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Features
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HF asks for a pound of Cox please.
Reported by Harderfaster
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Submitted 09-05-07 19:04
There are some DJs that define convention, that despite their stratospheric superstardom keep their feet firmly on the ground and in touch with their fans and peers alike. One such superstar is London’s very own Carl Cox. Since the mid 80’s he’s wowed the masses with his mixing, tunes and massive stage presence.
To celebrate his return to Space for another season, some of you may remember we asked for your burning questions for the big man and you came up with some great ones. We picked some of the best ones and some of the kooky ones and now my lovelies come with us as we get inside the man that is Carl Cox!
You have supported many up and coming DJs, Clodagh being one of them. Is there any one person who has gone on to completely amaze you with their development?
Quite a few really. But maybe I’d have to say Josh Wink. He was one of the first DJs to join Ultimate Music Management. I met him in New York at a conference, when he had the longest dreads. Back then he was just this guy from Philly, making music. He went on to change the face of dance music. Tracks like Higher State Of Consciousness, everyone still loves that today, and when he made it, it was just a b-side. He went from nothing to what he is now. He’s always had a great soul and heart in his music and an innocence to his character.
I have one of your 'Back to mine' CDs, is that pretty much what you listen out of clubs? What else do you listen outside of your work?
Yeah it is. I listen to all sorts of stuff really. I listen to the radio a lot, to hear new music, as well as people like Stevie Nicks, 10CC, Bryan Ferry. I’ve got a seriously open mind when it comes to music. I accept it for what it is; it doesn’t have to have a kick drum just as long as it has soul. With Back To Mine, I was flexing my musical muscle. There were some of my favourite tracks on those CDs, from the Style Council to Diana Ross, lots of different sounds. That was just a small selection from my 150,000 + vinyl collection.
Are you going to celebrate the 10th anniversary of FACT2 by releasing a FACT3?
Fantastic question. Fact 1 was the most seminal musical piece I have ever made. It was a statement on what people weren’t listening to. It kicked off in the UK, then worldwide. People really started talking about it and it was selling more and more. It went on to sell over 280, 000 worldwide, which was amazing and really set the margin high. Then came Fact 2, which was a bit funkier; it also sold well but not like the first. I remember everything about making the Fact albums and it was a great process. I think a Fact 3 is unlikely. What with the download and burning culture, one person downloads it and burns it for all his mates, it might sell 25-30, 000, but I’d spend double making it and it just wouldn’t be cost effective. I would have liked to gone on with another one but it’d be kind of pointless and I’d like to leave it as a seminal piece.
How does the endless touring and playing affect your health?
Well I’ve just had 5 months off, so I’m great at the moment but when I’m working it is really hardcore. From a health point of view, it’s awful. Your sleeping patterns are affected; your eating patterns are affected. You eat burgers at midnight and sleep at weird hours. Not that I’m complaining, it is a really great time but week in week out, it does start to take its toll.
Do you think that dance music, post Criminal Justice Act, has made a significant contribution to modern society?
Yeah I think so. Something had to be done as it was getting out of control. I got myself out of all that and wouldn’t play any gig if they didn’t have a license. I think the Act came at a good time. It was really needed. It meant people had to do things faithfully, which meant people could still have a great time and everything would be safe. I think safety is important. So many things can go wrong and when everything’s legal it’s much safer. It’s one of the most important things you get for the ticket price.
Have you ever had rough treatment at airports because of who you are? Say, at Ibiza for instance?
No not really. If you’re late and they won’t let you board, “do you know who I am?” doesn’t work. I like to get to flights with plenty of time to avoid any of this. Airports are one those things you just have to get used to doing. Queues, security checks all that; it’s a necessary evil. I’m easy going though, so whatever happens happens.
Do you still get the same enjoyment from the music you play as you did when you started out or has the routine of being expected to deliver taken the shine off of it?
I still love it. People are still making music with a vibe and energy, which gives me a sense of purpose. If there’s great new music being made, I love finding it and playing it especially if it’s ahead of its time. It’s kind of a cat and mouse game on what the next best thing is going to be, who’s turning the new corner in Dance. Like Amee’s Wreck. That came out of nowhere, it was minimal but so cool. You can’t get bored of this job when stuff like that is still being made. It’s this that still drives me.
What do you feel have been your biggest single biggest professional achievements & disappointments?
There haven’t been disappointments really. Maybe back in the early days, when no one turned up to a party. I remember when I first started out driving all the way to Abergavenny to DJ and getting there and the venue was closed. No one was there. Drove 5 hours for nothing. But this is all part of it.
Some of the achievements would be the parties. When we’ve put a party on, like Carl Cox and Friends, they went on for 3 or 4 years. Seeing this kind of thing come together is satisfying. Getting the supporting DJs and acts and then going out there myself. Even though there’s a lot of teamwork with this kind of thing, it’s what I have to create as an individual. If I don’t deliver I’m the one that gets it in the neck! I remember doing the Berlin Love Parade for the first time, I had just 20 minutes or so to shine. I cut it and I’ve been invited back to play year after year. You go in quite humble, and give them 110%. That’s quite an achievement.
What country consistently puts out the best tunes?
I’m not going to say Germany. Consistently? I’d say America. I’ve always bought American music. Since 1968 : when I was listening to James Brown, Aretha Franklin and The Jacksons. Still to this day they’re putting out the same quality of music. Yeah it does go round in circles but if I had to pick one, it would be the States. In Europe everyone’s individual, I think in the states it’s more of a collective and that works. Like Timberlake and Timbaland. They’re making some wicked stuff.
If you weren't a DJ/Producer/Music bod what career do you think you would have chosen?
Scaffolding. My last job was a scaffolder and I’m quite an out-doorsy person. When I was starting out as a DJ I worked in the building trade as well. Scaffolding was my favourite. I always loved erecting things. But when it came to choosing DJing or scaffolding, the DJing won.
Any plans to resurrect a weekly residency in London as you did @ The Velvet Rooms?
I do miss working in London. Velvet Rooms was a great time. 230 maximum in the club every Thursday, it was always a great vibe, we did it for about 5 years or so. As for doing it again, I think the time is right, so if I could find the right club, 400 – 600 capacity, keep the ticket prices low – yeah maybe!
How do you like your eggs in the morning?
Scrambled.
Have you ever had an afro?
I’d have loved an afro. But no, it’s never grown that way. It always just grew into a flat top, which wasn’t a good look!
Has Jon Rundell got any better at DJ'ing since he started working for you?
How am I supposed to answer this! I think Jon’s a jewel in the crown. He’s really great with the crowd and his music. He’s been a great support to me. Put him in front of 30, 000 people and really goes for it. He naturally warms the crowds up. We always discuss what we’ll both be playing and he goes out there and does it. At the moment he’s better than most top DJs I could mention.
What's on your rider?
2 bottles of Champagne.
2 bottles of Cranberry juice.
Orange juice.
20 bottles of water.
Sandwiches.
Fruit.
And black towels. If I use white ones, the fluff comes off on my face and under the black light I look like Father Christmas!
Who would win a fight out of you and Frankie Knuckles?
I’d probably slaughter him cos he’s such a nice guy, he wouldn’t want to fight. I wouldn’t want to though.
I hear that you are an excellent cook. What is your favourite dish?
I love making a roast dinner. Beef or chicken, with all the trimmings. I’m a dab hand at Roast Potatoes and honey roasted carrots, people always clean the plate when I make this.
Do you miss Top of the Pops?
Not at all. I was on it and it did me the world of good but as the years progressed, it got worse and worse. Was great when it started, but its time was up. The kids don’t care about it anymore. I like TOTP2 though.
Does your mum like your music?
Yeah she does. She bought me my first console and turntable from the Freeman’s catalogue. I think she regretted it at first, but yeah she’s very proud.
Are you bored with being interviewed?
Not at all – never. I’ve had 15-20 this week alone and I’m on holiday.
Carl Cox returns to Space for his weekly Tuesday parties kicking off on July 24th and running through to September 11th. Watch out for more details in the news section.
With thanks to Duncan at Emms.
Photos courtesy of the Harderfaster Archive. Not to be reproduced without permission.
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Other Features By Harderfaster: HarderFaster Awards 2016 - The results are in! HarderFaster Awards 2014 - The results are in! Lashes, Dimples and the Brighton Music Conference HarderFaster Awards 2013 - The results are in! HarderFaster Awards 2012 - The results are in!
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Matt Smallwood on 9th May 2007 21:55.00 A truly awesome DJ, top bloke and early TEKELEC supporter! Long live Coxy!
From: sexyminx on 9th May 2007 21:56.00 Phat Interview Mass to the main man Carl Cox You rock big stylee. Love hearing your music, you kicked ass at SW4. Keep up the good work. All the best for 2007 & the future
From: wykah on 10th May 2007 07:22.10 He thought my Fact question was "Fantastic". Woohoo!! Just a shame there won't be a third
From: Euphoria on 10th May 2007 12:32.37 The Godfather of all DJ's!
From: CLK on 10th May 2007 13:07.05 A wicked interview from an inspirational DJ... His presence on stage is amazing & the energy he gives the crowd - mindblowing!!!
If your in Ibiza definately check his night out...
From: Wu Ming on 10th May 2007 14:49.44 One of my questions got asked!
My favourite DJ ever, thanks for all the good times Carl.
From: strings on 10th May 2007 14:58.02 The comment about eating burgers at midnight has had good results
From: ~deleted12163 on 10th May 2007 14:58.55 Legend
From: Billy Daniel Bunter on 10th May 2007 15:03.11 True legend!!!
From: skaramanga on 10th May 2007 15:10.05 First DJ i saw when i was 14yrs old... Legend
From: Arsene Wengers coat on 10th May 2007 15:48.32 Legend.Had one of my most amazing nights ever at Turnmills on Boxing day a few years ago to Cox.
From: Neats on 10th May 2007 16:09.23 wicked the mans a legend
From: mef on 10th May 2007 16:46.26 Not Stu Cox then??!?!
From: damian@heat on 10th May 2007 20:11.37 I saw him raise the dead in '99 at this amazing club called Cavo Paradiso on the Greek Island of Mykonos. Since then I've been lucky enough to have him play several of my events. One of the nicest guys in dance who astounded me with his unbelievable memory!
From: dj onrush on 11th May 2007 11:34.10 fact was a wicked album set the standard for trance techno, remembering tbe orange tune
From: Lisa B on 11th May 2007 12:57.06 A Legend !! NUFF SAID!!!
From: danj on 12th May 2007 01:08.49 Great interview
From: peter j on 12th May 2007 15:32.39 nice interview im sure one or more of those pic's were taken at love parade :-)
From: Lx on 12th May 2007 16:33.09 haha love his name
always makes me laugh
oh and a v good producer he is too
From: wykah on 13th May 2007 15:57.59 Essential Mix at the end of the month might make up for no Fact 3
From: maliksta on 13th May 2007 17:04.23 Big ups to Coxy. Superstud, who just brought down the house in melbourne last week. Big ups to Rundell and Ali Wilson, ya'll are legends in the making.
From: dimitry on 14th May 2007 12:19.35 Rocked it at Space last summer, will be going back for some more this season!
he's doing Essential mix on Radio1 in two weeks time, really looking fwrd to that
From: mattcoxdj79 on 14th May 2007 15:57.55 quality surname
From: John Nutter on 16th May 2007 10:27.01 Carl Cox is one of my all time favs and the first DJ I ever got into...
The Criminal Justice Act was great for BUSINESS and the money men by undermining the free party scene, attempting pathetically to criminalize 'repetitive beats'. The best thing about it was the fact that it served to unite ravers, travellers, road protesters and others against their common enemy THE STATE! Free parties may have been unsafe sometimes but there are clubs we know about now who are pretty reluctant to do their LEGAL duty of making drinking water freely available to overheating clubbers.... :o)
From: Charlie Rox on 23rd May 2007 23:11.03 Used to watch coxy back in 94 to 98,final frontier and sterns! oi oi, back then he played house and early trance, memories of the day..
From: DJ Widow on 24th May 2007 10:05.04 Loving the thought of him with a fluffy white Santa beard!
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