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	3 Oct 2014

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BBC Radio 1 - One Live in Birmingham : 26th October - 1st November

Paul Oakenfold Live Chat

On Friday 12 October Paul Oakenfold came in to Radio 1 for an online chat. The star of the One Live in Birmingham Essential Mix chatted frankly about his forthcoming album for Madonna's label, working with Eminem and Dre, and his most embarrassing moment ever. Despite the hangover Paul chatted for an hour, answering every question put by a rather inquisitive gathering of fans. You can get every answer to every question over the next three pages.

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3

Nias Thomas: Have you ever questioned your sexuality?
Paul: Yes. Didn't find an answer though!

Matt Rayner: When future generations look back on Big Brother, will your progeny want to distance themselves from Great-Great-Grandad, or will they give a monkeys?
Paul: Don't know, don't care! I have never watched Big Brother. I saw maybe three or four of the first but none of the second. I don't really have time!

Ward: Which do you like playing to better? a small, intimate club audience, or a massive gig?
Paul: Honestly, I like playing both I think it is important to play underground clubs as well as big crowds...

Rick: What are your favorite compilations of 2001?
Paul: I buy a lot of albums and try to listen to a lot of compilations. I have just bought Hans Zimmer's new compilation. It's great!

DJ Tiesto Matts: Many people have thought that Tiesto modeled himself after you as a trance DJ, playing tunes that you have played before. They also think that he is unoriginal. What is your take on it?
Paul: That's really unfair. I think Tiesto is a really good DJ. Sometimes I think I might have influenced him...

Rob Tame: Who has been the biggest influence on your musical direction?
Paul: I would say my father in the early days because he got me in to the Beatles and Elvis Presley. I grew up on pop music so I listened to U2 to Bob Marley, right across the board. I think it is important to have an open mind when you are involved in music...

Steve Turner: Have you ever played a night which has brought tears to your eyes?
Paul: No.

Vestax: Is it true one of your fave DJs is Max Graham?
Paul: Yes, I like Max's approach and professionalism and the way he composes music. He's a good entertainer.

Cream Mat Wilkins: Why did you turn your back on residencies at Cream and Home to just play big events, do you miss the smaller venues?
Paul: I didn't turn my back. I still play small gigs, I played in Alaska to 250 people, it was great.

"I didn't turn my back. I still play small gigs, I played in Alaska to 250 people, it was great."

Dewi Roberts: Are there any clubs out there that still make you nervous before you play to their crowd?

Paul: Maybe sometimes... I got nervous at Clapham Common because I didn't think there would be so many people!

Dizzy Steinway: Is Paul Oakenfold your real name?
Paul: Yes it is!

Leigh McDaid: How many hours a day do you spend practising your mixing skills? How long did it take you to get to the top?
Paul: I don't DJ at home and I haven't for a long time. I listen to records at home but I don't DJ.

Puni Chohan: When was your 'God! I'm famous' moment?
Paul: It probably hasn't come yet... I don't look at myself as famous...

Bono from U2 Puni Chohan: You've remixed stuff like Muse and U2, any similar projects coming up?
Paul: No not at the moment.

Mr: Ever played Belfast?
Paul: Yes a couple of times and I really enjoyed it.

Paul: Which would be your favourite Essential Mix that you've done?
Paul: It's a mix called 'Goa'. I used movie soundtracks and house and the more melodic style of music that I play.

Dave Security: Do you think the events of Sept 11 have affected the dance scene in the USA?
Paul: I have been told that they have. A lot of clubs could actually go under because people are just not going out. I understand it, but in the UK we tend to go out and I was surprised, but it has been affected. It won't affect me as a DJ because I still want to go to America and play.

Richard Groves: If your skills as a DJ were taken away from you tomorrow, along with all your cash, what would you fall back on for a job?
Paul: I am a fully qualified chef so I would be in a kitchen cooking dinner for that person. I like cooking roast dinner and pasta, but my wife is better than me so she does all the cooking. I'm a lucky man! She doesn't like my cooking...

Adam Newbery: Hi Paul can't wait to see you at the NEC on the 27th. Have you got any plans of doing the Perfecto Tour at Pacha again next year?
Paul: Yes. Pacha want to continue and we are actually in talks about how we are going to move forward and improve on the night.

Fran: Tell us about a musical life changing moment.
Paul: When I played Wembley football stadium opening for U2 and I walked on stage. I actually wanted to get on the pitch. Also when I did NetAid, Bowie & George Michael were doing it, those kind of gigs mean something.

"When I played Wembley football stadium opening for U2 and I walked on stage. I actually wanted to get on the pitch."

Trigger B1: What's your number one track at the moment in your chart.

Paul: 'Resurrection' by PPK a record that I signed whilst in Moscow five months ago.

Stuart Corbett: At the moment what gives you more satisfaction, writing scores for movies or playing to a live audience?
Paul: Both really. You never get a feeling that you do when you play live to people, but it's great to do more film work. I really enjoyed Swordfish. I will do incidental pieces for films. I won't do an entire score at the moment because of another project... I have signed a recording deal to Maverick records in America and I'm making an artist album that is basically breakbeat and guitars. Not really dance.

"I have signed a recording deal to Maverick records in America and I'm making an artist album that is basically breakbeat and guitars. Not really dance."

Bob: Do you think you influenced Madonna in any way on her Ray of Light album?

Paul: A lot of people have said that to me but I don't know if she ever heard the album.

Paul: Why did you chose to play Rui Da Sliva 'Touch Me' at 12pm on NYE 2001 at Cream?
Paul: Rui gave it to me and it was truly my favourite record of the year...

On page 2: "I have always liked breakbeat, I play a lot more in America than in England..."

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