Interview: Benny Benassi

World famous DJ and producer Benny Benassi is the most recent addition to the SW4 Weekender line-up. We pin him down for a quick chat.

Are you looking forward to performing at the festival?

For sure... it’s been ages since I played a London festival. Can’t wait. 

How would you describe the London club scene?

To be honest, I spend most of my time in U.S.A. these days. I’ve been playing parties at Ministry of Sound that have been really great. But I haven’t been to see other DJs in London clubs over the last couple of years, so I would be an imposter if I tried to answer. 

What can we expect from Benny Benassi at SW4?

I’ll do my best to enchant you. I have a few surprises up my sleeve. 

Last year you were placed #26 in the DJMag Top 100 DJ Poll, which is obviously a massive achievement for any DJ. How does it make you feel that so many people like your music?

I am a very lucky person. 

What is your top three favourite tunes of all time?

I have my favourite three records right now which are different from my favourite three records yesterday... and so on. Right now I’m really enjoying the new Felix da Housecat track. 

• Date: Saturday 28th August 2010
• Event: SW4 Weekender 2010 - Saturday 28th August at Clapham Common
• Venue: Clapham Common
• Artists: Armin Van Buuren, Chris Lake, Dave Spoon, Erick Morillo, Funkagenda, Gareth Emery, Giuseppe Ottaviani, John Digweed, Josh Wink, Judge Jules, Laidback Luke, Mark Knight, Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Sander Van Doorn, Sasha, timo garcia

Do you have a tune that hasn't left your records bag for a while?

Felix – Thee Anthem 

Going back to the beginning of your music career, how did it all start for you?

As a kid I was really into Eighties electropop and disco... you know, Human League, Giorgio Moroder... I then started DJing in my local club. It was all vinyls back then, the golden age of twelve inches. 

As House/Electro/Techno is ever changing, how would you describe your sound today to us?

A lot of critics say I’m eclectic. Actually I’m just confused. 

We see you grew up in Reggio Emilia in Italy. What is the electronic music scene like there?

Amazing for such a small town, particularly on the production side. It’s the city that gave us Black Box and a host of pop-house hits like Whigfield, etc. 

What can we expect from Benny Benassi in the next 12 months?

A new album and me touring California in a bicycle. 

You have collaborated with and remixed a very wide range of artists. Do you have any exciting collaborations in the pipeline that we can look forward to?

A lot of exciting stuff on the album with great singers and writers you wouldn’t naturally expect to hear perform over the Benassi sound. 

What has been your favourite gig in the last 12 months?

There have been many. I really enjoyed playing at Pacha in Ibiza with the Swedes. They put on a great party. Beatpatrol in Austria was awesome. 

Do you have any surprises in store for us at SW4?

Yes. 

What's the craziest thing that has ever happened to you whilst on the decks?

Some are not fit for publishing, but one of my favourites is my manager falling asleep in the booth (in Canada) while I was playing. He was perched on a stool, actually leaning against a 5000 watt stack, snoring.

Find more information on SW4 here.

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You can find these artists/djs playing at the following events:

• Judge Jules: The Gallery Pres. Judge Jules on 17th Feb
• Josh Wink: Content Presents - Josh Wink (Ovum) - 3hr Set. on 24th Feb
• Pete Tong: Lock N Load Events present All Gone Pete Tong on 25th Feb
• Armin Van Buuren: Armin van Buuren presents ASOT 550 Launch Party on 1st Mar
• Paul Oakenfold: Cream on 3rd Mar
• John Digweed: MUSIKA presents BEDROCK feat JOHN DIGWEED & GUY J on 3rd Mar
• Funkagenda: Audio Rehab on 16th Mar
• Gareth Emery: Garuda on 30th Mar
• Sander Van Doorn: Above & Beyond: Group Therapy Tour on 8th Apr
• Sasha: Renaissance 20th Anniversary Birmingham Pt.1 on 8th Apr