Tiesto, alias Tijs Verwest, started his career in 1985, back when Raspberry Beret and Psycho Candy filled the airways with their bubblegum rhythms. Picking out records, buying equipment and mixing his tunes, Tiesto got a head start on a trend that would only become mainstream years later with the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince or Rob Bass with DJ Easy Rock.

His unique blend of Progressive Trance mixed with up-beat House is guaranteed to strike a chord in every listener. He has a genuine passion for muzik and isn't afraid to exhibit this enthusiasm in every performance. Perhaps we shouldn't even call it a performance; it is rather a public glimpse at a man doing what he loves to do.

Anyone who has ever harbored passion for an activity can understand how time and space simply slip away when immersed in that endeavor. Tiesto is no exception when it comes to his muzik. Spinning himself into a veritable trance on the decks, this muzikcal genius is famous for long-lasting, six-hour sets in super clubs such as Amnesia in Ibiza.

It's like he plugs himself into the source of energy pulsating from the heat of the dance floor, and once he's connected, the crowd is in for a real treat. Their combined energy feeds his soul, which resonates through his muzik and goes back out to them. Even Tiesto, himself, has admitted what an integral part the crowd and their excitement is to his muzik. It is such a refreshing change from the typical "Look at me, I'm a superstar" persona that so many DJs now bequeath.

Real, honest and down-to-earth, Tiesto takes time to shake the hands of eager fans reaching over the DJ booth during his sets (much to the dislike of the security). In fact, at the end of a recent set in Amsterdam at 7:00 a.m., he stayed in the DJ booth signing autographs and talking with his fans. When he ran out of papers to sign he signed several records and gave them out to his supporters. It's a touching experience that is rare among famous DJs.

On the tables he is a perfectionist who never misses a beat. One of his fans recently confessed that it is less like listening to a set and more like listening to a continuous, three-hour song. Those fortunate enough to have seen Tiesto live would agree: His mixing is impressive (impeccable, actually); and his passion for perfection results in muzikical explosions when his tunes swirl into seamless harmony. His face registers intense concentration while preparing the mix, and every second he is in the moment. It's clear that Tiesto loves that people that are watching and listening to him do what he does best.

In 2001, after a full 16 years in the business, Tiesto started his own label called "Magik Muzik", which currently supplies the world with this established DJ's finest productions and his favorite tracks. The company's very first release was its owner's new single, Flight 643. The single's instant, international success represented a large achievement for Tiesto and his label.

After the single, Tiesto released his solo album, "In My Memory", in October 2001. This album is a deeply moving collection of Progressive, Spiritual Trance/House muzik for your listening pleasure. It is, if nothing else, a handsome consolation prize for those who can't make it out to his shows.

Those who can make it to his shows, though, should prepare themselves to be amazed. There are a lot of DJs out there that can make a three-hour set sound perfect without any flaws and without bouncing any beats; there are very few who can actually connect with the crowd. And there are even fewer that truly love what they do. There is little else that can be said about Tiesto, except that he is simply the best in the world! If you ever get an opportunity to see this man spread his love through the speakers, run don't walk.