The summer has arrived. Here comes the Speakerbox
Welcome back to DMC young man, a very busy summer coming up for you including a superb Speakerbox residency at BCM in Mallorca. Six dates, six massive parties. Talk us through the line ups you’ve got for us all…
“We’ve got a lot of my friends performing this year! From Tinie Tempah to Professor Green to Labrinth to Wretch 32 – all artists I’ve been supporting pretty much since day 1 on radio. Plus we’ve managed to secure Iggy Azalea – one of the hottest new artists out there at the moment all capped off with DJ sets from me an Majestic. It’s a lot!”
BCM is finally getting the recognition it deserves, for years it has gone under the radar even though it’s line ups are the biggest on the planet. What makes this such a fabulous club – and I’m not talking about Gordon’s hospitality!
“It’s the attention to detail. The sound is amazing, the production is ridiculous plus there’s the dancers…everyone loves BCM and those who don’t obviously don’t like a damn good party!”
Who from the line up are you most looking to partying with, there are some hardcore dudes and dudesses in there…
“I could never pick just one Dan! Each night will be different and very special!”
Will we be seeing you in Ibiza this year?
“A few times – from Ibiza Rocks to Amnesia to having Speakerbox at Space in Ibiza every Tuesday in August thanks to the legend that is Carl Cox. It’s going to be immense!”
So many great festivals coming up in the UK this summer, gotta say though, the one that really grabbed my attention is Isle of Wight in June. Friday looks a killer with the likes of The Stone Roses, Paul Weller and Emeli Sande on the Main Stage and Speaker Box in the Dance Tent with Example, Madeon, Russ Chimes, DJ Wire and co. Will this be your first visit to this infamous weekender, please tell me you were there for Jay Z in 2010…?
“I wasn’t there for 2010 however I was there in 2011 and while it seems everyone loved my set, I had a technical nightmare. I use serato and my laptop just died on me! That was the last time I DJ’ed with a laptop that doesn’t have a solid state drive!”
Another great event you were involved with was We Are FSTVL in Essex last weekend. Artists included Rudimental, Jaguar Skills, Sub Focus and Modestep, your two line ups at this and Isle of Wight are pretty different – what is Speakerbox’s music policy…?
“Quality ONLY! We’ve got releases lined up from Majestic, fresh from his collaboration with Laidback Luke. He’s produced a big house banger that’s getting love from the likes of Solomun, Richie Hawtin and all the UK tastemakers at the same time called ‘Creeping In The Dark’. Plus we’re going to finally be releasing DECiBEL’s ‘Wot’ after the likes of Baauer, Hudson Mohawke and Annie Mac have been rinsing it.”
You are known as Mr Music. What artists are on the playlist when you need a chill from all this bass?
“Mainly podcasts and speech radio. A bit of Hollywood Babble-on, a bit of Talking Shit with Eddie Ifft, a bit of Combat Jack…”
The world has been going mad for the latest Daft Punk material, what is your take on it all…?
“Love it! Feels like a musical revolution is about to start – musicianship is back!”
Most people’s first gig is in some youth club or friend’s birthday. Your first outing however was at the world famous Hacienda in Manchester when you were 14. What can you remember from that night?
“Well my first gigs were in a youth club but my first professional gig was at the Hacienda you’re right. I remember being very nervous but everyone being very nice. It wasn’t that full but those people there were having a great time. DJ Semtex was the promoter so I guess I owe him a lot!”
Let’s get into Mistajam’s head a little…
Who is the person from history you would like to go and have a pint with and why?
“I’d like to think John Peel and I would get on. Alas, I joined the BBC too late to actually meet him properly.”
Not many people know this, but Mistajam is really good at…
“Diplomacy”
The person that has influenced me the most is…
“My Dad”
And finally, my tip for the tune of the summer is…
“Pack light.”
