What’s The Best Night Out You’ve ever Had?
I guess I really should say Renaissance here, but truth of the matter is you never fully relax when you’re working, so it’s the nights where I didn’t have any responsibility and could let my hair down a bit. Recently I had a fantastic time at Sasha and John’s Miami party in Mansion, but I think my favourite would have to be the opening of the new terrace at Space a couple of years ago. As ever, best nights are as much about the company and everything coming together at the right time and this was definitely one such occasion.
What’s Your Favourite Club?
I will say Renaissance to this one! Out of all the residencies and events we do throughout the world I hold the greatest fondness for The Cross. It’s where I first played for Renaissance in ‘97 and is still our monthly London home. As most people will know by now, it’s closing at the end of the year to make way for the St. Pancras expansion so November will be our last gig – an emotional night is guaranteed!
What’s Your Favourite Record Of All-time?
Three immediately spring to mind and it’s hard to pick them apart: Leftfield – Song Of Life, Peter Lazonby – Sacred Cycles and the Underworld remix of Bjork’s Human Behaviour.
What Record Can’t You Stand?
Oh there’s too many! I don’t take in the names of records I don’t like, I only tend to remember the ones that make an impression.
What Record Did You Lose Your Virginity Too?
Erm, I was outdoors when I lost my virginity so there was no music, only bird song and the sweet sounds of mother nature.
What Was The Last Record You Bought?
Ame – Enoi but it was digital via Beatport, I’m ashamed to say I’ve stopped buying vinyl. I recently played with Phillip from Get Physical / MANDY in Sofia and he made a very valid point saying, “As owner of a dance record label I’d be a real hypocrite if I sold vinyl and then didn’t play it.” I really couldn’t argue! I guess I need to get down to my local record shop soon…
Name Three Of Your Biggest Influences..
Sorry to be obvious, but Sasha & John, Tenaglia and Malcolm Mclaren
Who Would Play You In ‘Marcus James’ The Movie’?
I’ve had a battle with weight most of my life and, depending on where my waistline and double chins are at, I always get compared to three people: when I am really porking out it’s Johnny Vegas; when I am middling, Chris Moyles and when I’m getting toward the thinner end of the spectrum, Jack Black. Moyles is a DJ, Black is American so, by default, it has to be Mr. Vegas.
What’s Your Dream?
I don’t know, it varies year on year. Right now, to continue enjoying my job, the traveling and DJing and take life as it comes.
How Do You Escape?
I love eating in rather nice restaurants. I used to work in the trade before I jumped ship to Renaissance and I still know a lot of chefs, so there’s always an invitation to go and see old friends and do some munching at the same time. I also love to cook but don’t get much time to indulge, God save the M&S ‘Count On Us’ range!
What Is Your Favourite Possession?
Kind of relates to the above, it has to be my cook book collection. I’ve been collecting for years and have now filled a complete stack of shelves. I am going to need more room soon.
What Is Your Life Philosophy?
Same as my dream above.
What’s In Your Pockets?
Usually only my wallet, possibly some loose change. Like a lot of blokes these days, I am a big fan of the man bag (which is also my lap top case, thus preventing an overly camp look!).
If You Were An Animal, What Animal and Why?
Let’s adapt a Woody Allen quote slightly and plump for a termite under the fingernails of Warren Beatty circa 1960’s. I think the logic behind that one should be fairly obvious…
You Are Having A Party, Whom Dead Or Alive Is On The Guest List?
Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, Marco Pierre White, Alain Ducasse, Ferran Adria, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ian McEwan, Billy Connely, Eddie Izzard, Jennifer Connelly, Halle Berry, Ian Fleming, William Shatner, Anthony Hopkins, Daniel Day Lewis, Kate Beckinsale, John Gielgud, Judy Dench and William Blake.
When Was The Last Time You Embarrassed Yourself?
I do it all the time, let’s not dwell on it, I am going red just thinking about it and damn sure I’m not going to reveal the sordid details here!
Tell Us Something That We Don’t Know About ‘Marcus James’…
I grew up in the circus and spent a lot of my childhood living out of a caravan.
“Ibiza – The Sound Of Renaissance Vol.4’ is available now”
