Get ready to dive deep into the broad world of the man behind Mercurial Virus, a standout artist who has been making waves as an official artist of the Reason II Rise roster. With a rich discography of releases that have captured the essence of trance and electronic music as well as many aliases, Mercurial Virus continues to push boundaries and demonstrate unwavering commitment to his craft.
In this exclusive in-depth interview, we’ll unravel the layers behind his innovative sound and explore the journey that has led him to become a key artist in the Reason II Rise family. As proof to his evolving artistry, Mercurial Virus has joined forces with label boss and fellow Reason II Rise Artist, Darren Porter, for their highly anticipated collaboration, set to drop on August 16, 2024. (BUY NOW)
Join us as we delve into the career of Mercurial Virus, uncovering the inspirations, challenges, and aspirations that define his musical journey.
What year did you begin producing music?
I started learning to produce music in 2000 but it was naff (rubbish) lol, but you never had tutorials on youtube then haha, or templates. I managed to look up artists in trance which Lange (Stuart Langelaan) name popped up all the time. So i found his website and email address. I got tips and hints from him.
Can you tell us about how you first got into music production and what inspired you to start making hardstyle music in the beginning as D10?
It's funny when i got into music it was the era when trance and electronic music was in the charts. Dario G, Sash, DJ Quicksilver etc. I liked it.
Then in 1998 i got a job at a dental lab where a middle aged women asked me if i listen to radio 1 and Judge Jules. I said no but had a listen. I was blown away with it and was hooked, I remember Chicane - Saltwater, Binary Finary - 1999 (Gouryella Remix), The Morrighan - Remember (Lange Remix) i had found trance and not realised. Then i saw an advert for Trance Nation 2 and loved every tune played on there. So i brought the CD. I was hooked on trance, I wanted to learn to DJ and then had ideas flood my brain about making my own music. a couple of years later i wanted to produce stuff like what i am playing on vinyl.
It was in 2002 where i started getting into the Tidy Trax Hard Trance not the hard house, I was learning to produce and created the alias Mercurial Virus which went with my personality. I had an offer to remix a track which came out on vinyl, it is called Silver Ocean - We Should be Proud Of Nuclear War (Mercurial Virus Remix). I ended up doing both remixes which included a Fusion Reaktor Remix which was a one off. I sent a demo to Tidy in which they phoned me up and was interested in the track, They took way to long to release or do anything with it, I was suddenly getting labels chasing me. All of a sudden Fevah Records (Eamonn Fevah) got in touch and wanted to sign me as an artist and release all my stuff. then in 2002 at Gatecrasher i saw Scot Project play at the NEC in Birmingham, I loved his set and was my calling to make Hard Trance. I decided thats the genre i wanted to make, Dark, heavy and unusual. Thats where my D10 alias rose from.
While i was out clubbing at a mates event i heard them play Neon lights - Not Over Yet (Steve Hill Remix) and i was like i could make a Scot Project esq mix of that. Then when i sent it Steve he loved it and got me the vocals straight away. I managed to get Franks (Scot Project) email address at Gods kitchen to send him stuff. When he heard Not Over Yet he wanted to sign it and he played it everywhere at Gods kitchen, Dance Valley, Gatecrasher, Luminosity etc. He ended up doing his own little bootleg out of my mix.
After many big vinyl releases under D10 in hard trance in 2006 i was getting more into Hardstyle and saw it was becoming the big genre before it did. I like the way it was going, the unique sounds and the sound production was different. I love the feeling it gave and the hard beats.
You released hardstyle on Dutch Master Works and Kattiva, How did these opportunities come about?
Well i was well known as D10 for the Hard Trance, so in 2005 when i started to get into hardstyle after listening to Technoboy at Defqon1 and that it was very similar to hard trance at the time, i started learning hardstyle and sent demos with my biog and discography.
You mentioned during one on one conversation that no artists/labels listened to your demos in your earlier days, leading to frustration. How did you handle those emotions at the time?
After releases on DMW & Kattiva, i sent out demos to Scantraxx, Fusion, also to artists like Kutski, Headhunterz, Zatox, Wildstylez etc. Kutski used to download and play my hardstyle stuff and my remix of System F- Cry (D10 Remix) was played on Radio 1 twice, also he played a track on my own label Viper Traxx but then just stopped. Well i lost my rag haha, i put out a tweet and called them all out, in which Kutski put up a retweet how to finish your career haha.
Can you share more about your decision to quit producing in 2015 and transition to a "real job" at BMW? How did you come to terms with this change?
I had enough of not getting any tracks played or signed in hardstyle so i decided it was time to get a real full time job to earn a proper wage. It wasn’t hard to transition to making the engines, i listened to tunes while making them on a production line, but in mid 2016 my dad fell ill with terminal cancer which made me make a decision about my future. I'd needed to spend as much time with my dad as possible as well taking him to all the appointments.
"The craziest thing is I knew, driving to work most days and talking to people at work that I wouldn’t be there long and knew I was destined for something else." - Mercurial Virus
How long were you out of the music industry for?
I was out of the industry from 2015 till mid 2017. I had to buy all new equipment again.
What motivated you to get back into producing music after your hiatus? Was there a specific moment or event that reignited your passion?
Well when I was caring for my dad during his terminal cancer, I had 2 mates Matthew Day & Anthony Ali telling me to get back into music and Trance, Anthony showed me Darren Porters stuff which I was gobsmacked because his track Deep Blue instantly resonated with me with the breakdown. the energy when it dropped sold it to me that I want to make trance with a cinematic break. Then I heard more Darren Porter stuff and was like this guy is immense, the energy and the beautiful breakdowns are up there. This was the moment I had ambition, drive and a vision for the future. I knew I could release my emotion with trance.
You produce under different aliases: D10, Mercurial Virus, Deton-8 and Rendar Sojan. Can you explain the differences in styles and how you approach each project?
D10: is Hard German Trance (Scot Project / Old Overdose style) That is my dark aggressive sound with the raspy basslines, hard kicks, synth stabs and mad vocal chops. That can come about when I’m in a bad mood and want to make something tough and aggressive. Always start with a heavy kick and create a melody. Then the bassline follows the lead melody which is at 140bpm. Listen here on spotify
Mercurial Virus: Uplifting Trance which is more emotional for me and it is when i am feeling really good and have high emotions. I always write a melody first and then add kicks and Sub Bass, then create mid basses. I write at 138bpm or 140bpm and the rest follows on.
Deton-8: Hardstyle / Techno which all starts with finding that really heavy kick, and then creating a crazy melody with like a reese bass sound. usually tempo is 132 upwards and hardstyle at 150. with the aggressive bouncy kicks.
Rendar Sejon: is my ambient / chillout alias where I’m more chilled out and love the atmospheres and vibes of meditating. I start at 100 bpm up to 130 bpm. I create a nice melody first with pads. Then create an arp pattern and use nice voices to compliment it.
What do you enjoy most about producing different genres like hard trance, uplifting trance, techno, hardstyle and chillout/cinematic?
For me the enjoyment of making the different genres is using different sounds, techniques and mixing down is different. All have different emotions. Everything I produce is melodic because everything i write is capturing my feelings and emotions. So sometimes it can be dark and heavy for the Hard Trance, dark and dirty for techno, hard but uplifting for hardstyle, chillout relaxed and happy, Trance feeling emotional and happy.
"Growing up I was well looked after by my parents who supported me with what ever I did. I owe a-lot to them for how they have brought me and shaped me to who I am today." - Mercurial Virus
Can you share a bit about your personal life growing up? Were there any significant events or influences that directed you towards music?
To be honest my dad introduced me to music with Jean Michel Jarre in 1986. Rendez Vous - Housten stuck in my mind as it was all electronic but gave me amazing vibes. I was always into football from a young age and wanted to be a footballer, I was captain of my school team from the start to the end, played Sunday league but when i was 16 i was playing 5 a sides and was smashing it scoring a-lot of goals and playing against older players helped me to become more physically stronger. Then a guy who was on my team i was playing for knew someone at Solihull Borough which is now Solihull Moors, i was training and scoring goals for them, then they had a trial game which i started and in the second half i scored the winner. Then i was signed to be part of the reserves and at the end of the season even got called up for the first team in pre season.
I went on to play for Moor Green, Gresley, Knowle, Massey Ferguson, Cradley Heath.
I had quit football at 22 for a music career as i had a record contract from Indigenous Beats and was concentrating on music. At that point i had played for Solihull Borough twice , Moor Green, Gresley, and Knowle.
How did your family and friends react to your career in music and then your decision to leave it temporarily?
My mom didn’t take it serious but my dad supported me, he helped me out and borrowed me the money for my first Mac Pro. He used to tell me if he liked a track and would play my stuff on the tele. He would get involved to talking to label managers who came to the house. He would even blast my tunes at Currys and the Bose store testing surround sound systems. My dad drove me down to London to catch flights to Australia for my tours, Also picked me up as well. My mom was like at last your going to get a proper job and my dad said it was up to me.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I love football playing it and watching it, Playing computer games, watching films and going for nice relaxing walks at nice places. I love relaxing at log cabins.
What are your goals for the future, both in your music career and your personal life?
Personal life i hope to relax more and enjoy travelling around the world.
In my musical career I hope to DJ more worldwide and to play at the big events / festivals like Luminosity, Dreamstate, Transmission, Unkoncious, ASOT at some point.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about and can share with us?
Yes there is, I have a collab with the one and only Darren Porter which I am excited about called 'One Life' which has already had support form John O'Callaghan at Luminosity. Also finished a collaboration with AstroFegs & K-PAXian with a trance version of the Dune Pt 2 track Kiss The Ring which Xijaro & pitch used as an intro at Luminosity. I am working on a new collab with Les Hemstock & Tiff Lacey which will be amazing. Also with my hard trance stuff DJ Wag has asked me to do a D10 remix of his classic 'The Day The Earth Caught Fire'.
You mentioned during a conversation we have had that some people in your life previously held you back in your music career. What did you learn from that experience, and what advice would you give to someone in a similar situation trying to break free from that cycle?
I learnt a lot, listen to your gut instinct and push aside those people who aren’t pulling in the same direction. Some people come into your life for a short period but it is for us to learn lessons from them. In the music industry you need a supportive partner who wants to help you become the best version of yourself and help drive success.
My advice would be if you meet someone who isn’t supportive, doesn’t care about your music career, doesn’t allow you the time to write music but then wants the nights out while you are networking. My advice is to drop them till the right person comes along who automatically does the things that a supportive partner should do.
Your partner should want to take pictures and videos at gigs for content, should help and give you space when needed to make the music.
Looking back at your career, what are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned?
I think some valuable lessons is to be patient and to not label hop.
Also I would say have your contracts checked and get a publisher from day one as I missed out on royalties and in some early contracts gave the rights away.
Back in the hard trance and hardstyle days my patience was severely test and I lost my cool, I didn’t care at the time. It's okay now because all of the hard trance contacts still want my work and want me to remix so it hasn’t affected anything.
"I think my downfall early on in trance was looking for all the top labels and then when a track wasn’t signed, I'd look for the next one, I targeted loads of labels when I should have focused on a small group." - Mercurial Virus
If you could give advice to your younger self or aspiring producers, what would it be?
My advice for young aspiring producers would be to write music for yourself and follow your passion. Don’t jump to the current genre but stick to and master your favourite genre. I would also tell a young producer to learn your software, chord progressions as well, it is so handy making melodies. I would also repeat, make sure you get a publisher and your contracts checked over when you get offers on a record. Another thing I'd tell an aspiring producer is reference your favourite tracks.
What led you to sign as an official artist with Reason II Rise Music? Can you share your thoughts behind this decision to say yes?
Well from the moment I met Darren back in Nottingham, it was great getting an insight on the industry and also being a huge fan of Daz’s music, I would of been stupid not to want to work with Daz. When all the releases got signed and released, I was impressed with the effort from the whole team. Artwork was amazing, videos, even the info and the interview to learn about me as an artist, then going to Edinburgh to the Reason II Rise night and meeting the whole team and what a family it feels like.
The fact that Reason II Rise are interested in each artist and want to help each artist grow with sound advice and strategy is what every label should do, but other labels just don’t.
"All major labels treat your release as a number in the catalogue and that’s it, no exposure or interviews nothing. Reason II Rise make you feel at home and special." - Mercurial Virus
What aspects of Reason II Rise Music attracted you the most when you were considering signing with them?
Well obviously the chance to work with and to be part of a team with Darren Porter was a huge factor for me, with all the number 1’s and amazing tracks on the biggest labels such as Armada, FSOE etc gigs at the biggest events such as Luminosity, Transmission, Dreamstate, Unkoncious, FSOE events etc. To get guidance and support from him is crucial for an artist to grow. I also loved the vibe of everybody associated with Reason II Rise when I went up to Edinburgh, everything felt like a family. Also the website is so clean and professional, so many great things to do on there and to interact. No other label has this level of interaction.
What do you hope to achieve by being part of the Reason II Rise Music team as an artist?
I hope to get more gigs and eventually tours in the future through having many more tracks released on Reason II Rise. The opportunity to remix some of the big artists work on the label and to collaborate with some real quality artists is amazing and beneficial for both as it raises the profile of everybody.
How do you envision Reason II Rise Music helping you grow as an artist? Are there specific resources or support systems they offer that you find particularly beneficial?
To me Darren Porter has all the experience and contacts to help my music and profile have a bigger reach, I believe we can all help each other. I believe Reason II Rise can help improve my music and give me freedom to make what I like, a lot of labels don’t allow freedom and they want changes to something you’ve made. The track ends up totally different to what was made and doesn’t have the same feel.
You have already had 3 releases with R2R before signing as an official artist. Can you describe your experience working with the Reason II Rise Music team so far? How do they support you as an artist and your professional development?
I have had all amazing experienced with the Reason II Rise team from wanting to know all aspects of myself as an artist. Not just my Mercurial Virus work but other genres I produce which is amazing to think a label is open to all works instead of pigeon holing. I have had great chats with Darren about the label, the industry, the plans for the future as a whole with other things to help artists.
Are there any collaborations or projects within Reason II Rise Music that you’re particularly excited about?
Oh yes, the collaboration with Darren Porter was amazing, To collaborate with such an amazing writer and producer and isn’t an opportunity you get often. I go back 7 years and think back of his amazing tracks he has produced for himself and others, It is like a fairytale. It is an amazing track as well what we did, already supported by John O’Callaghan at Luminosity made go wow.
How do you see your relationship with Reason II Rise Music evolving in the future? What are your long-term goals with them?
My long term goal is to represent Reason II Rise and tour as an advocate for Reason II Rise. Loyalty is a big thing in my eyes and I believe it is about all working together. The whole team work so hard and are very professional and offer more than what other labels do. If I can help the whole team and vice versa then I can see a very healthy future.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a new track? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into the zone?
Some nights I meditate and hope to wake up fresh, more often than not I have a few of my cats jump on me early hours of the morning lol, I do listen to Chillout music and Enigma while sleeping. I go into the studio in what ever mood, wether I am chilled out or cheesed off by something or buzzing with excitement will determine the direction of a track I write. So I will start by adding Spire and look for aggressive leads sounds for Hard Trance or techno as the instrument and using my midi keyboard to think of the chord progression. If I am making trance I would use Spire with a proper trance lead sound, then create a melody from playing my misdirects keyboard. Sometimes I can be buzzing but things on my mind could change the feel of the melody so it may be emotional or driving. I always end up with sweets at my desk lol.
Who are your biggest musical influences currently, and how have they shaped your sound?
For me Darren Porter and Scot Project my biggest musical influences even all this time. They don’t move away from their sound and try new things but always sound crisp. It has made me improve my sound and try to be different in how i produce sounds and arrangements.
What are your favorite tools and software for music production, and why?
Software I love Logic & Ableton, both have different things that work for me. Different genres I create decides what I use. For hard trance I find it easier to loads of vocal chopping, also automation for mad effects. I use Kontakt for sample libraries for the big orchestral sounds and the cinematic voices, Omnisphere for atmospheric stuff as well as some amazing orchestral sounds and voices, Spire on most things for leads, bass, pads, plucks.
Can you share a memorable DJ experience and what made it special?
I remember a unique and crazy experience when I was DJing in Sydney (Australia) at an after party, a guy gave me $20 while I was playing. He said my set was unreal and said I deserved a tip haha. The energy and passion for the music was amazing, the crowd interacted with the music.
Which countries have you DJ'd in and under what alias?
As D10 I have played in Australia x2 , Netherlands, Wales, up and down the UK and would have been Ibiza if I wasn’t messed around when I got there lol.
Under Mercurial Virus I have only actually played one gig and that was in Birmingham for Existence.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your career so far?
The most rewarding moments in my career have been seeing my tracks played out by the biggest names in the industry at the biggest events worldwide which includes both my aliases D10 & Mercurial Virus. Another rewarding moment was having quite a few tracks released on vinyl in the early days. To have a physical copy of your records and compilations you have been on is an achievement because in those days a release cost quite a bit of money so they didn’t just sign anything. It is amazing seeing peoples reactions on the dance floor and comments about a track you’ve made.
Have you ever experienced a technical malfunction or a mishap during a performance? If so, tell us your story.
Haha yes the last gig i had I was taking over from Angelus but he didn’t know which USB stick was playing his last track. So I had to work it out and guess, when i took the one out the music stopped dead haha. I then put my USB in and then pressed the wrong cue point so the track started near the end. It was a messy start but i mixed in pretty quick and the rest of the set was flawless and banging.
Are there any new genres or styles you’re interested in exploring in the future?
Yes I'll continue making Hard Trance and Trance but i am going to make some Techno and ambient / Chillout stuff. I have made a few of each genre and really enjoyed it.
Are there any vocalists/singer-songwriters or producers you would like to collab with?
Id love to collab with Scot Project even though i know Frank well haha. John O'Callaghan, Sean Tyas, Xijaro & Pitch, That Girl and Darren Porter again ;)
Can you share a memorable fan interaction that had a significant impact on you?
Haha it would be when i was touring Australia at Black Magic in Sydney. I wasn’t playing but i was with Steve Hill, Frank (Scot Project) and a fan who loved my music asked me to sign one of her breasts. It was amazing :)
What do you see as the biggest challenges in the music industry today, and how do you navigate them?
I see quite a few challenges in the industry, I have seen the likes of Beatport merge Techno and hard Trance in the Trance chart which i think is monopolising the big labels. I also hate social media but i do understand its a necessity these days to reach out to fans, So content has to be released regularly to stay relevant these days, which I do. I see gigs are hard to come by these days as promoters are always looking to to just profit and not try something new with the line ups. I just network more at events to show my face and to let them know who i am.
How do you handle criticism and setbacks in your career?
In the past i used to get wound up and would moan, but eventually i think after my dad passed away i looked at music as I make what i like and express my emotions and feelings. I now make music how i like it and if it captures other peoples hearts then its a bigger bonus for me and i really appreciate that other people love it.
Can you tell us what upcoming releases you have?
July: D10 - Dark Skies (Viper Traxx) (Hard Trance)
August: D10 - Outbreak (Viper Traxx) (Hard Tech Trance),
Darren Porter & Mercurial Virus - One Life (Reason II Rise) (Trance),
Hemstock & Jennings - Shout (C'Mon) (Mercurial Virus Remix) (2Rock),
September: D10 - Rendez Vous II (Viper Traxx) (Hard Trance)
Any upcoming DJ gigs you'd like to share? Confirmed September 7th Evolve in Sheffield (Mercurial Virus) and one in November or December Precaution Event in Bournemouth under D10.
It's clear that his journey through the world of electronic music has been nothing short of remarkable. From the early days of experimenting with sounds to becoming a staple in the hard trance and hardstyle scenes, his path has been filled with both exhilarating highs and challenging lows. The resilience he’s shown in the face of industry changes and personal hurdles speaks volumes about his dedication and love for his craft.
Joining Reason II Rise Music marks a significant new chapter in his career, offering fresh opportunities for growth and collaboration. His partnership with the label is a showcase to his evolving sound and the mutual belief in working together with a label. As he continues to create and innovate, it's exciting to think about what lies ahead for him.
Mercurial Virus’s story is a powerful reminder of the passion and perseverance required to thrive in the ever-changing music industry. With new releases on the horizon and a continued commitment to his artistry, his journey is far from over. We look forward to witnessing the next stages of his career and the impact he will undoubtedly continue to make in the electronic music scene.
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