Tiësto
Two early twelve-inch releases by Tijs Verwest, issued in 1994 as DJ Limited and Da Joker, document the hardcore and gabber roots of Tiësto’s recording career.
ListenDevestading · 1994
DJ Limited (Tiësto) — “Devestading,” from Arabsession.
Listen on YouTube ↗
1994 · Coolman Records
Arabsession
Tiësto’s early records include a hard-edged identity far removed from the name on later festival posters. As DJ Limited, Tijs Verwest released four tracks on Coolman’s transparent-blue Arabsession twelve-inch in 1994. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0094 |
|---|---|
| Artist | DJ Limited (Tiësto) |
| Release | 1994 · Netherlands |
| Label | Coolman Records · CM 006 |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | Dutch transparent-blue vinyl issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | E |
Release history and significance
The record credits T. Verwest for writing and performance, with B. de Ridder and R. Verhoeven credited for supplying samples. “Arabsession” and “Devestading” occupy side A; “The Anthem” and “Mind of a Lunatic” complete the programme on the reverse. [1]
His early musical enthusiasms were broad. Tiësto recalled buying Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast after being drawn to its sleeve, and going clubbing with friends in Belgium. Hearing Jam & Spoon’s remix of “The Age of Love” at Boccaccio gave him the sensation of encountering something entirely new. [2]
Arabsession documents his own work in the Dutch hardcore and gabber scene. Together with Spiritual Wipe Out, issued as Da Joker, it shows a producer trying out identities and sounds before the Tiësto name became internationally established. [1]
Market context
Discogs lists sales for the transparent-blue CM 006 edition from US$2.33 to US$19.65, with a median of US$6.80, as recorded on 14 September 2026. [1]
Physical Description
Transparent-blue twelve-inch with four tracks, two per side. The labels identify DJ Limited and Coolman Records catalogue number CM 006. [1]
Condition
The disc was graded Excellent and the sleeve Excellent Minus at acquisition.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller bpmstore on 13 February 2026.
Sources
- Discogs, DJ Limited — Arabsession, release 111359. Release reference and sales statistics consulted 14 September 2026.
- Will Lavin, Soundtrack of My Life: Tiësto, NME. 17 December 2021. Tiësto recalls his early listening and club experiences.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.
ListenSpiritual Wipe Out · 1994
Da Joker (Tiësto) — “Spiritual Wipe Out.”
Listen on YouTube ↗
1994 · Trashcan Records
Spiritual Wipe Out
Da Joker was another name used by Tijs Verwest during his early recording years. Spiritual Wipe Out places that identity on a four-track Trashcan release from 1994, part of his beginnings in Dutch gabber. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0095 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Da Joker (Tiësto) |
| Release | 1994 · Netherlands |
| Label | Trashcan Records · TRASH 603-5 |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | Dutch issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | M |
Release history and significance
The title track is followed by “Set It on Fire,” with “Getting Bored” and “Willow” on the reverse. Writing and composition are credited to Da Joker. The record’s four extended tracks belong to the twelve-inch culture in which DJs selected individual cuts for their sets. [1]
Tiësto later recalled the impact of Carl Cox’s F.A.C.T. while he was still playing a local bar. It helped clarify the music he wanted to play, before his direction developed further toward trance. [2]
A few years after this record, he and Arny Bink founded Black Hole Recordings in 1997. Bink remembered beginning with Tiësto’s own music and compilations, then expanding to other artists. Spiritual Wipe Out preserves the earlier stage, when his productions circulated under several names on other Dutch labels. [3]
Market context
Discogs reports sales for TRASH 603-5 from US$2.03 to US$17.44, with a median of US$6.84, as recorded on 14 September 2026. [1]
Physical Description
Black-vinyl twelve-inch with two tracks on each side. The release is credited to Da Joker and carries Trashcan catalogue number TRASH 603-5. [1]
Condition
The disc was recorded as Mint and the sleeve Near Mint at acquisition.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller GianniParrinidj on 13 February 2026.
Sources
- Discogs, Da Joker — Spiritual Wipe Out, release 108250. Release reference and sales statistics consulted 14 September 2026.
- Will Lavin, Soundtrack of My Life: Tiësto, NME. 17 December 2021. Tiësto recalls his early listening and club experiences.
- Yotam Dov, Arny Bink reflects on founding Black Hole Recordings, We Rave You. 8 April 2025. Bink recalls the label’s original purpose.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.