How do you know if someone is really talented when there
are so many ways to define it When it comes to making music
and playing DJ-sets judging 'talent' is personal, like everything
that has something to do with creativity. If you are an agent
or an A&R manager, it takes a good sense of what may be
successful to put faith in a talented person. Armada has found
its new star. Meet Dutch DJ/producer Perry O' Neil,
Perry O' Neil is a 26 years old Dutch guy. Spontaneous, cheerful
and somewhat curious like many people of his age. He is the
rising star at Armada, the record company that aims high with
Perry. Armada heard O' Neil's first productions in the beginning
of 2003 and signed the first tunes a couple of months later
to the record division. David Lewis, partner in Armada, got
caught by the unique sound in both Perry's productions and
DJ sets so he wanted to work with him as a DJ as well. Although
Perry has not released a lot so far, several of his tracks
already have been played by DJ's like Armin van Buuren, Paul
van Dyk, Markus Schulz, Matt Hardwick and Ben Lost.
Perry O' Neil is one of those guys who has been spinning
for years and years, always dreaming of the day on which he
would stand in front of thousands of people that came to see
him in particular. There were times that he hesitated about
the sense of continuing to pursuit a dream that seemed to
hard to realize, but then he was always reminded by himself
of his undying love for dancemusic. Then came the interest
of Armada in his productions. The style of Perry O' Neil differed
from the most other demo's they receive daily and under guidance
of Armada Perry succeeded in delivering improved tracks. No
wonder his first release on St. John vs Locust (A State of
Trance) was a success. But what is that unique sound Perry
O' Neil masters Perry himself describes it as progressive
melodic house. Perry: "It is not really trance the way
Tio and Armin van Buuren play it. My sound is a mixture of
different elements of different styles. I like melodic repeating
lines, and you can easily hear the tribal influences in my
tracks. I always try to put certain energy in the track, like
a kicking bassline or a break that is full of tension which
builds up to a climax. During the break I like to see the
audience with its eyes closed, lifting off from the dancefloor,
only to return when the climax is there. In general you could
say I am fond of progressive melodic house."
Perry, modest as he is, knows that there is a long way to
go but there is a lot of confidence in himself as well. Perry:
"If you really want to achieve something, you have to
give everything you have to chase that dream. Now that I have
that opportunity to build on my career in music, I will capture
it with both hands." A career both in producing and DJ-ing
that is, for Perry likes the both of them equally. "In
both I can put al my creativity and to judge on the reactions
of the crowd and the people on internet I am getting better
in what I do each day. However, I will always keep both feet
firmly on the ground."
Being down-to-earth is a quality of character Maykel Piron
of Armada appreciates in Perry. No wonder he likes to work
with him. Maykel: "Perry has a good ear for music and
he is straight forward. Therefore we have asked him to do
A&R work for our Electronic Elements label. Whether a
demo is sent by a famous producer or a talent, Perry gives
his honest opinion. We are glad to have him with us."
For Perry himself the most important thing in life is to live
it in the most joyful way possible. Perry: "That positive
approach of life is something you must have if you want to
be a good DJ. No one likes a DJ who has obviously no fun in
what he is doing." And Perry certainly shows he is having
fun when he is behind the decks. An attitude that, combined
with his undeniable talent, may very well make him the next
Dutch star.
