Danny Howells interviewed by Simon Marlin
The pair met for a chat before Danny's 6 hour set at Nocturnal
Shapeshifters' Simon Marlin, also founding resident of the fantastic Nocturnal, took time out to speak to globally revered DJ and regular Nocturnal guest Danny Howells - about life, the universe and lots and lots of vinyl. This was in November '04 - just before Danny played a legendary 6 hour set at the night.
Simon Marlin: Hi Danny, how are you?
Danny Howells: Fine thanks! Just got back from Halloween in Miami, was a lot of fun.
You have been partly responsible for a great year in house music with 'Dusk til Dawn' smashing clubs all over the world, Why do you think 2004 has been such a good year for house?
Dunno, things go in cycles and house was unpopular for a while. I think we were a bit starved of song based tracks with hooks and a bit of funk, so maybe that's why there's now a few more good house tracks coming out.
Where are you most looking forward to going in the next year?
No specific location, but I'll be doing a very extensive world tour from March onwards.
What do you miss most about home when you're travelling?
Seeing my family and mates, and my house in general.
What do you never leave home without?
Ipod, passport, and a credit card.
How does the UK dance scene compare with scenes in other European / American strongholds?
It's very, very difficult to judge as everything changes so quickly all over the place.
Is there a country that particularly goes off just that little bit more than the others?
You normally find that the places that go off most are the ones where they don't get to hear big DJs week in week out. That's why places like Macedonia are so crazy, or when you go to an American city that isn't really on the clubbing map.
What are your fondest memories of playing at WMC over the years?
There's many - playing the Space terrace for 5 hours in 2002, and the BED party that same year was incredible.
Apart from fame and money, how does DJing now compare to DJing back then? Do you still get the same buzz from it?
I do, but it's a different buzz. I think I actually get more nervous NOW than I did then! Probably because I feel there's more expectation now that more people know me.
Who or what was your big break into DJing?
I think getting a residency with John Digweed at Bedrock in 91/92 was my first main break. It gave me priceless experience, especially when it comes to pacing a night, opening a room etc.
What advice would you give to an aspiring DJ starting out now?
The usual stuff, don't expect too much too soon, support yourself with a normal job because the chances are you won't see any money from DJing for a while, and don't expect to be the next Tiesto just because you've downloaded a bunch of hot new tracks.
What DJs/bands/music most influenced and inspired you in the early years?
Bowie, James Brown (again) and then as I got older, stuff like Duran, Frankie etc!
What's your dream DJ line up?
Oh god, maybe a bunch of DJs that I never got the chance to hear - I'm a disco boy at heart so Larry Levan would be great. I've never heard David Mancuso or Kevorkian so stick them on as well. For a bit of techno I'll have Jeff Mills and Sven Vath please.
Do you still play vinyl or are you strictly CDR now?
I love CDs but I'll always be a vinyl junkie and will always buy vinyl. I play a small percentage of CDs. I think DJs should keep buying vinyl as most of the most amazing tracks are obscure b-sides etc. I wouldn't just want to rely on CD demos that I get sent.
What are the records you can always rely on, that you'll always love, that define your sound?
A couple of tracks that I think define my sound are the Ashley Beedle mix of Bent's Always, Electric Deluxe by Electric Deluxe, and more recently, Joris Voorn's Incident, to name just a few.
And what's the dodgiest request you've ever had for a record?
My first ever single, "Darkhappy" by Squelch!!
Are there any records you'd love to own but have never found?
DH: I can't think of any right now - the longest I ever spent looking for a record was about 9 years, and it was the Patrick Cowley remix of Tantra's 'The Hills Of Kathmandu'. I eventually found it about three years ago.
What's the rarest record you own?
Possibly an original copy of an album Brian Jones produced, 'The Pan Pipes of Joujouka'. It cost me a fortune but it's totally insane.
What's the most you've ever paid for a record?
See above! I think it set me back over 200 dollars. A Mick Jagger promo interview from 1973 on Rolling Stones Records set me back a bit as well. I see things like that as an investment though - there's a lot worst things I could spunk it on!
What have you been listening to recently?
Tons of Cocteaus albums, a load of Miles Davis, and a stack of James Brown live stuff.
Read any good books?
Literally just finished a biography of Marc Bolan by Mark Paytress which I really enjoyed.
Seen any good films?
Finally saw Lost In Translation. That's about it!
Tell us something people may not know about you.
The scar on my face came from a bike accident when I was 13 years old.
What if any, is your life philosophy?
Live life to the full, don't judge others and don't wank too much.
What would you rescue from your house if it was burning down?
I'd like to say my record collection but I think that would take about a week, so my collection of James Brown videos. And my passport.
How would you like to be remembered?
Just being remembered would be good enough thanks!
Published: 15/11/2004
