Funny One-Liners
Initially best known for his 1999 remix of Zombie Nation’s 'Kernkraft 400', Technoboy (aka Cristiano Giusberti) is now hailed as a pioneer of hardstyle. Headed to Australia for the very first time, Cristiano will be in Brisbane later this month for the ‘10 Years of Technoboy’ event.
You called yourself Technoboy because Italians used 'techno' as a generic name for different types of dance music, but has the increase in techno's popularity over the last few years been beneficial to you?
Haha! Well I don’t know. But techno has been evolving from the recent minimal scene and has adapted to a wider audience. It has become an easygoing clubsound that can be played everywhere. Hardstyle music actually does the same although it is not as universal as minimal techno, but it still is an energetic kind of music which is made to dance to.
How have other gigs lived up to your first ever gig as Technoboy in Holland back in 2001?
My first gig as TBY will of course be something special, but I am somebody who wants to evolve. I like the progression I have made since then, so every year I believe my performances will be better.
What's the most important thing you've learnt in your ten year career?
There is a huge difference between what people say and what they do. I would like to be an example of how it should be; I say it and I do it.
You're love for fashion is well known; why is fashion so important to you, and how do you feel about getting dressed up in costume for events like Qlimax?
Well for Qlimax I understand there is some involvement into the whole concept, that is why I accept the costumes; but that is the only exception! I never wear the t-shirts that are offered to us; the way you look is important for your confidence and when I am on stage I would like to be occupied with other things than the fit of my t-shirt.
Who are you most musically inspired by?
When you listen to my tracks you hear a lot of ‘80s influences. This is of course the period in which I started with music. Sample wise, I watch a lot of movies and try to find really funny one-liners. We laugh our asses off in the studio all the time.
You've played numerous festivals and parties, but do you get a chance to do much partying yourself?
Well it is hard to party at an event where you are performing, as I am really concentrating then. But I have been partying a lot for the last 24 years. Nowadays I like to combine things with good food, good wine and a bit more quality when it comes to entertainment, probably just comes with the age.
How do you feel about playing 'Ten Years of Technoboy'?
Of course there is added pressure; this night represents the music in my career and that is something I find really important. People can expect a balanced build-up with old, present and future music served to them with a high level of precision. Every track and performance has to fit into the night making it a single experience. This is the difference with other harder-style events where there is no control and everybody just does what he feels like.
Why do you think hardstyle fans are so loyal when the genre gets so much flack within the electronic music scene?
They’re living the life, enjoying every last moment and then someone comes and says there is something wrong - what would you do? Music is every bit as individual as your choice in clothes, colours and food. These fans are so strong and confident they dare to stand up and say what they want, not what someone else likes.
How much importance do you give to the Top 100 DJ list?
I saw an event in Holland just the other week; four so-called top ten artists didn't sell out a venue; me and a lot of other hardstyle artists sold out in a matter of minutes with solo performances. It would be better to have the voting on the dancefloor and see what the people that actually visit the events prefer. And don't get me wrong; there are so many good artists in that list, it is just that their rank is decided on the number of times their name is displayed somewhere.
‘10 Years of Technoboy’, with Technoboy, T’N’T, Hardstyle Masterz, Tuneboy and Ruffian happens at the Hi-Fi Friday December 18.