Page 16 - Zone Magazine Issue 011

You have played all over the World now many times, is there anywhere geographically that you prefer to play these days?
I love playing in Argentina. Mexico is also a great spot for me and of course, home in London. I like to play new places and experience new crowds; it’s always been a buzz for me.
As one of the first exponents of the Balearic clubbing scene, do you still visit Ibiza regularly?
I’m actually in Ibiza right now. Every summer I come to Ibiza, it’s part of my annual DJ calendar still and a place I still love to come and visit.
What are your thoughts of the scene there at present?
It’s busier than it’s ever been and everything is a bit too expensive but that’s what happens when something becomes so popular to outside world.
It has taken a lot of criticism of late as it has become somewhat elitist and very money orientated, have you any thoughts on the way it has changed in the last few years or is it just part of the natural evolution of clubbing?
I think it’s the natural evolution. Vegas became the same. I started my residency there at the Palms a while back now look at it. It’s become one of the centers of the world for clubbing, it’s incredible. Everything has to evolve, Ibiza is changing and it’s a shame in some respects but with change comes different opportunities.
Will it always be a special place for
clubbing and the dance scene in general or will that change in the future to another World destination?
I think it will always be a special place, at least for me. But I don’t see why another destination isn’t possible.
And the Dance Festival scene has turned into its own worldwide success story. Do you have any favourites and if so, what makes them so special?
It has been crazy to see how big the festival scene is now. I always enjoy playing EDC and I’m liking what Dreamstate is doing.
You are playing Creamfields in the UK this summer and the Clapham Common free event again. Do they both hold a special place in your heart as you have played them so many times now?
Yes, both of them do. It means a lot to me to play big shows in the UK and those two events have been some of the best. I love to party with the UK crowds.
And your history with ‘Cream’ and Creamfields as Dance Brands are pretty intertwined as you have worked so closely with them for such a long time. It must be a special relationship that you have with them?
Yes, we go way back. The brand will always be special to me. I have so many amazing memories from my time playing under both brands. I am proud to be a part of their history and they’ve definitely been a big part of mine. Clubbers need events that take a risk and push the boundaries and Cream and Creamfields have both always done that.
Again going back in time we worked on a
project together to broadcast dance music to the masses. There are now some very established broadcast portals out there but none have really broken into the mainstream. Can you ever envisage this happening or is the experience of visiting a club or festival too personal?
I can definitely envision this happening and I think it will relatively soon. There’s a lot of change in the world of media and clubbing right now, the experience itself is evolving a lot right now. it’s a very exciting time.
You have done many film soundtracks now, have you ever thought of doing your own movie about clubbing?
I have, quite a few times actually. We’ll see. Maybe will happen soon.
And book wise, do you think you will ever put pen to paper and write another autobiography?
I would like to yes but I still have a lot of things directly ahead that I’m excited about. Maybe in the future but for now there’s no immediate rush to pen another one. Let’s see what the future brings.
Thanks Paul.
Thank you, stay well!
Words By Danny Slade
Pics Courtesy of Paul Oakenfold