Darren Emerson

You’d be hard pushed to find many long-standing figures in global dance music that are as passionate about what they do and who still do it for those much lauded ‘right reasons’ than Darren Emerson.

You’d be hard pushed to find many long-standing figures in global dance music that are as passionate about what they do and who still do it for those much lauded ‘right reasons’ than Darren Emerson. He’s stamped his mark on dance culture for 20 years, thoroughly resists the trappings of celebdom (his partner is a well-known TV personality), and still seeks out those emerging clubbing beacons spread-out across the world with the zeal of a wide-eyed newbie. We caught a quick chat with Darren ahead of his appearance this weekend at The Arches.

How has life been treating you so far in 2009?
Fantastically, a great start to the year with a new compilation for Global Underground out, and few new tracks I’ve been creating…

Are you looking forward to coming back to The Arches on March 7th?
Yeah, I am really looking forward to it. I always have such a good time when I play at The Arches – it’s such a great vibe and great venue.  Holds some special memories for me, as there is always a good crowd that is there for the music.

Always good memories from when you’ve played here in the past?
Ricky from Colours is always a great host and makes me feel at home every time!

How was 2008 for you?
Any standout moments?Performing with Jamie Cullum at a number of festivals around Europe, especially Sonar. Recording my Bogota GU mix and most importantly the birth of my son.

You’ve just compiled the new Global Underground CD; Bogota. How long did it take you to come up with the track listing for the mix?
I worked on the track listing for a couple of months to make sure I had something quite special for the release, and finished off a couple of tracks exclusively for the album. The track listing had to be in 3 months before release so most of it had to be very upfront. 

What can people expect from the new CD?
A good mixture of House, Techno and older classics. Some of the compilations in the GU series have been a bit on the proggy side and mine have always been more techno and house orientated. The mix is built like a DJ set, taking the listener through different moods, building things up and then taking them back down.

Who are your hot tips for 2009?
Well Jamie McHugh who I’ve been working in the studio with is a very good producer and I predict big things for him this year.

If you could work with any artist in the world (from any genre) who would it be and why?
Luckily I’ve been able to work with a lot of my heroes already. I’ve written music with U2 and signed tracks off Arthur Baker for my label. 

Do you have any plans for Ibiza yet?
The last two years I’ve gone over to play Carl Cox’s party at Space so I hope to make another appearance there this summer. Over than that I might go over for a few days to catch some rays.

What was the last non-dance music album you purchased?
Nick Littlemore that I signed many moons ago to my label is in Empire Of The Sun and they’ve put together a great album. Some really good, catchy tracks. He’s also co-written my artist album so obviously I’ve always known and liked his sound.

Which is your favourite country to play in?
Japan has always been very good to me. Right back from the Underworld days, they have been very supportive of me and I have a lot of friends out there now.

If you could play back to back with any other DJ, who would it be?
Again, back to back is something I’ve done quite a lot in the past although its less common now. I recently played back to back with Norman Cook which was a good laugh because he’s an old friend. 

If you weren’t involved in dance music, what job would you have done?
I would have been a chef. I love to cook and do so every time I get the opportunity. I make a mean roast dinner amongst other things!

Finally, what’s the best thing about being a DJ?
The best and worst thing is actually the traveling. I still love globe trotting and catching up with friends around the world. On the other hand, I’ve spent a good portion of my life on planes and in airport lounges so that bit of it gets pretty tiresome but I cant complain really.

See you in March!