Seeing the world through a box of records
British born DJ Paul Oakenfold has an incredible list of firsts to his name. And even if you don’t think you know who he is, read on…
Picture this. You’re a 16-year-old Londoner who has a dream of making it as a DJ. You love your music, but you want the admiring crowds to love it even more. So you take the local music scene by storm, you then take the world music scene by storm. You’re even given the honour of playing on the Great Wall of China. What’s left? I’d place my bet that if there was one DJ who would ever be chosen to play on the moon, it would have to be Paul Oakenfold.
Logging onto this superstar DJ’s website, there’s only one section that all fans click on more times than they probably enjoy a hot meal, fingers crossed that their lovely ‘Oakey’ will be coming to play somewhere near them. So I too decide to take a peak at upcoming performances, and sure enough, there’s a dazzling list of appearances. He’ll be touring the world this April and May, playing at the T Mobile Arena in Prague, Gatecrasher in Sheffield, Turnmills in London, and Ice Palace in Miami. Lucky them.
But somewhere amid this highly prestigious and rather glam array was a great surprise. On April 11, Oakenfold will be arriving in Cyprus to play at Pavilion as part of his Perfecto world tour. This is the DJ whose name graces the pages of The Guinness Book of Records for playing to the largest number of people in one place.
This is the man who has long been one of the most important names in popular culture and was even honoured with the UK’s ‘Pioneer of Dance Music’ award presented by Queen Elizabeth herself. Famed as ‘Madonna’s DJ’, he’s remixed tracks for top names including Justin Timberlake, Moby, Nelly Furtado, U2 and Snoop Doggy Dog.
Dance music fan or otherwise, his biography is undeniably impressive. Oakenfold modestly claims he’s “lucky” to be able to see the world through a box of records, but many would say it takes more than just potluck to get to where he is now. “Being considered a superstar DJ is really not what you expect when you start out. I just did it for the love, all the rest just sort of comes without you even realising it.” He says the only thing he wanted to do was to share his music with others – little did he know as a teen that practically the whole world would one day be waving their arms or bobbing their heads to his rhythms.
If you think you’re unfamiliar with Oakenfold’s music you are probably greatly mistaken. His tunes have actually made global appearances on the radio and TV, featured in commercials for Coca-Cola, Toyota, Motorola and Saab, which all ran through 2005. And that’s not to mention his contribution to hit films including Swordfish (which Oakenfold scored), The Matrix Reloaded and Collateral.
Born in London in 1963, Oakenfold’s career began while DJing in small clubs in the West End. He went on to become one of the first DJs to have residency in Ibiza in the early 90s, and also started regular ‘Balearic’ nights in London. Bunkka, his debut album released in 2002 featuring the hits ‘Ready Steady Go’ and ‘Starry Eyed Surprise’, sold over a million copies worldwide. His mix compilation, Another World, sold over 500,000 in the US alone, making it the biggest selling DJ compilation of all time.
The past decade has really seen Oakenfold rack up a dizzying blur of first and foremosts, including him being voted the number one DJ in the world by readers of just about every music magazine. He’s also heard the name ‘Oakey’ yelled out fanatically from clubs, festivals and arenas in every corner of the globe. And who do you think was commissioned to write the ‘Big Brother’ theme song? ‘Oakey’ of course!
In 2006, he released A Lively Mind as a follow-up to Bunkka. Three years in the making, it’s a work of love and passion. A little different to his last, it’s more up-tempo and melodic with a lot of fresh talents. ‘Faster Kill Pussycat’, the kick off track and first single, is perhaps the most unique and somewhat striking of the album when it comes to guest singers, featuring Brittany Murphey. The world of film influenced another of the album’s stand out tracks, which features vocals by modern hip hop great Pharell Williams. Titled Sex and Money, it’s a song about how soulless the Hollywood party scene can be. “I loved doing the album and I’m really pleased with the way collaborations turned out with Brittany Murphey and Grandmaster Flash,” he explains. Having done a lot of touring to support the album, Oakenfold has also recently been working on the music for a Japanese animated film called Vexille. “I’m really looking forward to its release,” he says excitedly, “but I’m also really looking forward to mixing my next DJ compilation, which should be out late summer.”
Right now, he can’t wait to see the fans here in Cyprus, as he prepares to give one of the very best parties of the year. There are only a handful of DJs in the world who attract the fervour and create the excitement that Oakenfold is capable of provoking. Those who’ve heard him when he plays will never forget the electric atmosphere in the crowd. And who haven’t… really don’t know what they’re missing.
Paul Oakenfold will be playing at Pavilion in Nicosia, April 11. Also featuring the pioneer of Italian House Sound Daniele Davoli, with warm up sets by Deep Impact and Shadow. Brought to you by Mix FM and Moonlight Endless Productions. Doors open 10.30pm. £17 pre-sale/ £20 at the door. Tel: 99-310031
