Yuri Dokter @ Dance Music 101

Yuri Dokter is the founder and CEO of DJ Monitor - the global pioneer and market leader in music identification and rights monitoring since 2005 by using advanced technology and a relevant database. Yuri has more than 30 years of experience in creating pioneering concepts in the fields of Technology, Entertainment, Media & Communication.

- Life: when was the moment you figured out that Dance Music was meant to you?

It seems Dance Music always had a huge influence on my life, from early influencers like Jean Michel Jarre and Kraftwerk to the first summer of Love in 1987 with Chicago. I have pioneered making Dance Music as early as 1988, and ran labels and a big recording studio here in Amsterdam. Throughout my Technology ventures Dance has always been a major influence in all my decisions. That's why DJ Monitor is Music Recognition Technology specifically designed for Dance Music. I'm happy to see it becomes a vital integral part of the ecosystem allowing a fair compensation for Dance Producers.

- Laugh: when was the last time you had real fun?

I guess during the PRS for Music / DJ Monitor dinner that we did during ADE together with AFEM and Ticketmaster. Seeing so many old and new friends, remembering experiences from the past whilst creating new ones. It was a blast!

- Love: name the one thing you love more than anything – and why is that?

Besides my Family which i love most of course, I love technology. As Arthur C. Clark said "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." We live in a very exciting time and through technology we will be able to literally reach for the stars.

- Past: name a significant moment in your career in Dance Music – and why is that?

Last month I have signed PRS for Music and PPL for the UK territory, which is very significant for me, as well as to members in the UK and around the world. The UK is such a great market, representing world class talent, and we are truly honored that we have been selected!

- Present: what do you think that is trending today in music, clubs and festivals?

Technology as an enabler and unifier of human interaction and data collection. We are sharing data of what DJs play live through various apps and collect tracking information through apps, social media and wristband technology. This allows for truly rich data, creating unique insights and business models.

- Future: where is industry heading in the years to come?

A Global Repertoire Database; we are currently busy with AFEM members, Performance Rights Organizations and other stakeholders setting one up for electronic music. Audio combined with the proper metadata coming from authoritative sources, which will allow MRT companies such as DJ Monitor to audio fingerprint this repertoire and make sure that the members are being compensated correctly. That's why we have coined the phrase 8 years ago "Get Played, Get Paid".