How did you get into DJ-ing?
Years ago. I used to make mixtapes in the 80s, ran my first club night when I was 18, and never looked back.
Which three records have been most influential to you?
Three—wow—tough question. M/A/R/R/S Pump Up The Volume got me into acid house, but my first LP was Adam & The Ants Prince Charming! Not sure what that says, and more recent than all of that Daft Punk made me reassess the point of dance music with their filler-house/disco punk movement. They turned the speakers inside out.
Which single/remix do you know will always make people go mental on the dancefloor?
This constantly changes, as my set constantly evolves. There is no record that I played in 1990 that I am still playing now. I love playing new unreleased stuff that I have collected for my label, Surfer Rosa, because when they demolish the dancefloor, I look forward to their release.
What’s the most requested song you refuse to spin?
I don’t do requests. I actually left a party where I had been booked to play for Paris Hilton, because she kept asking for me to play Madonna.
Have you ever played something and had it completely bomb?
Sure, but you learn from your mistakes, and mix out of the track fast—then bin it.
What’s your primary source for finding new music?
Travelling and touring the world, running a label and I guess Beatport.
Any new artists who deserve a flag up?
I am managing a new band called Dirtyloud right now—they are young guys from Brazil. They do an awesome job of blending electro, dubstep and drum ‘n’ bass—with added bonus of massive production values. They rock.
If you could collaborate with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
I had a dream where Keith Richards said he was really getting into electronic stuff these days and could I show him round my studio.
Catch Tim Healey’s deck wizardry at Hennessy Artistry on Jul 22.
