DJ Jurgen’s story begins in the serene Dutch city of Delft, where his fascination with music first sparked a journey that would eventually influence dance floors across the world. Early into his career, he landed a gig as a radio jock for CITY Radio The Hague, a role that laid the groundwork for his rise in both radio and club culture. His talent and charisma soon earned him a spot at a major Dutch public radio station, cementing his presence in the broadcast world.
As the late ’80s ushered in new energy across the Netherlands, Jurgen set his sights on the thriving Amsterdam dance scene. House music was taking hold, and the city became his playground. Club crowds embraced his sound, leading to residencies at legendary venues such as HOUR POWER in Escape at Rembrandt Square and ASTA in The Hague. At ASTA, he introduced his own “ID Nights,” a concept that spotlighted fresh DJ talent and helped shape a new generation of electronic music creators.
The mid-’90s marked a critical turning point as Jurgen began producing music from his home-built studio. His early track “SHAKRA’S FEELINGS” earned underground acclaim and appeared on numerous compilations. But everything changed in 1998 with the release of “BETTER OFF ALONE.” The song became a worldwide phenomenon and catapulted him into international stardom, taking him from Japan and Hawaii to Dubai, South Africa, and the United States.
In a lively Nexus Radio interview inside the MSI space, DJ Jurgen sat down with Paolo to reflect on the magic behind his iconic breakthrough. “I played a track for these guys for many, many times… ‘Better Off Alone’ was the last one I should pick… from the moment I played it, it was such a huge success,” he recalled. Its impact was undeniable—it made him the first DJ/producer ever nominated for the IDMA Award in Miami, a milestone further strengthened by the success of his follow-up single, “Higher Higher.”
Jurgen’s career eventually expanded beyond the DJ booth and studio. In 2005, he launched a daily morning show on Radio Fresh FM, followed by “ID,” a globally recognized Saturday night radio format that delivered club hits, artist spotlights, and dance-music news to listeners worldwide.
But his path hasn’t been without introspection. “After ‘Better Off Alone,’ I tried to be the guy who was the underground DJ. Maybe that’s a failure because… now I’m proud of it,” he admitted during the interview. That honesty underscores a renewed phase of his artistic journey—one defined by fresh releases, continued experimentation, and a deep-rooted connection to the dance community.
As he reminisced, Jurgen described Amsterdam’s early dance-music boom as a movement built by pioneers: “We built a scene in the nineties like it was our scene, you know.” It was a time marked by innovation, camaraderie, and the fearless exploration that still guides his creative spirit today.
Fans—both longtime followers and new listeners—will find inspiration in DJ Jurgen’s remarkable evolution, where legacy and innovation continue to collide. To dive deeper into his creative world, listen to the full interview below
