The boy wonder from Scouseland who is just doing it. A bloke who can stunt fall down a flight of stairs for a laugh, knows his music 100% and is an amazing DJ. We speak…
Your ‘Circus’ night in Liverpool is arguably one of the biggest in the UK at the moment. But let’s be honest, the UK scene is shit at the moment and you are one of the true shining lights at the moment. What do you put your success down to…?
“Thanks! Very kind. the UK is not the best right now, but there are pockets that are the exception. We (Richard and myself) work hard to offer the best, most interesting line ups we can whilst always having a pulse of reality. We’ve both worked within the scene for over ten years and I’m constantly touring as a DJ and making tracks, producing as well and running a small record label pushing new sounds. We keep an eye and what’s hot, what’s new, and what’s going to fill the club. Six years in and we’ve had a 90% success rate plus the crowd are among the best ive ever seen in the UK.”
You are a lovely lively Liverpool scally, where did this providement of amazing music come from that you give us – what were you jigging around your bedroom to when you still had your pyjamas on?
“Ha Ha. Funny. Some more authentic scalls would see that as insult! I’ve always loved music, was brought up on Folk by Bob Dylan and Dr Hook, moved onto nu-wave with Human League, the Thomson Twins and Ultravox (by the time i was 8) then found hip hop in the form of the Electro Street Sound albums, i loved it all. I then discovered Acid House at the same time my mates where into pop – crappy pop, so I was too for a bit, but Acid House was new, unpredictable and sounded like hip hop in the drum breaks (which they were) so i followed that. Plus I got invited to early rave with my oldest brother, his girl mates loved me, I was 14 – they were 18 and loved up – so in school on Monday I would listen to Belinda Carlise or Top Buzz. A a DJ I take all the above influences into what I do… except Belinda…”
What have been your best nights out in Liverpool clubbing back in the day?
“Those early rave nights were great, random and unpredictable. Loud music, new experiences, girls, the feeling of being grown up – all amazing. But it had to be my days in Cream that I remember the best. Running around the club, meeting people and meeting music and DJs for the first time – Paul Bleasdale, Roger S, Sneak, Doc Martin – even Judge Jules in his early days, ha. And Jeremy Healy playing chart hits while Weatherall twisted my fresh little mind. The Dust Brothers (Chems) playing 14th Century Sky, Dave Clark Red ‘1, 2 & 3’, Felix da Housecat – all defining moments.”
What do you think of England and ex-Liverpool footballer Peter Crouch girlfriend Abigail Clancy? I have had many a late night tugging on one looking at her…
“I know Abi, I have done for 5 years or more, she used to come to ‘Circus’ when we first opened. Nice girl and when we first met was good looking. I’ve not spent any time tugging over Abi, (I dont last long enough though). I have some great stories about her which are all true but i wont reveal, nice girl….”
What are the best tunes in your box at the moment?
“Anything by Tim Green pretty much, 2009’s hottest new act. A lot of my own stuff I play, in particular I’In Parliament’, one my best tracks to date.”
Your views on ex-Cream boss and now We Love manager Darren Hughes…
“He loves a rave. We are friends and get on well, we’re not close but I have massive respect for his vision.”
What are you doing in the studio at the moment?
“I’m relentless! I’ve got about thirty plus tracks done this year so far, I’m dripping them out one by one of my own Circus Recordings – which has had 5 EP’s out from me this year. I might create the tracks into an album with the help of a few more bits and vocal projects. I’d like to get some of my music signed on to to other labels. We’ll see…”
Best clubs you have DJ’d at this year?
“The DJ that has moved me like no other this year has been Ricardo Villalobos. He plays the best music I’ve ever heard in any club ever. Every single track is excellent.”
When did you lose your virginity and to who, and where?
“In Liverpool, a girl from school at a randon party. It was not pretty and neither was she. I guess I regret it… its not even that funny. It’s either got to be nice and special or so funny. Mine was sort of funny but, overall dull.”
What tunes are on your car stereo?
“My ‘Cinematic Experience” mix CD, a collection of non house tunes I mixed – it’s a beautiful mix (download it for free from www.yousef.co.uk/music) also Dr Dre 2001, the Best of Issac Hayes, The Cure’s Greatest Hits and Kenny Dope’s ‘Disco Heat’. Quality.
What do you think of Graham Gold?
“I’ve met him once in Miami after he slagged me off in Mixmag. He was apologetic and totally wasted. He went to ask me why I got to play Cream and he didn’t, not really my place to answer. I got him in a headlock and slapped his bald head (thwack!) and sent him to the bar to get me a drink.”
