Kris Vanderheyden
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Kris Vanderheyden (
Halle, Belgium Halle (; , ) is a Belgian city and municipality in the Halle-Vilvoorde district (''arrondissement'') of the province of Flemish Brabant. It is located on the Brussels–Charleroi Canal and on the Flemish side of the language border that separa ...
), known by his stage name as Insider, is a Belgian
techno Techno is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) which is generally produced for use in a continuous DJ set, with tempos being in the range from 120 to 150 beats per minute (bpm). The central rhythm is typically in common time ( ) and often ...
and
electronic Electronic may refer to: *Electronics, the science of how to control electric energy in semiconductors * ''Electronics'' (magazine), a defunct American trade journal *Electronic storage, the storage of data using an electronic device *Electronic c ...
music producer A record producer or music producer is a music creating project's overall supervisor whose responsibilities can involve a range of creative and technical leadership roles. Typically the job involves hands-on oversight of recording sessions; ensu ...
. He is considered one of the leading pioneers of the Belgian originated techno
electronic dance music Electronic dance music (EDM), also referred to as dance music or club music, is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres originally made for nightclubs, raves, and List of electronic dance music festivals, festivals. It is generally ...
scene. He was born of a
French French may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to France ** French language, which originated in France ** French people, a nation and ethnic group ** French cuisine, cooking traditions and practices Arts and media * The French (band), ...
mother and a Belgian father, a
trumpet The trumpet is a brass instrument commonly used in classical and jazz musical ensemble, ensembles. The trumpet group ranges from the piccolo trumpet—with the highest Register (music), register in the brass family—to the bass trumpet, pitche ...
player who was a Latin music lover and owner of an enormous record collection with artists spanning from
James Brown James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, and record producer. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century music, he is referred to by Honorific nick ...
to
Donna Summer Donna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948May 17, 2012), known professionally as Donna Summer, was an American singer and songwriter. She gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s and became known as the "Queen of Disco", while her music ...
and genres from Classical and
Jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its roots are in blues, ragtime, European harmony, African rhythmic rituals, spirituals, h ...
to
Zydeco Zydeco ( ; ) is a music genre that was created in rural Southwest Louisiana by French speaking, Afro-Americans of Creole heritage. It blends African and Caribbean rhythms, blues and rhythm and blues with music indigenous to the Louisiana ...
. While growing up, Vanderheyden spent most of his childhood with his grandmother and an uncle who was a fan of
Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin were an English rock music, rock band formed in London in 1968. The band comprised vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist-keyboardist John Paul Jones (musician), John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham. With a he ...
,
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic music, psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experiments ...
and
The Sex Pistols The Sex Pistols are an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they became culturally influential in popular music. The band initiated the punk movement in the United Ki ...
. This mixture of musical genres came to influence his music career later in life. At the age of 16, Vanderheyden took a position at a local record store in Halle Belgium called Eddy's Records where he became even more consumed with music. After saving enough money from his job, he bought his first
synthesizer A synthesizer (also synthesiser or synth) is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals. Synthesizers typically create sounds by generating waveforms through methods including subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis a ...
, a Roland W30 and started to compose his very own music in his bedroom.


Music Man Records

After recording some early demos, Music Man Records offered Vanderheyden a recording contract. The initial release went well but it was his next release under his ''INSIDER'' moniker which became his first real breakthrough. According to Vanderheyden, "I went to the owner of Music Man (Hessel Tieter) and said, 'If you give me a sizable advance to purchase more recording equipment, I will give you a hit record'. Hessel contacted
Frank de Wulf Frank De Wulf (born 1968) is a Belgian DJ, musician and record label owner. He is considered one of the pioneers of the Belgian new beat and techno scene. Life and career Frank De Wulf was born in 1968 as the youngest of three sons.The Limelight The Limelight was a chain of nightclubs owned and operated by Peter Gatien. It had locations in New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, London and Hallandale, Florida. History Florida and Atlanta locations Peter Gatien opened the first Limelight n ...
Club for controversial party promoter Lord Michael's ''Future Shock'' event.


Bonzai Records

In 1994, Vanderheyden signed a deal with
Bonzai Records Bonzai Records, also known as Bonzai Music or Bonzai Progressive, is a Belgium-based record label specializing in techno, trance, hard trance, Goa trance, rave music and hardcore music. It was formed by DJ Fly in the back of record-shop The Bl ...
where he recorded a string of hits. His most famous releases from that period are ''Boots On The Run'' as ''INSIDER'' and ''Noxius'' under the Tyrome moniker. To date, most of these songs are played on a regular basis by new and rising DJ's all over the world.


London Records

In 1995, Vanderheyden wrote ''Sugar Is Sweeter'' and ''The Prophet'', which ranked 11 and 19 on the UK Singles Chart respectively. The Armand Van Helden remix of ''Sugar Is Sweeter'' made it to #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs Chart. ''The Prophet'' was a big underground hit as well.


N.E.W.S.

Late 90's Kris signed a non-exclusive deal with NEWS Records where he released INSIDER's ''The Swarm'', another big club hit.


Minneapolis Years

Vanderheyden continued to perform globally, captivating audiences with his talent. In 2003, he made a significant move to Minneapolis to join his long-time hero Dr. Fink, a prominent member of
Prince and The Revolution The Revolution is an American band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979 by Prince, serving as his live band and later as his studio band. The band's sound incorporated rock, pop, R&B, funk, new wave and psychedelic elements. Along with P ...
. Together, they collaborated on an album at the esteemed
Paisley Park Paisley Park is a 65,000 square foot estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota, United States, once owned by American musician Prince. It was opened to the public as a museum in October 2016. History Construction of the $10 million complex began in Jan ...
recording facility with
Prince A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. The ...
alumnus and saxophonist
Eric Leeds Eric Leeds is an American saxophone player, mostly known for his work with Prince (musician), Prince. He has recorded mostly music in the Pop music, pop and funk genres, but is a studied jazz musician.Cole, George.Eric Leeds: Interviews: The Las ...
. Despite their dedicated efforts and the promising synergy among the musicians, the album was never released, leaving fans to wonder about the potential masterpiece that never saw the light of day.


Musical Masterpiece for the Hit Film "Zillion"

In 2022, Kris took on the monumental task of composing the soundtrack for the movie "Zillion," directed by Robin Pront and featuring Jonas Vermeulen and
Matteo Simoni Matteo Simoni (born 3 September 1987) is a Belgian actor. He starred in film such as ''Marina A marina (from Spanish , Portuguese and Italian : "related to the sea") is a dock or basin with moorings and supplies for yachts and small bo ...
as the lead actors. The title track
"Black Magic,"
stands out as a pivotal element of the film, enhancing its narrative and emotional depth. Vanderheyden's ability to capture the essence of the film's atmosphere and translate it into music has been lauded by both critics and audiences alike. The film's near-million attendance in the Flemish part of Belgium has been celebrated as one of the best Belgian movies ever. His work on "Zillion" is a shining example of how a powerful soundtrack can transform a great film into an unforgettable masterpiece.


Remixes-R&S-Cocoon Records

The last few years have seen Vanderheyden divide his time between Belgium, France and the United States, teaming up with a number of established music producers and mixers like producer Greg Cohen (
John Legend John Roger Stephens (born December 28, 1978), known professionally as John Legend, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He began his musical career working behind the scenes for other artists, playing piano on Lauryn Hill's " Every ...
,
Lil Yachty Miles Parks McCollum (born August 23, 1997), known professionally as Lil Yachty, is an American rapper. He first gained recognition in August 2015 for his viral hit "One Night (Lil Yachty song), One Night", the lead single from his debut extend ...
,
Nile Rodgers Nile Gregory Rodgers Jr. (born September 19, 1952) is an American musician, songwriter, guitarist and record producer. The co-founder of Chic, he has written, produced, and performed on records that have sold more than 750 million albums and 1 ...
,
Robin Thicke Robin Alan Thicke (born March 10, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his 2013 single " Blurred Lines" (featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams), which peaked atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, received ...
) on mixing, production and writing work for various major-label artists. Most recently, Vanderheyden again scored a couple of #1 positions on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Song Chart with his remix production work on
Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreogr ...
''Made For Now'' and New Wave legends Blondie’s
Fun Fun is defined by the ''Oxford English Dictionary'' as "light-hearted pleasure, enjoyment, or amusement; boisterous joviality or merrymaking; entertainment". Etymology and usage The word ''fun'' is associated with sports, entertaining medi ...
. Throughout the last two decades and presently, Vanderheyden continues to headline major summer and fall festivals most notably,
Tomorrowland Tomorrowland may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * Tomorrowland (Disney Parks), a theme land at a number of Disney theme parks around the world * Tomorrowland (festival), an annual electronic dance music festival in Boom, Belgium * ''Tom ...
as ''INSIDER'' and ''Tyrome'', among other related projects. In the summer of 2019 ''Dark Purple'' was picked up by DJs
Sam Paganini Sam Paganini is an Italian DJ and producer from Treviso, Veneto, Italy. His 1997 song, " Zoe", made #47 on the UK Singles Chart. He has since released many singles and EPs under his given name, including the very successful ''Body to Body'' EP on ...
and
Charlotte de Witte Charlotte most commonly refers to: *Charlotte (given name), a feminine form of the given name Charles ** Princess Charlotte (disambiguation) ** Queen Charlotte (disambiguation) *Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, a city *Charlotte (cake), ...
who played it throughout on all major festivals such as Awakenings, Drumcode and Kappa Future Festival. In 2022, Kris Vanderheyden teamed up with Zzino to release the track "Mindcrush" on the renowned Cocoon label, helmed by label boss
Sven Väth Sven Väth (born 26 October 1964) is a German DJ and electronic music producer. He is a three-time DJ Awards winner, with a career in electronic music spanning over 30 years. The release of the single " Electrica Salsa" with OFF in 1986 launched ...
. This collaboration brought together two influential figures in the electronic music scene, resulting in a track that garnered widespread acclaim. "Mindcrush" exemplifies the innovative sound that Cocoon is known for. In 2023, Vanderheyden made a triumphant return to the renowned label
R&S Records R&S Records is an independent record label founded in 1983 in Ghent, Belgium. R&S represents the initials of Renaat Vandepapeliere and Sabine Maes, the couple that created the label. R&S Records has had several subsidiaries, most notably Apollo R ...
with his new release, "Something Flash." This marked a significant moment in his career, reuniting him with the label that has been pivotal in the electronic music scene
"Something Flash"
showcases Vanderheyden's signature sound, blending innovative electronic beats with captivating melodies. The release has been met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike, solidifying Vanderheyden's status as a leading figure in the electronic music industry and reaffirming R&S Records' reputation for fostering groundbreaking talent.


Selected discography

:Check discogs for complete list


References


External links


Kris Vanderheyden
at
Discogs Discogs ( ; short for " discographies") is a database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. Database contents are user-generated, and described in ''T ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vanderheyden, Kris Belgian record producers Belgian electronic musicians 1971 births Deep house musicians Living people