Paul Oakenfold is one of the true legends of dance music and remains one of the leading forces in the global music scene today. Since pioneering the genre in Ibiza back in 1987, Paul has remained one of the scene’s leading ambassadors. His high profile work with the likes of Madonna, U2 and The Happy Mondays has made him a household name, but it’s his legendary DJ sets to many millions of fans across the globe that have cemented his position as one of the most respected names on the scene.
In a residency which spanned 84 sets, 8000 records and 1,992,600 beats, Paul Oakenfold made the Courtyard of Nation his own during his two year residency for Cream and now he returns to where it all began on Saturday 3rd March 2012.
Hey Paul, how does it feel to be returning to Cream after a 10 year hiatus?
It’s really exciting. There’s a real buzz around the Perfecto office about this show. I think it’s going to be a pretty emotional night.
Your return to Cream has created quite a bit of hype and the main thing people have asked is whether you're going to play a classic set?
I don’t really do classics sets – in the respect of playing the original mixes of old records – but at the same time, this is something special and so yes I have some new remixes being made of a few courtyard classics.
What was your favourite memory from playing the club?
Cream always had a really unique vibe. It was like being part of a family and so being resident and spending so much time at Nation I not only got to know so many of the faces there – but became one of them. It was that electric vibe and of course the time behind the decks that I loved the most.
Tell us about your new album 'Pop Killer'?
It’s my new artist album which is coming out this year. It has a load of hot collaborations with various names form the pop area – but the sound of the album I would say was pop with cutting edge electronic beats.
Who has been your favourite artist to collaborate with (or can't you say)?
Madonna.
BBC Radio 1 recently ran a programme on Las Vegas and the electronic scene there which is something you have been a part of for years. What is it about Vegas that attracts so many artists and clubbers alike?
Well, even though there are differences, Vegas is sort of like what Ibiza is to the UK in the context of it’s where everyone in the country goes to let off steam and party. Before dance music exploded there – partying all night, gambling and indulging yourself were always the order of the day in Vegas, so it made sense that dance music was going to fit into that equation perfectly – since it too has always been about partying, hedonism and I guess escapism.
Are there any new Perfecto signings we should look out for in 2012?
Absolutely – you should check out Beatman & Ludmilla – who we signed last year – they for me are the hottest breaks producers in the world. We also have Federation who are a hot 4 piece band featuring Solarstone, Ben lost, Sascha DD and Bruce Gainsford (Paul van Dyk’s live touring guitarist). Then we have this super hot house producer called Richard Beynon whose single “Close to You” last year was massive. We have 2 exciting singer / song writers – Senadee and Michael S – who are on Perfecto. The list goes on…..
You’ve performed in some amazing locations over the years, which has been your favourite/most exotic?
The answer to this question changes as time goes on and you travel / experience more, but recently I have to say the party we organised literally at the world of the world – on the southern most tip of South America – on the Tierra del Fuego peninsular - was so so special. Right at the end of the world with a thousand people at an intimate all night party under the stars. It was an amazing few days. http://youtu.be/GIpdN2GrOg8
How do you survive all the travelling? Do you feel your sets change depending on the country?
Absolutely. I tend to play a very different sound in the US than I do in Europe. In Europe I tend to play more in the direction of underground trance – with elements of other sounds, but in the US its more electro house. It’s cool though – I’ve always played a variety of sounds and styles – according to what I’m into at any given time and what I think the crowd wants to hear.
You were prominent in creating the scene in Ibiza that we know today. What do you/did you love about the Island?
Obviously Ibiza has played a seriously important role in the development and history of electronic music and I have/will always have a special relationship with the island – but I have to say last year’s (2011) season really got me so pumped up about the place – after feeling it had gone a bit stagnant in the few years before. 2011 was a massive season for Ibiza. The island was busy and the vibe electric. I can’t wait to be back there this year for the whole Summer.
Where is your favourite place to go in Ibiza?
I can’t tell you that because the reason I love it is because hardly anyone knows about it!
Do you think the introduction of computer software, CDJs etc. has made it easier for people to DJ or is there still a great deal of technicality behind it? Do you miss playing vinyl?
I don’t really miss playing vinyl and I certainly don’t miss carting massive boxes of the stuff half way round the world, but yes I think the technology available to djs now enables them to perform in a range of different ways according to their own preference – and that’s great. Dance music and technology have always gone hand in hand.
Do you go clubbing much socially?
I’m in clubs or festivals 2 or 3 times a week so when I have down time I tend to just hang with friends – at home, bars or restaurants. Sometimes I’ll go to a club to check out a hot name we are thinking of signing, but 2 or 3 times a week is usually enough.
What music do you listen to?
Everything. I’m a lover of great songs and great melodies.
Who inspired you when you first started out?
Larry Levan was certainly one and there were several local djs I saw in Ibiza on my first visits to the island that totally inspired me.
Paul Oakenfold returns to Cream @ Nation on Saturday 3rd March 2012, tickets on sale now £27.50 +BF, www.ticketline.co.uk / Tel: 0844 888 4401. 10pm – 6am. Info: www.cream.co.uk. Other acts performing include Calvin Harris, Ferry Corsten, Benny Benassi, An21 & Max Vangeli, Gareth Wyn, Burns, Andy Mac, Rob Harnetty, Anthony Probyn, Jemmy and Lee Ellis.
