Ferry Corsten entered the electronic music scene in 1995, winning the De Grote Prijs van Nederland while balancing his early career with studies in electrical engineering. Over the subsequent decades, the Rotterdam native established himself as a central figure in the trance genre through his work as a composer, record producer, and club DJ.
Early Career and Production
Born in 1973 in Rotterdam, Corsten developed an interest in electronic music through the radio program The Soulshow. He began experimenting with production while in his teens, eventually moving from hardcore gabber to trance and club-house music. His breakthrough as a solo artist occurred in 1996 with the single Don't Be Afraid, released under the alias Moonman. By 1997, he co-founded the dance labels Tsunami and Polar State alongside Robert Smit.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Global Recognition and Collaborations
Corsten gained international prominence with the 1999 release of Out of the Blue, a track produced under his System F alias that reached the UK Singles Chart top twenty. He expanded his reach through collaborative projects, including Gouryella with Tiësto and Veracocha with Vincent de Moor. His production skills led to remix work for artists such as U2, Moby, Faithless, and William Orbit, with his remix of Adagio for Strings earning a Dancestar Award in 2000.
Compilations and Industry Milestones
Beyond studio production, Corsten found success as a compiler for the Trance Nation series, with his first installment achieving platinum status. His professional contributions were formally recognized in his home country with the Zilveren Harp award and his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2022. He has maintained a consistent presence on the DJ Mag Top 100 list throughout his career.
Current Activities
Corsten continues to perform at major global electronic music festivals, including Tomorrowland and the Electric Daisy Carnival. His contemporary output includes the weekly radio show Resonation Radio, reflecting his shift toward a broader range of styles spanning progressive house and uplifting trance. He remains active as a performer and recording artist.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Rotterdam
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Major Awards: Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau (2022), Zilveren Harp
- Notable Projects: System F, Gouryella, Veracocha
- Radio Presence: Resonation Radio
- Career Start: 1995 De Grote Prijs van Nederland win
Questions readers ask
What early training influenced his production career?
While producing his early tracks in the 1990s, Corsten studied electrical engineering.
Which major collaborators has Corsten worked with?
He has collaborated with artists including Tiësto, Vincent de Moor, Marc Almond, and Armin van Buuren.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau — 2022
- Genres: electro
