The UK legend who took dance to America
Paul, welcome to DMC again. A big month over in your home country in Miami coming up. We know that the WMC is more about profile and the party rather than business deals, is it the most important date on the dance calendar still?
“It depends on what you mean by “important”. It’s important to be there and to have a presence there for your brand or record label, but in terms of doing business I would say ADE is far more conducive to productivity.”
As thousands of next generation clubbers descend on the big events, do you feel the spirit of house music is being lost to a crowd looking for that instant anthem hit?
“Possibly, but things change and you have to evolve with them.”
Have you had to change your musical direction in the last year?
“No. I’m lucky in that I’ve never been stuck in one genre – I’ve always played house, trance, progressive, goa, breaks or whatever – and I continue to do so today. I guess you could argue that I’ve re-established my love of trance over the last 18 months but I’ve always played that sound so it’s not a change of direction as such.”
Is Miami losing it’s trademark cool and sexy house music vibe?
“No.”
What are your thoughts on the Dennis Ferrer ‘Mansion’ Miami club story – he was basically kicked off the decks for not playing commercial enough…
“I don’t know anything about that story – but I have seen it happen in places in the US. I think a DJ has an obligation to rock a dancefloor – especially if they are being paid good money. If you’re a promoter that has paid that DJ a big fee and suddenly the dancefloor starts dispersing because the music isn’t to the taste of the clubbers that have paid money to be in your venue…should you act or not?”
With clubs and charts being dominated by dance music worldwide, shouldn’t we be rejoicing it’s success rather than being bitter with crossover?
“I’m not bitter in any way. I have interests in both sides of the fence – form the deepest underground to the more commercial.”
The party you looking forward to the most?
“I have 4 or 5 shows during WMC and I’m really excited about all of them.”
What are your Buzz tracks for WMC 2012?
“Well my new single ‘Surrender’ which is number 3 in the dance Billboards in the US right now is massive in all my sets right now and I have an incredible Flesh & Bones remix of Snow Patrol which has been taking the roof off everywhere I play it. I think those two will be key tracks for me this year in Miami.”
Have you noticed a big dip in industry folk not attending these last couple of years?
“I think while numbers are up there might well be a dip in industry attendance from Europe yes.”
What are your thoughts on the IMS in Ibiza? Will you be attending?
“I think it’s exciting, vibrant and growing rapidly. It’s great to finally have a EDM conference in Ibiza. Yes I will be involved there this year and will be playing the closing event with David Guetta.”
