Carl Cox is probably the loveliest, chattiest DJ I’ve ever interviewed. Fresh off the plane from the US, I expected quick, simple answers. Instead we nattered for over half an hour. When it was time to write up the interview, however, I discovered a journalist’s worst nightmare… there had been a problem with the recording! Without going in to the finite details, after much blood, sweat and tears I managed to extract from our conversation the following; but let me assure you, there was much more spoken about that will unfortunately never see the light of day!
How’s your radio show Global going?
It’s going very well. I’m really happy. It’s getting bigger and bigger which is really great.
You were voted number 11 in the DJ Mag poll this year, how do you feel about that?
Well, I play all year round, I mean I can play to up to a billion people in a year. I’m quite happy. I’m happy to be where I am. I’m number 11, you know? I could go up or down (laughs).
Have you stopped using vinyl forever?
Yeah, yeah, I’m done. I stopped using vinyl a while ago. It’s the way of the world.
You were in the movie It’s All Gone Pete Tong…
(laughs)
Can you tell me about that?
The thing about it was… because I’ve been on movies before… they asked me to do it. So they asked us to talk about a guy we knew nothing about! I was like… errr… ok.
What’s your favourite travel item?
To be honest, I always take my iPod with me.
Is yours the best job in the world?
Without a doubt. I mean, I get to travel the world, talk to lovely people like yourself (laughs). You know, other people couldn’t do that.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?
Ummm, I’d be working in the construction industry.
Where do you think Australia is at musically?
On the radio you don’t get to hear much dance music, you know? Over here [in Australia], you’ve got this hardcore rock scene. You don’t have the opportunity to hear dance music. It’s just the way it is right now in Australia and I’m not sure if it will change.
So you’re just relaxing now in Melbourne until your show over New Year?
Yeah, I’m going to be doing absolutely nothing. I’ve been DJing non-stop for a long time. I’m going to drive, visit some wineries, take some trips on my motorbike!
Carl Cox plays Sydney and Melbourne this NYE/NYD, and will also be headlining the Future Music Festival in March:
Dec 31 – Harbour Party NYE, Sydney
Jan 1 – Sunshine People, Melbourne
Mar 4 – Supreme Court Gardens, Perth
Mar 10 – Brisbane Turf Club, Brisbane
Mar 11 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
Mar 12 – Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
Mar 17 – Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney
