Paul Oakenfold Pre-Creamfields Interview

This year saw you celebrate 25 years of Perfecto Records with the release of a best of album in March. How did you go about choosing from 25 years of world-class dance music?

We sat down as a team and looked back at our catalogue, wasn’t easy, but we chose records that meant a lot to each of us and some that changed the landscape. We didn’t want to choose the obvious ones either.

With your own record label, you must have some good stories about artists you work with…

I’ve worked with some great ones on perfecto. One of the best situations that came out of working with an artist was signing an Argentinian DJ called Hernan Cattaneo. Through him I was introduced to Martin Gontad and then introduced him to James Barton to start the great partnership of Creamfields Argentina, one of the best festivals in Argentina. Good to see great things come from intros.

Do you have any upcoming artists that you can get us excited about?

I’m very excited about Danny Howard, a British DJ and producer. We all know him from Radio 1. He is the young voice of the future in Britain with electronic music.

You grew up in a musical household; did you always know you wanted to be in the music industry? What influenced you to start making electronic music specifically?

 I always knew, from a very early age. I studied as a chef prior to DJ’ing but music was always my first love and passion.

You’re heard by over 22 million people every week on your radio show Planet Perfecto. How does it feel to know that you’re reaching out to that many people on a weekly basis?  Did you ever think electronic music would grow to that scale? 

I’ve worked for over 5 years, very hard, on building my listenership up. It’s a massive tool for me in my career. We play a lot of Perfecto music on the label and support the community in a big way. The number just keeps growing.

This summer takes you across the globe. Do you have any favourite places to play?

Buenos Aires, ShangHai, Ibiza of course, Liverpool are all great places that I love to play

You’re very much part of the Cream family and your residency was a game changer back in the 90’s, it was such an exciting time to be part of that scene, however, there doesn’t seem to have been anything like it since, why do you think this is?

I think because we were paving the way for the current generation. I think also because there was no social media, it was underground. You had to make an effort to go to see DJ’s. I think technology has made it easy for anyone to call themselves a DJ now

You’ve worked with many big names over the years, Madonna & U2 to name a few. Have you got your eyes (and ears) on anybody else to join forces with in the near future?

 I’m always looking at whom I think will be the next great singer. In my new album, I have Miguel, Baby E, Zella Day, ZZ Ward, etc. These are some future and current stars.

If you could collaborate with any other artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I’m still a big fan of hip hop so it would have to be Dr Dre.

With such a busy schedule, when do you get some time off, what do you like to do?

I take a holiday like everyone else. I usually watch a lot of movies.

From DJ’ing around the world to scoring films in LA, how did that come about?

I was contacted through warner films to see if I was interested in scoring a movie called Swordfish. I jumped at the opportunity, came to LA, and never looked back.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Take some more time off and spend it with your friends and family instead of being a workaholic

You pretty much pioneered the underground music scene in the UK. How do you think it has changed since you first started out?

 It’s changed in a big way. There was no Shazam. That changed it. House music is now all over the radio.

You were one of/if not THE first DJ to host a residency in Las Vegas, a destination that is now dominated by electronic acts, how would you describe the scene in LV?   How does it differ from Ibiza?

I spent 3 years as a resident there, at the club every week. If you’re going to be a resident, you have to be to work the night up. In Ibiza I did the same at Cream at Amnesia and at Perfecto at Pacha. That’s the true secret on how to sustain a residency

There are not many DJ/Producers who have made it in the industry as long as you have. What is it about you and your sound that you think has given you this staying power?

 I think because I have a melodic sound incorporating different genres, I can always stay ahead of the curve. I also embrace change and am looking for what’s next.

With such an illustrious career, what have been your highlights?

Playing at Wembley, Producing Madonna, doing my own show at Clapham Common, Madison Square, Hollywood Bowl, Great Wall, and supporting U2 and Madonna on their world tours. But Perfecto records has always been a passion of mine and along with the artists and great staff, to celebrate 25 years of any independent business has its ups and downs. So I’d have to say this has been a big achievement for me and everyone who has been a part of it 

You recently mentioned that DJ’ing is becoming a “forgotten art” and that you’d like to launch a DJ school. Is this something you’re genuinely considering for the future?

We actually already have launched the DJ Academy at the Los Angeles Film and Recording School. We had speakers from all across the board in the industry come and share their knowledge with the next generation. It was a great success and our second camp is coming this fall.

CDJ’s or Vinyl?

Vinyl

Whats your Top 5 favorite tracks of all time that you listen to at home?

Can’t pick 5 tracks but right now I listen to U2, Bob Marley, Run DMC, Marvin Gaye, and the Perfecto Back Catalogue

For someone who hasn’t attended Creamfields before, describe it? 

Its the best electronic festival in the UK

Paul Oakenfold will be performing at Creamfields UK on Sunday 30th August 2015 for info and tickets go to www.creamfields.com