First international gig; where was it and did it live up to your expectations?
It was in Sao Paolo, Brazil in 1991. I was working at Mixmag at the time and it’s parent company DMC Ltd had a lot of branches world wide. It was through one of those that the booking was made and it was at a club called Colombia. I remember how different it was to the UK scene at the time but how the music transcended cultural and language barriers. And so it proved on a massive scale over the next ten years. Acid house really exported itself right around the world.
First original track; did it ever meet the ears of the general public or is it in the private diary vault?
The first track I made was with Steve Anderson and it came out on Island Records. We called ourselves Brothers In Rhythm and the track was called ‘Peace & Harmony’. It actually ended up being re released as the B side to our next release ‘Such A Good Feeling’ which went on to make the Top 20 in the UK pop charts.
Personal favourites; any tracks from over the years that will always remain more sentimental than other?
There’s loads but ‘Confide In Me’ is the one I hold dearest. Steve and I wrote, produced and remixed that for Kylie Minogue and it was really the launch pad for her second coming after the PWL years. I’m very proud of that one.
Having played in more than seventy countries to date, what have been some of the more far out and off the wall places you’ve ended up?
I’ve played from the deserts of Jordan to the beaches of Brazil. From the Pyramids of Egypt to the Arctic Circle. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think DJing would take me round the world like it has. I’m very lucky and privileged.
When it comes to remixing, you’ve given a facelift to a wide range of artist’s tracks; do you have a personal line that you won’t cross when it comes to genres?
No. I don’t think I do. Barriers and preconceptions are there to be broken. I hate the way music gets put in genres. There should only be two boxes, good and bad. The only criteria I have when doing a remix is that I think I can do a brilliant job with the source material to turn the track into something even better.
Do you generally have free reign to take the track where you want from start to finish of production or do artists like to be involved in the process?
Production is different to remixing. With remixing I wouldn’t do anything unless I had complete free rein but with production. That’s about trying to bring the very best out of the artist so it’s very important to have them involved.
What was your first professional set-up as far as gear goes, back when you were playing weddings and birthday parties?
I had a mobile disco set up during my teenage years. a FAL belt driven double turntable unit, police sirens, rope lights. You name it. I was Dave Doubledecks!! Hahaha
And your tech rider these days?
Oh, it’s very simple. 2 x Pioneer CDJ2000s and a DJM800 or a DJM2000 if they can get it.
With such high demand and an obviously endless stream of work ahead of you, have you found that your personal freedom has been muzzled by a busy schedule? Do you still have the leeway to make spontaneous decisions both creatively and professionally?
I have a family now so with that comes a responsibility that can put restraint on my spontaneity and professional decisions. But to be honest, there’s very a little that i want to do that I can’t. It’s all about planning. Finding time to do everything I want to do both personally and professionally. I always liken it to a circus performer spinning plates. I’ve gotten to be good at that over the years.
Best three moments of the last year?
Oh God, I can’t even remember last week let alone last year! I live in the present and don’t really have to time to look back and reminisce. Can I do this year? If so, off the top of my head I’ll say touring Australia with my family for the Good Vibrations Festivals in February, getting to play Space in Ibiza for the first time in June and my football team, Leeds United getting promotion.
Three things you hate having to deal with when it comes to touring?
Flight delays, sleep deprivation and hangovers.
Those with clear musical creativity in their bones are generally appreciative of a wide range of genres and styles; are there any areas of music that you would like to experiment with outside the electronic world?
I’m quite open to anything really. I would definitely like to pursue songwriting as a career again in the pop world. I find that a challenge. Creating music for the masses that has style and substance.
There are plenty of people out there who work at one thing and escape into music as a separate hobby; what do you use to clear your head when you need a rest from all your musical activities?
I watch movies and football and spend time with my children.
How much time do you manage to give to your label Audio Therapy? Is it a battle to find a decent balance between all our commitments?
It is tough but I have a very good label manager in Scott Dawson who runs all the day to day business. So my role concentrates on the music and A&R. It works well although it’s a really tough market out there at the moment. Don’t get into starting a record label these days if you wanna make money. It’s a labour of love for us.
Who’s spinning on your Ipod at present?
Four Tet, Caribou, Robyn, Broken Bells, Darwin Deez, Tracey Thorn, The Foals, Jonsi, LCD Soundsystem and thousands more.
Best three things about playing in Bali?
The weather, the beautiful traditional style and the people of course.
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