Dutch DJ breaking out of his trance

Dutch DJ Tiesto’s signature trance sounds have earned him repeated spots at the top of magazine DJ polls and sold-out shows around the globe.

However, the man born Tijs Verwest is ready to move on. His second artist album of original material, the recently released “Just Be,” finds him exploring styles from the down-tempo “UR” to house-y vocals, compliments of frequent dance music contributor Kirsty Hawkshaw. Fellow trance guru BT lends vocals to “Love Comes Again.”

“When I DJ, I’m influenced by break-beats, by rock music, by house, by techno,” says Tiesto, 35. “I’m not just a trance DJ who makes trance music.”

Tiesto will show off those diverse influences during shows Saturday and Sunday at Avalon. The multiple nights are a way to thank L.A. fans for their loyalty over the years. “I wanted to do something special. L.A.’s always been good to me,” he says.

Unlike other DJs who’ve come through town in recent memory in support of artist albums only to stay away from their own material, Tiesto says selections from “Just Be” will be a focal point of both sets. “This is the record release party, so I’m going to play a lot of tracks from the album,” he says. “These are tracks I’ve made for myself as a DJ to play out for the crowd.”

--Steve Baltin

Tiesto, Giant at Avalon, 1735 N. Vine St., Hollywood. Saturday and Sunday, 9 p.m. Saturday, 21 and older, sold out. Sunday, 18 and older, $20. (323) 464-7373 or www.giantclub.com.