Hundreds of thousands of listeners in the UK tune into his weekly Saturday night slot on BBC Radio 1 to prime themselves up before a long night of partying. Not only a renowned radio DJ, he is also a veteran of the turntables and is a regular on the Ibizan clubbing scene. Known as the people’s DJ, he is not just one of the dance world’s finest, he also seems one of the nicest as we talk to him about his family and all that fan mail.
Do you prefer being on radio or on the decks in a club?
It’s impossible to compare them. Although they’re both described as deejaying, the similarity ends there—one is in front of a visible audience with tangible and immediate reaction, the other is to a larger but invisible audience.
What’s it like being able to talk to well over one million people worldwide who tune into your BBC Radio 1 show every Saturday?
I count myself extremely lucky, particularly on a Saturday night, when folks are at their most receptive to dance music.
Is it true that you answer all the emails sent to you on your blog?
Yes—it takes 10-15 hours per week, but it’s worth it…
You have partied at such places like the Pyramids in Egypt. What do you think the Pharaohs would have thought?
I was more concerned with what the local police, mounted on camel back, where thinking as the 4,000 strong crowd went crazy in the desert.
You are well known for being the people’s DJ and being able to electrify the crowd. What is your secret?
Always interacting with the crowd, and never taking myself too seriously. Plus playing the right combination of tunes that appeal equally to hardcore music heads and those who simply love a good party.
How do you juggle your family and your mountain of work?
Careful time managment, and spending the minimum time away possible on trips. It’s not easy, but they keep me grounded. More DJs should think about it!
You have so many awards where do you have enough space to keep them all?
I’ve got a big loft…
Some people have called your dress-sense “garish.” What do you say to that?
It’s got a little more sedate recently, but in the past I’d have to admit that they were probably right.
