World exclusive as his beloved Perfecto Records celebrates 25 years rocking the dancefloor
The tracklist says it all. Not only reading as a catalogue of colossal, genre defining hits but also acting as a reminder of just how big a contribution to the evolution of electronic music Perfecto Records has made since its inception back in 1989. Founded by 3 x Grammy nominated and former DJ Mag # 1 DJ, producer and former Champion Records A&R man Paul Oakenfold – Perfecto began at a time when house music, rave culture and the Balearic scene were all in full bloom in the UK. Dan Prince checks in with the main man…
Hey Paul a massive welcome back to DMCWORLD…where on the planet are you today?
“Hey Dan I’m in the studio here in Los Angeles about to leave for my shows in Reno and EDC Mexico.”
First piece of music you heard this morning after rolling out of bed?
“The soundtrack to Theory Of Everything.”
How was the Oscars last Sunday night, looked you had fun with Elton and Nile?
“Yeah was a great night overall. Vanity Fair, Elton’s, and Madonna’s were all really great parties.”
So a very exciting month coming up for you with the release of ’25 Years Of Perfecto Records’ – a stunning three decades with over 10 million record sales. Now I know your office all LOVE Perfecto, how difficult a decision was it narrowing it down to the final selection – it must have got quite heated behind closed doors?
“It was extremely tough, not because we argued over what went on it but because there are just so many amazing tracks we’ve put out over the years. It was real fun to sit back and actually dig deep into our catalogue, a lot of memories – and a lot of “woah, I remember that track, that was huge”
How authentic a representation of the evolvement of Perfecto is the album?
“I think its very authentic. We’ve never actually been a stricktly trance label, we just so happened to break big trance artists. We’ve evolved from house to trance to breaks to the sound today and I think the album showcases that quite well.”
One of the main driving forces behind your enthusiasm is finding new talent. Who has been your finest ‘discovery’ for Perfecto?
“That’s a difficult one to answer. There are some big big names, lets just say that.”
I can’t think of anyone more less likely to look back at their career and reminisce, with you it’s all about now and the future. What then can you tell us about Perfecto in 2015, what’s coming up…
“True true. First up is my newest single with Angela McCluskey titled “You Could Be Happy”. Its a great EP and really dials in on the current sound. For the rest of 2015, it’s about, and always has been about, releasing quality music for the dancefloor…”
What are the 5 big tunes in your box this weekend…
Paul Oakenfold ft Angela McCluskey – You Could Be Happy (Future House Mix)
My new single
Hibernate – Lux Tua
Forthcoming big tune on Perfecto
Paul Oakenfold – Lonely Ones (Ibiza Mix)
Forthcoming single from me
Mr Fingers – Can You Feel It
Timeless classic that still sounds good today
Scumfrog – Wave2
Good song to get them going
You moved to the States before any other European DJ tried to crack it. It took a wee while but these scene has exploded now, who are some of the new, younger DJs who are trying to find their own sounds and moving away from the commericial side of things out there at the moment?
“Great question. It’s LA, it’s pretty commercial out here.”
Can’t speak to the great Paul Oakenfold and touch on the subject of your beloved Chelsea. Your manager Jose Mourhino has been getting stuck into the referees again…does he have a point?
“He can do no wrong, lets just say that.”
A famous quote from your friend Pete Tong regarding the on going Vegas/Ibiza debate. “Is Vegas the new Ibiza? No Ibiza is the new Vegas.” Thoughts on that?
“Ha, well when I was doing my Perfecto residency at the Palms Hotel in Vegas, I was the first one and the only one out there. That being said, I was in Ibiza well before that.”
Have you finalised your plans for Ibiza this summer?
“I will be back in Ibiza again this year yes. I will announce some shows shortly, and will probably be adding more as the summer progresses.”
One date definitely in your diary is appearing at your beloved Creamfields in August. What is your favourite ever Creamfields memory?
“Oh man, there are so many. That is one of my favorite festivals to play.”
You have travelled the world more than most people. What are 3 bucket list adventures you would still like to tick off?
“See the greatest song writer alive, Burt Bacharach.
See the Himalayas, certainly not climbing them.
Find the next U2.”
Got to give your New Eve a quick mention. Dubai has very quietly come from nowhere to have a thriving little scene. How musically educated are the clubbers on the dancefloors out there? It’s one of the few places I haven’t checked out yet…
“It’s a bit different out there, wonderful but different. They are in to their commerical music.”
And finally – what is coming out next from the mighty Paul Oakenfold studio?
“My album, ‘PopKiller’.”
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Paul Oakenfold presents 25 Years Of Perfecto Records is out March 20th
Track listing…
CD1
01. Paul Oakenfold ft. Angela McCluskey – You Could Be Happy (Future House Mix)
02. BT – Embracing The Sunshine (Embracing The Future Mix)
03. Grace – Not Over Yet (Perfecto Mix)
04. Robert Owens – I’ll Be Your Friend (Glamorous Mix)
05. Lost – The Gonzo (Original Mix)
06. Tilt – My Spirit (Groovestation Ext Mix)
07. Mozaic – Sing It (The Hallelujah Song) (Quivvers Dirty Dub)
08. Quivver – Believe In Me (Original Q Mix)
09. Grace – Skin On Skin (Orange Mix)
10. Dope Smugglaz – The Word (Original Mix)
11. Stella Browne – Every Woman Needs Love (Full Intention Mix)
12. Ce Ce Peniston ft. Joyriders – Finally (Tiger Stripes Remix)
13. Paul Oakenfold – Southern Sun (Moe Aly Remix)
14. Paul Oakenfold & Cassandra Fox – Touch Me (Paul Oakenfold ‘Stateside’ Mix)
15. Timo Maas ft. Martin Bettinghaus – Ubik (Original Mix)
16. Tilt vs Paul van Dyk – Rendezvous (Tilt’s Quadraphonic Instrumental)
17. Man With No Name ft. Hannah – Paint A Picture (Vocal Mix)
18. Man With No Name – Vavoom (Original Mix)
CD2
01. BT – Loving You More (Man With No Name Remix)
02. Leama – Requiem For A Dream (Paul Oakenfold Remix) [Cover]
03. Paul Oakenfold ft J Hart – Surrender (Protoculture Remix)
04. Paul Oakenfold – Cafe Del Mar (Original Mix)
05. Mekka – Diamondback (Original Mix)
06. Paul Oakenfold – Barber’s Adagio For Strings (Original Mix)
07. Ascension – Someone (Original Mix)
08. Perfecto Allstarz – Reach Up (Papas Got A Brand New Pig Bag) (Perfecto Remix)
09. Amoeba Assassin – Rollercoaster (Oakey’s Courtyard Mix)
10. Tilt – I Dream (Casa De Angeles Remix)
11. Man With No Name – Floor Essence (Apogee Remix) [Cover]
12. Jan Johnston – Flesh (DJ Tiesto Remix)
13. Planet Perfecto Knights – ResuRection (Paul Oakenfold Full On Fluoro Mix) [Cover]
14. Paul Oakenfold – Full Moon Party (Thomas Datt Remix)
15. Planet Perfecto – Bullet In The Gun (Saturday Mix)
16. BT – Flaming June (BT & PvD Mix)
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