Tijs Verwest, better known for his stage name Tiesto, has come a long way in the last decade in helping to transform the electronica/trance musical genre into a more mainstream medium of art. If you don't know what the European-bred music genre of electronica is, then you probably haven't heard this song. Having been elevated to "mythical" and "legendary" status since he began mastering his craft of dance music in 1985, Tiesto's ability to create original music and remix them into his own has enamored millions around the world, including the Netherlands which he calls home.

Having won almost every dance music award there is, Tiesto was also named the #1 DJ of the Year in consecutive years by the readers of DJ Magazine from 2002-2004. Even today, no one else has won it in consecutive years. During this particular period, Tiesto started envisioning performing a set, not just in a club venue, but in a stadium. He then became the first DJ in music history to host a solo concert in a sell-out event in a 25,000 capacity stadium. The concert series, ultimately named Tiesto in Concert would then follow with even more stadiums being filled as the DJ set new records across the musical world.

Pop Rox Nation's Ray Almeda, Anton Almeda and Alex Simon recently had the chance to talk with the acclaimed DJ about his new album and also attend a concert of his ongoing tour, entitled Kaleidoscope. Having been in the United States for the last couple months and with only a few more weeks to go before he continues his tour in Europe, Tiesto has already sold out a good amount of his tour venues. With thousands clamoring for the DJ every weekend, Tiesto highlighted the importance of being relaxed before every show. 

"Usually, I take a couple of drinks right before. With all of the loud music, lights and everything, being relaxed is extremely important." Tiesto clarified.

Having already received a Grammy nomination for his album Elements of Life in 2008, Tiesto believes that "musical selection, technical skills, beat-matching and venues are just some of the keys for DJs to get to the next level." He explained. "It's such a high maintenance job. It's about picking your own music. Doing remixes, re-edits. There's much more to it. It will require everything from you."

As a DJ who programs his own synths and also modulates them to his own tastes, Tiesto works from the ground up to ensure his level of satisfaction. Tiesto's legion of loyal fans are crazy for his music and influence as well.

"Last week, a girl came up to me in the dressing room and wanted me to autograph her neck. I did and she came back at another concert with the very same autograph tattooed on her neck." 

Tiesto has also branched his love for music around different industries as well. In 2004, he played live in front of thousands (and millions watching at home) during the Parade Of The Athletes opening ceremony at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Recently, Tiesto has his attention towards videogames. Having worked last year on Alone in the Dark: Inferno for Atari and his recent involvement with Tap Tap Revenge 3 on the iPhone, he has certainly become the multi-talented renaissance man. 

Speaking on the latest release of DJ Hero, Tiesto mentioned that he was "amazed at the amount of hype the game has received." There's even a Tiesto track in the game. Speaking about Activision's recent game, Tiesto believes that it's "a good start" and is "hopeful for more realistic DJ elements should there be a sequel."

Attempting to expand his portfolio even further, Tiesto also opened a Chinese-fusion restaurant called Cineac in Amsterdam. Once a cinema theater, his restaurant combines a club atmosphere with Asian fusion dishes named after some of his most popular tracks. All of this inspiration comes from Tiesto's love for food.

"I like to please people. I'm a giver. I like to see other people happy... If I didn't become a DJ, I'd probably be a chef because food is so important... It's a very social and creative thing. If you become the best chef out there, you could probably get high off of food." 

Tiesto even recalls an experience at the famous AQUA Restaurant, a Michelin rated establishment that was so amazing to him that the food constantly kept a smile on his face.

"It was a nine course meal and the food was so amazingly prepared that you would think that you were stoned."

Even at that, it wasn't surprising to him because the chef's inspirations for creating his cuisines usually came after listening to Tiesto's music.

With still quite a bit of music left in him, Tiesto hopes that the millions of his head-bobbing fans will continue to look to music as a supplement to their creative lives:

"It's a speed train at the moment, but I'm already looking forward to many remixes next year. Let's party!"

With so many projects already under his belt and Tiesto's fearless ability to love forward to more, there doesn't seem to be any signs of the 40-year old DJ of slowing down. Stemming from his original objective, the same goes for the ongoing rise of his musical genre too.