Interview: Paul Oakenfold talks Full On Fluoro, Film Scores and Four Seasons

Global DJ phenomenen Paul Oakenfold returns to Gatecrasher on 28th January, continuing a relationship between the DJ and the club that stretches back more than 15 years.

Here the superstar DJ fills us in on what's happening at the moment in the never-dull world of Oakenfold.

Tell us about the 4 Seasons Tour. What is the concept, what can we expect visually and sonically?

It’s a tour and album concept that will span all of 2012 – evolving with the seasons. The sound is my Full on Fluoro sound and visually we have these really hot guys called Rebel Overlay putting together something totally unique that is going to be mind blowing.

And there is a 4 Seasons album due out soon also?

Yeah – there will be four albums – each dedicated to a season, so we start with “Winter” – which is a single 80 min dj mix that will be released on February 17th. “Spring” comes out in May and “Summer” in July and then at the end of the year we’re going to do something release special with “Autumn”, like a box set of visual and audio materials.

Tell us about the Full On Fluoro concept. Are you going back to the Underground Psy-Rave concept?

I’m drawing influence from the Goa records I was into yes, but I would not say I was going backwards – the producers who are making this fresh sound today couldn’t be more cutting edge. For me Psy is just a new version of Goa trance and while the Full on Fluoro sound does include elements of Psy, it also includes breaks, electronica, techno and house – so it’s hard to be catagorised into one area. It’s melodic, it’s energetic and it’s full on. Because of the different sounds and styles I play, I’m involved with very different ends of the scene – the really underground at one end and the really overground at the other. I like both, but this Four Seasons tour is certainly more about the underground.

How important have elements of staging and production become for electronic music?

Hugely important. The era of spotlight on the DJ is over. It’s about touring with a show that is just as amazing visually as it is sonically.

You are the first DJ to hold a Vegas residency. Tell us how that came about and how that has developed?

I was thinking of a residency in LA, NY, or Vegas... and after a couple shows there I knew Vegas was going to be an ideal party destination. With dozens of performances and fans visiting from all around the country to see the show, the Vegas residency became an inspiring role in the explosion of dance music in America.

Perfecto Vegas is much more than a musical experience, it is a full on show?

Yes it was always about making a big dramatic experience from going there. Putting on a great show that had performers and fire breathers and all kids of other stuff to generally pump up the crowd. The concept was always about 'come and experience what goes on on Planet Perfecto'.

Ultimately you’ve pioneered the dance music explosion in Vegas?

I’ve been a part of it from its birth in the city, so I guess that’s right yes.

You had an amazing season this summer in Ibiza with Gatecrasher. Tell us about that?

Well I’ve played for Gatecrasher now for many years so I’ve always had a close friendship with them. So when the idea of the residency came up in Ibiza it felt right. I wanted to be part of the show they had planned and it was a great success.

How did it feel working with Gatecrasher again, you have a long history?

It felt like coming home.

Your next artist album Pop Killer is finally released this year. What can we expect?

You can expect my take on pop music. It's a fusion of memorable songwriting, great singers, attitude, and really dope production. I can’t wait for it to be released.

Is the album is in response to the steady decline of pop music?

Not at all. I’m embracing pop culture and giving it my spin!

It is rumored that album was delayed for release as you we’re waiting for a huge artist collaboration, anything you can tell us about that?

I can't say right now… but let me tell you this: buckle up!

You’ve got some huge artists on the album including Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Gnarls Barkley and One-Republic. Did you work directly with them in the studio or was this done remotely?

It's not just big artists, I am always looking to embrace new up and coming talent and great songwriters. But yes, we worked together directly in the studio.

How did you go about selecting artists for the album?

I wanted to work with different artist in different genres, that have inspired and I am a fan of.

Is it true Madonna is collaborating on one of the tracks?

Not on this album, no.

And you are still working on film sound-tracks? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

Last film I worked on was 'Harold & Kumar 3'. I’m talking with film studios at the moment for up and coming projects!

How many films do you score in a year?

One or two.

If you had a choice what would be your ultimate film project?

Working on movies that have “best picture” potential.

You’ve got so much going on – how do you fit it all in?

I’m up at the crack of dawn and work for 14 hours and I have a great team who helps me. Also doesn’t hurt throwing in some hot tea, coffee, and an In N’ Out Burger once and a while!

You famously toured with Madonna and worked with her on ‘Celebration’. What  is it like working with such an icon?

Memorable and inspiring are the words that come to mind. Madonna, as we all know, is a pioneer of music. She is amazing in the studio, inspirational, and she delivers that and more to her live show.

Are there any other musical stars you’d like to work with?

Yes, Dr. Dre

According to the Guinness Book of Records you are the most successful  DJ in the world. What attributes make you stand head and shoulders above the rest?

I’ve been very fortunate to be involved with everything I have. At the end of the day I love dance music so much so it has always been a pleasure to passionately push the sound to my peers and fans. From there, the rest is history!

Incredibly you’ve been DJing now for over 30 years. How has the scene changed since you started?

There are many things which are a day and night difference, and other parts which will never change. The sound of 20,000 people roaring to a song will never tire. How the DJ presents the music, how the scene works – those things are changing continuously.

What can we expect for Paul Oakenfold in 2012?

My Four Seasons World Tour, my new artist album “Pop Killer,” and a lot of exciting collaborations and special shows.

Catch Paul Oakenfold with John O'Callaghan, Alex Morph and more at Gatecrasher Birmingham on 28th January.

Tickets are available through Skiddle below.

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