Ville Virtanen (born 17 July 1975), better known by his stage name Darude /dəˈruːd/, is a Finnish electronic dance music producer and DJ from Eura, Hinnerjoki. He started making music in 1996 and released the hit single "Sandstorm" in late 1999 and subsequent album Before the Storm in 2000. His music is characterised by its progressive/uplifting style.