Trance music was the first genre of electronic music I got into. Paul Oakenfold was one of my favourite DJs; I still own all of his CDs.
I remember seeing him at Toronto’s Guvernment nightclub (The Guv) about nine years ago, trying to get a glimpse of him in the DJ booth, which at the time was located high above the crowd. I remember the sexy electric graphics up on the screens of dancing girls gyrating to the Oakey beat.
Who knew nine years later I’d be in the Kool Haus – just adjacent to The Guv – interviewing arguably the most famous DJ on the planet during his FaceLift tour (which only consisted of three Canadian cities; Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto). This time, instead of trying to catch a glimpse of him in the DJ booth, I was in the booth with him!
I’ve interviewed many DJs and producers but interviewing Mr. Oakenfold was surreal:
Oakenfold Fun Facts!
The first album he ever bought was ‘Young Americans’ by David Bowie
Oakenfold says he balances the late nights and parties with regular work outs, healthy eating and vitamins
He is a fully qualified chef, having studied for years
Oakenfold names Eminem as the artist he most wants to re-work
Perfecto, his legendary residency at Rain in Las Vegas, draws 1800 people every Saturday
His new album of original music drops in May this year. Oakenfold describes it as ‘fresh, upbeat with great songs and singers’
