journey continues, DJ Jurgen remains unstoppable,he continues to captivate dance floors with his infectious and energetic (tech) house tunes.