The Cream resident supremo rolls up his sleeves for more festival madness
Interview : Dan Prince
Paul welcome back to DMCWORLD. Where in the world are you today?
“I’m in Liverpool, my hometown.”
As a kid growing up…what is your earliest musical memory?
“My earliest musical memory would have to be my dad singing Elvis songs, and I have to say I’ve got a soft spot for him now myself. An amazing talent and singer.”
Your musical journey all began for you back in the 80s when like so many of us it was the electro and breakdancing scene that got you hooked. Be honest with us now young man, were you able to jackhammer, windmill and flare with the best of them back then?
“Ha, I wasn’t the most nimble breakdancer but I give 100 % effort. I was obsessed with that whole culture; the music, the gangs and the fashion. I think I watched the Roxy challenge scene in Beat Street a few hundred times.”
You learnt your DJ trade at Liverpool’s infamous ‘Baa Baa’ where you were first spotted and offered the residency slot at a new club opening up in town…Cream. What was a Paul Bleasedale’s ambitions all about back then, was music what you had in mind…what else was open for you career wise?
“I’m not sure I had any ambitions beyond playing music and getting people to dance. I’d been in various jobs, from factory worker to market stalls but once I learned to mix I pretty much knew what I wanted to do. It all happened so quick really and before I knew it I was resident DJ at the most popular night around. Musically I got my education from the likes of John Kelly and James Barton, who had very eclectic taste. I was drawn to the crowd reaction to big heavy tunes, almost like a drug.”
Tell us about the first house club you ventured into…that moment the whole vibe captured you…
“My first taste of what was to come was in The State nightclub in 1988, during the Acid House explosion. It was a great time, so much creativity and harmony and I’m glad I was there to witness the start of this mass cultural movement.”
To see our DJ heroes back then saw us all take to the motorways, for me it was the M6 to see Graeme Park and Sasha…who were your early DJ heroes around that time…
“I could pick some huge names but I’d have to say my favourite jocks at the time were all local lads, again John Kelly and James Barton, who provided most of my soundtrack in those early days. I did venture to the Hacienda a good few times and really enjoyed Mike Pickering and Graeme Park.”
The early 90s was a time when some of our finest early promoters started to make a name for themselves…Cream, Renaissance, Ministry and Colours some of the brands putting their stalls out early doors. As a DJ and part of a brand suddenly taking back page adverts out in MIxmag and booking superstar DJs…did you forsee just how club culture and dance music was going to explode back then?
“I’d be lying if I said I knew what was unfolding. I knew we were part of something a bit special but had no idea it would grow into this huge industry. Not only Cream but at nights all across the country.”
What is the song that…
…always brings a tear to your eye?
“Hmmm, takes a lot for me to cry over songs but ‘In My Life’ by The Beatles always gets me going. Sentimental song but rings true.”
…always gets you dancing at a wedding?
“I don’t dance at weddings, I sit and eat.”
…always makes you crank it up in the car and sing your head off?
“Do love a bit of Fleetwood Mac ‘Go Your Own Way’ when I’m racing down the motorway. Anything on Smooth FM, probably. Also can’t help but sing along (badly) to Pharrell Williams ‘Happy’.”
What is the last song you heard today?
“Just had Beyonce ‘Partition’ blasting out of the work radio.”
Andrew Weatherall. Discuss…
“Andrew Weatherall? What can you say that hasn’t already been said. A true pioneer of dance music, one who is still relevant and pushing the boundaries of underground creativity. He’s on in Liverpool soon, I shall not be missing that one.”
What is the one record that you have ever played that you always wished you were always on the other side of the decks dancing to?
“Has to be Yeke Yeke (Hardfloor), I always wanted to be jumping about in the crowd when that was on.”
Well festival season is upon again and Creamfields have announced their line up for August Bank Holiday weekend. Who are some of the names you are especially looking forward to seeing this year?
“Creamfields was incredible last year, one of the best events I’ve ever experienced and I was very excited to be playing. We got to see some great artists like Eric Prydz and Ritchie Hawtin, both of whom were sensational. I’ll be sticking to a lot of the tech and techno tents for the likes of Adam Beyer, Maceo Plex and Maya Jane Coles.”
Funniest ever Creamfields memory…
“Last year was a bit of a nightmare actually. Lost my production team, i.e. my driver who went home and left his car with all my equipment and house keys. I eventually got home and had to climb through an open window during the day in my best festival gear and wellies. Glad I can laugh now.”
What do you think your greatest skill as a DJ are…
“I don’t like blowing my own trumpet but I like to think I can build a set and create a good atmosphere, while also playing to the crowd, which I think is still the most important factor, even with all the new technology.”
Tell me about some of your favourite characters on the dancefloor from Cream days…some of the madders who made that club…
“So many characters (that I can remember). Cream created such a huge, loyal and passionate following. It’s hard to pick just one or two, they were all madders…”
You infamously sold your entire record collection when Cream finished it’s weekly run in 2002 and enrolled in college developing an interest in photography and videography. Why?
“Along with some personal issues, I’d had enough of the whole thing tbh, the music, the clubs, the people involved. I’d fallen out of love with it. I could have easily carried on and took the money but I felt I had to do something else and challenge myself.”
What tempted you back to the wheels of steel…
“One day some tall lanky guy with a broad Wigan accent was loitering outside my flat. I opened the door and he introduced himself as Stu Hodson, Cream Reunion promoter, and would I like to play at the next reunion night. I intially said no chance, I had no interest in clubs or dance music anymore, but he made me a great offer financially and I needed the money if I’m honest, so I finally agreed to do it, and I haven’t looked back. As soon as I felt that crowd reaction I fell in love all over again.”
Why was it such a joy to warm up for Paul Oakenfold?
“Warming up for Oakie was an amazing experience. The knowledge and passion of the crowd made my job so much easier. By the time he arrived the intensity was unreal.”
You played alongside the world’s finest DJs at Cream over the years, some you admit were prima donnas who didn’t even acknowledge your existence. Are we talking big London fashionistas or US playboys?
“My lips are sealed on that one Dan!”
Best album ever made?
“Best Album? Oooh on the spot. Dance ‘Fat of The Land’. Non dance ‘Revolver’.”
An interview at this time cannot be conducted without a mention of the late and immense departure of our lives of Frankie Knuckles. What are your memories of this incredible, ground breaking man of music…?
“I’m still in shock over Frankie Knuckles’ passing. I never met the man but everyone I’ve spoken to talked of what a kind and gentle soul he was. His contribution to dance music will live on.”
Please can you rack your brain and supply us with your Cream All time Top 10…the tunes that always remind you of Cream?
“Top Ten Creamy tunes.
Mory Kante – Yeke Yeke
Slam – Positive Education
Josh Wink – Higher State
Laurent Garnier – Man With The Red Face
X-press 2 – Music Express
Underworld – Cowgirl
Chemical Brothers – Chemical Beats
Aprohead – In The Dark We Live
Hardfloor – Acperience
Sam Ellis – Club Lonely
And finally, what do you rate as your best ever DJ set in any club?
“I remember I played for 4 hours one night in the annexe when a DJ didn’t turn up, must have been around 1995. I played right across the board musically, deep house, funky, progressive and techno. I felt like I took the crowd on a real journey, which we were able to do in there, and I got a great reception. Never forgotten that night, wish I could remember others…I like to think I took the crowd on a real journey.”
CREAMFIELDS UK 2014
FRIDAY 22nd AUGUST
Cream Arena
3 Are Legend (Dimitri Vegas, Steve Aoki & Like Mike)
Sander Van Doorn
Firebeatz
Bassjackers
Ummet Ozcan
Kryder
That Mixmag Thing
Sub Focus (Live)
Andy C
Friction feat. Linguistics
Matrix & Futurebound
My Nu Leng
Kove
North Base
Snatch Arena (Silent Disco)
Riva Starr
MJ Cole
Special Guest: Technasia
Blonde
Strictly Underground DJs
Nation (Silent Disco)
Thomas Gold
Deniz Koyu
Special Guest Danny Avila
Anton Powers
Thomas Tuft
Tim Owen
Cream Hospitality (Silent Disco)
George Kafetzis
Rob Casson
Adam Cartwright
Sean Dougherty
Just Another Duo
Ricochet Musica
SATURDAY 23rd AUGUST
SOUTH STAGE
Avicii
Afrojack
Martin Garrix
Cazzette
Rebecca & Fiona
Syn Cole
NORTH STAGE
deadmau5
Steve Aoki
Showtek
Zane Lowe
GTA
Gareth Wyn
A STATE OF TRANCE
Armin van Buuren
Aly & Fila
Cosmic Gate
Andrew Rayel
Ørjan Nilsen
Andrew Rayel
Jochen Miller
Marlo
David Gravell
Ruben de Ronde
SIZE MATTERS
Steve Angello
AN21
Max Vangeli
Third Party
Tim Mason
Qulinez
Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman
REVEALED
Hardwell
W&W
Dyro
Dannic
Deorro
Sick Individuals
Jordy Dazz
Thomas Newson
Julian Calor
Kill the Buzz
JoeySuki
Futuristic Polar Bears
Matt Nash & Dave Silcox
PRYDA
Eric Prydz
Maceo Plex
Scuba
George Fitzgerald
Jeremy Olander &
Fehrplay (B2B)
Special Guest: Maya Jane Coles
AMP ARENA
Annie Mac
Skream
Breach
Paul Woolford
Route 94
Friend Within
Karma Kid
Monki
+ more
ALL GONE PETE TONG
Pete Tong
Sasha
Joris Voorn
Claude VonStroke
Hot Since 82
Justin Martin
Jaymo & Andy George
+ more
MIXMAG PRESENTS THE RESIDENTS
Paul Bleasdale
Andy Mac
Alan Hartley
Jemmy
Sean Hughes
James Dutton
Ed Mackie
Sam Rice
Paul Dolphin
LilRockit
Paul Nunn & James Glover
HED KANDI HOSPITALITY
Phil Faversham
DJ Eibhlin
Sam Cannon
Phoebe D’Abo
Dean Oram (On percussion)
Tom Lormor (On sax)
SUNDAY 24th AUGUST
NORTH STAGE
Calvin Harris
Fatboy Slim
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
Nervo
R3hab
SOUTH STAGE
Tiësto
Hardwell
Tommy Trash
Danny Avila
Moti
DEPARTURES
Axwell Λ Ingrosso
Alesso
Dirty South
Otto Knows
Oliver Heldens
+ more
MIXMAG PRESENTS
Above & Beyond
Duke Dumont
Booka Shade (DJ Set)
James Zabiela
Tensnake
Andrew Bayer
Special Guest: Redlight
CREAM ARENA
Paul van Dyk
Ferry Corsten
Markus Schulz
John O’Callaghan
Venom One
Rob Harnetty
Special Guest: Paul Oakenfold
SUPER YOU&ME
Laidback Luke
Chuckie
DVBBS
Blasterjaxx
D.O.D
Ibranovski & Badd Dimes
+ more
LWE ARENA
Seth Troxler
Adam Beyer
Better Lost Than Stupid
– Martin Buttrich
– Davide Squillace
– Matthias Tanzmann
The Martinez Brothers
Magda
+ More
MISTAJAM PRESENTS SPEAKERBOX
Gorgon City
MK
MistaJam
Jaguar Skills
Shy FX
DJ EZ featuring Majestic
B.Traits (MC Juma)
All About She
Special Guest: Wilkinson
+ more
GOODGREEF XTRA HARD
Kutski
Tidy Boys (15 years of Hard House Set)
Alex Kidd
Andy Whitby (B2B) Steve Hill
Mark EG vs Proteus
Cally Gage
Danny Williamson
Shaun T
Phil Mackintosh
HED KANDI HOSPITALITY
Carl Hanaghan
Lucy Stone
Dan Van
Sarah Louise
Dean Oram (On percussion)
Tom Lormor (On sax)
EVENT INFO
Creamfields UK 2014
Daresbury, Cheshire
Friday 22nd / Saturday 23rd / Sunday 24th August Bank Holiday weekend www.creamfields.com / Tel: +44 (0) 151 707 1309 / info@cream.co.uk / @Creamfields / #creamfields2014
**** Tickets on sale Now ****
TICKETS
1 Day Tickets
Saturday Standard Day – £80.00+BF
Sunday Standard Day – £85.00+BF
Saturday Hospitality Day – £120.00+BF
Sunday Hospitality Day – £120.00+BF
2 Day Tickets
2 Day Standard Camping – £155.00+BF
2 Day Standard Non-Camping – £155.00+BF
2 Day Hospitality Camping – £230.00+BF
3 Day Tickets
3 Day Standard Camping – £180.00+BF
3 Day Hospitality Camping – £270.00+BF
Official Tickets Agents:
www.ticketmaster.co.uk / Tel: 0844 847 2448 (Standard & Hospitality)
www.ticketline.co.uk / Tel: 0844 888 4401 (Standard & Hospitality)
www.biggreencoach.co.uk/creamfields / Tel: 0845 463 8361 (Standard & Hospitality Travel & Ticket packages)
