"The Most Epic Night Out": Interview With DJ TIËSTO On His Hit-Making Music Career And The Inspiration Behind His Single "10:35" For Atlantis The Royal

TIËSTO is the Grammy Award-winning iconic DJ from The Netherlands who is known for many hit songs and collaborations with world-renowned artists. The Dutch hit-maker, known as Tijs Verwest offstage, recently joined forces with singer-songwriter Tate McRae to create his recent single "10:35" to celebrate the opening of Atlantis The Royal, the luxury resort and newest addition to the Dubai skyline.

GEORGINA LARA BOOTH and NATASHA BOOTH interviewed Tiësto about the inspiration behind his new single "10:35", his collaboration with Tate McRae for Atlantis The Royal and his inspiring music career.

Hi Tijs! How are you doing?

"I’m doing great, thanks! I hope you are both doing great too!"

You and Tate McRae partnered with Atlantis The Royal this year for your new single 10:35 to celebrate the opening of the hotel in Dubai. How did you come up with the idea to create a single in partnership with Atlantis?

"When I was first introduced to the architectural plans of Atlantis The Royal, I saw the vision and felt super inspired. Tate and I instantly knew we wanted to create a song that captured the energy and electricity of the Atlantis Royal experience".

Tell me more about 10:35! What inspired you to create the sound of this new single?

"10:35pm is the time when the night begins - the moment when you let go and the energy takes over. I wanted to capture that feeling through the sound of the track as it relates to the electrifying feeling of an epic night out at Atlantis The Royal."

What are you most proud of in regard to the song?

"Seeing how much people vibe to it! It’s the best feeling seeing people just go crazy on the dance floor to one of your tracks."

Were there any challenges in regard to creating the song that would match the vibe and essence of the resort?

"It felt very natural and organic…which is the way I like to collaborate. The Atlantis team couldn’t have been more incredible to work with."

What is your work process like when you are creating new music? How do you decide what kind of sound you are looking for?

"It’s all about the feeling. We play around with a lot of ideas, but as soon as I hear ‘the one’ and I feel the right beat and sound, I know instantaneously!"

You are one of the best DJs in the world. Did you want to become a DJ when you were a kid? Did you ever think that you would end up as one of the world's biggest DJs and create a single for Atlantis in Dubai?

"From a very early age I knew DJing is what I wanted to do… but as much as I envisioned, I couldn’t imagine this exact moment and collaboration. That’s what’s so special… I’ve always focused on doing what I do best, and now get to work with the most incredible partners and brands in a really incredible way!"

What advice would you give to those who would like to become a world famous DJ who creates amazing music like yourself?

"It’s all about doing it for the passion and the love of the craft, not the fame. Stay focused, keep creating, and follow your passion…you never know where it can take you!"

What is the most rewarding part of being a DJ in your opinion?

"The live interaction with the audience! Seeing people have an incredible experience and being a part of it, getting to party along with them, is truly the best!"

What has been the most memorable moment for you so far in your career?

"Being able to touch people emotionally and connecting with them through music… It's performing live that always creates the most memorable moments, along with meeting the fans, and hearing their individual stories connected to my music."

What would you say to people why they should listen to 10:35 and why they should stay at Atlantis?

"If you want to experience the most epic night out, stay at Atlantis the Royal, start your night with 10:35, and make it an ALL NIGHTER!"

If you could create your next single for any other place - e.g. a vacation spot, landmark, city or country - what would it be and why?

"I’d have to go with Las Vegas! I spend so much time there and know the energy so well - it would be incredible to make a song that encapsulates that!"

Aside from Tate, if you could collaborate with any other musician or singer - dead or alive - to create a new single, who would you choose?

"It would have been so amazing to collaborate with Elvis! I think in a lot of ways, we have so much in common. I would have really loved to just hang and spend time with him. I think we could have made incredible Dance / Pop music together."

Is there anything you would like to share in particular with your fans?

"Keep an eye out for a lot of exciting stuff coming up - and thank you for listening!"