Hey Paul, how does it feel to be returning to Cream after a 10 year hiatus?

It’s really exciting. There’s a real buzz around the Perfecto office about this show. I think it’s going to be a pretty emotional night.

Your return to Cream has created quite a bit of hype and the main thing people have asked is whether you’re going to play a classic set?

I don’t really do classics sets – in the respect of playing the original mixes of old records – but at the same time, this is something special and so yes I have some new remixes being made of a few courtyard classics.

What was your favourite memory from playing the club?

Cream always had a really unique vibe. It was like being part of a family and so being resident and spending so much time at Nation I not only got to know so many of the faces there – but became one of them. It was that electric vibe and of course the time behind the decks that I loved the most.

Tell us about your new album ‘Pop Killer’?

It’s my new artists album which is coming out this year. It has a load of hot collaborations with various names form the pop area – but the sound of the album I would say was pop with cutting edge electronic beats.

Who has been your favourite artist to collaborate with (or can’t you say)?

Madonna.

BBC Radio 1 recently ran a programme on Las Vegas and the electronic scene there which is something you have been a part of for years. What is it about Vegas that attracts so many artists and clubbers alike?

Well, even though there are differences, Vegas is sort of like what Ibiza is to the UK in the context of it’s where everyone in the country goes to let off steam and party. Before dance music exploded there – partying all night, gambling and indulging yourself were always the order of the day in Vegas, so it made sense that dance music was going to fit into that equation perfectly – since it too has always been about partying, hedonism and I guess escapism.

Are there any new Perfecto signings we should look out for in 2012?

Absolutely – you should check out Beatman & Ludmilla – who we signed last year – they for me are the hottest breaks producers in the world. We also have Federation who are a hot 4 piece band featuring Solarstone, Ben lost, Sascha DD and Bruce Gainsford (Paul van Dyk’s live touring guitarist). Then we have this super hot house producer called Richard Beynon who’s single “Close to You” last year was massive. We have 2 exciting singer / song writers – Senadee and Michael S – who are on Perfecto. The list goes on…..

You’ve performed in some amazing locations over the years, which has been your favourite/most exotic?

The answer to this question changes as time goes on and you travel / experience more, but recently I have to say the party we organised literally at the world of the world – on the southern most tip of South America – on the Tierra del Fuego peninsular – was so so special. Right at the end of the world with a thousand people at an intimate all night party under the stars. It was an amazing few days.

How do you survive all the travelling? Do you feel your sets change depending on the country?

Absolutely. I tend to play a very different sound in the US than I do in Europe. In Europe I tend to play more in the direction of underground trance – with elements of other sounds, but in the US its more electro house. It’s cool though – I’ve always played a variety of sounds and styles – according to what I’m into at any given time and what I think the crowd wants to hear.

You were prominent in creating the scene in Ibiza that we know today. What do you/did you love about the Island?

Obviously Ibiza has played a seriously important role in the development and history of electronic music and I have/will always have a special relationship with the island – but I have to say last year’s (2011) season really got me so pumped up about the place – after feeling it had gone a bit stagnant in the few years before. 2011 was a massive season for Ibiza. The island was busy and the vibe electric. I can’t wait to be back there this year for the whole Summer.

Where is your favourite place to go in Ibiza?

I can’t tell you that because the reason I love it is because hardly anyone knows about it!

Do you think the introduction of computer software, CDJs etc. has made it easier for people to DJ or is there still a great deal of technicality behind it? Do you miss playing vinyl?

I don’t really miss playing vinyl and I certainly don’t miss carting massive boxes of the stuff half way round the world, but yes I think the technology available to djs now enables them to perform in a range of different ways according to their own preference – and that’s great. Dance music and technology have always gone hand in hand.

Do you go clubbing much socially?

I’m in clubs or festivals 2 or 3 times a week so when I have down time I tend to just hang with friends – at home, bars or restaurants. Sometimes I’ll go to a club to check out a hot name we are thinking of signing, but 2 or 3 times a week is usually enough.

What music do you listen to?

Everything. I’m a lover of great songs and great melodies.

Who inspired you when you first started out?

Larry Levan was certainly one and there were several local djs I saw in Ibiza on my first visits to the island that totally inspired me.

And finally, we asked our facebook and Twitter followers to put forward their questions to you and it would be great if you could answer them below

Mark Traynor – Are you looking forward to getting behind the decks again in the courtyard. And have u missed the place?

Yes and yes. It’s seriously exciting and I can’t wait.

Duncan Darby – What’s the best gig you’ve played, and who as a DJ would you say is playing the best tunes today?

It’s hard and probably impossible to pick 1 show, but all of my recent shows in South America have been amazing. In terms of who is hot right now – I like various djs. Eric Prydz’s Epic shows are amazing and of course what Skrillex is doing is totally unique and pioneering. In terms of who’s hot from the up and coming bracket – Beatman & Ludmilla, Kenneth Thomas, Federation, Richard Beynon, Protoculture, Robert Vadney……

Andy Cain – What type of set can we expect at Cream in Nation? Will you be going back to your roots?

In a way yes but I wont be playing old records. I might have some new mixes of tracks that I used to play from those days but the sound and production will be more forward thinking than backwards.

Padraigh Costello – I can’t wait to see you at nation, could you please drop ‘Nightmare’ or ‘Southern Sun’ or ‘Resurrection’… I can’t wait to hear whatever tune you drop! I’ll be the fella standing on shoulders when you do.

See you there mate. And yes I think I can play a few of those for you.

Christian Lopez – What is your all-time favourite venue?

I can’t pick one Christian. There are thousands of amazing clubs with killer sound and booth set ups and hundreds of festivals that have the same qualities.

Scott Hunt – I’d like to know your feelings on dance music and how its changed over the years since you first started DJ’ing?

The internet has brought about the biggest change Scott. On the one hand it brought the death of vinyl and the advent of music piracy on a scale none of us could have predicted, but at the same time it opened the flood gates to a whole new world of thousands of talented producers who were suddenly directly linked to you and therefore able to get music to you.

Paul Oakenfold returns to Cream @ Nation on Saturday 3^rd March 2012, tickets on sale now £27.50 +BF, www.ticketline.co.uk / Tel: 0844 888 4401. 10pm – 6am. Other acts performing include Calvin Harris, Ferry Corsten, Benny Benassi, An21 & Max Vangeli, Gareth Wyn, Burns, Andy Mac, Rob Harnetty, Anthony Probyn, Jemmy and Lee Ellis.

The hotel, situated just a few minutes from Nation offers single, double, twin, superior and deluxe rooms with kitchen facilities, free local and national calls (for the first 30 minutes per day), 26″ – 37″ flat-screen HDTVs with free music and free Wi-Fi.

Cream @ Nation Package

Single room – £70
Double room – £50pp
Twin/ Kingsize – £55pp *Sold Out*
Superior – £60pp *Sold Out*
Deluxe room – £70pp *Sold Out*

All based on two people sharing (expt single room), price includes one ticket to Cream on Sat 3rd March 2012 per person

For more information on Base 2 Stay Liverpool and to book accommodation go to – www.base2stay.com/liverpool/
or call 0151 705 2626 / International: +44 151 705 2626

Base 2 Stay Liverpool, 29 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4AU

First up and headlining the Main Room is Calvin Harris, having made his dj’ing debut at Nation in 2009, Calvin has become one of Cream’s hottest bookings, cementing his global appeal with his uber successful residency for Cream in Ibiza this summer. Joining him in the Main Room is Grammy Award winner Benny Benassi, the Italian electro DJ/Producer is responsible for some of the biggest dance tracks over the last decade, as one of the most in-demand remixers he has worked with the likes of Public Enemy and Goldfrapp. Unstoppable duo AN21 and Max Vangeli are next up, 2011 has been their year, AN21 being nominated for Best Breakthrough DJ in the 2011 IDMA’s and on course to reach the global success of his sibling Steve Angello and Max Vangeli whose earned himself an enviable reputation as one of the hottest dance producers, together they are a force to be reckoned with. Completing the Main room line up is Brit DJ/Producer Burns, having toured as support on deadmau5’ 30 date US Tour it wasn’t long until his talent was soon recognised by the masses, as one of the latest breakthrough electro artists we can expect big things from him in 2012.

Next up is a true Cream legend and Liverpool’s prodigal son Paul Oakenfold who returns to Cream for the first time in over a decade. Paul’s contribution to dance music is almost incalculable, as a pioneer of the superstar DJ concept which has created the genres landscape as it is today through to his 2 year Cream residency which has gone down in clubbing history. This will be one of the most highly anticipated performances of the year as he returns to headline the Courtyard.

Joining Paul in the Courtyard is Ferry Corsten, the award winning Dutch-master is undoubtedly the archetypal globe-trotting, club packing, beat dropping superstar DJ, his performances never fail fans to keep coming back and wanting more, his return to Cream in March will be no different. Completing the Courtyard line up will be residents Gareth Wyn and Rob Harnetty

Taking to the helm of the Annexe are the residents, as Cream welcome back Anthony Probyn, Andy Mac, Jemmy and Lee Ellis an assemblage guaranteed to deliver a night of pure house music. This event is in association with Mixmag.

Cream @ Nation
Saturday 3rd March 2012
Main Room
Calvin Harris
Benny Benassi
An21 & Max Vangeli
Burns

Courtyard
Paul Oakenfold
Ferry Corsten
Gareth Wyn
Rob Harnetty

Annexe: Cream Residents
Anthony Probyn
Andy Mac
Jemmy
Lee Ellis

Event Info:
Nation, 1-3 Parr Street, Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool, L1 4JJ. Tickets: £27.50+BF. 10pm – 6am (last entry 1am), Sawmill bar open from 9pm. Info: Tel: 0151 707 1309. Dresscode: Jeans & Trainers ok, strictly no sportswear, Over 18’s only, photo ID required

Tickets available from:-
www.ticketline.co.uk / 0844 888 4401
www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ (24hr) / 0844 847 2448
www.viewliverpool.co.uk
www.ticketweb.co.uk
www.skiddle.com

Gareth Wyn Top 10

1. Emeli Sande – Heaven (Gareth Wyn Remix) – Download a free copy here
2. Gareth Wyn – NYC
3. Alesso – Nillionaire
4. Nicky Romero – Camorra
5. Third Party – Duel
6. Eric Prydz – 2Night
7. D Ramirez – Everybody Has The Right
8. Labrinth – Earthquake (Gareth Wyn Remix)
9. Sander van Doorn – Drink To Get Drunk
10. Deniz Koyu – Tung

Emeli Sande ‘Heaven’ (Gareth Wyn Remix) by Gareth Wyn

Anthony Probyn 2011 – Top 10

1. X Press 2 – Muzik Xpress (Coyu Remix)
2. James Dutton – Dancing With Strangers (Original Mix)
3. Joris Voorn & Nic Fanciulli – Together (Original Mix)
4. Maya Jane Coles – You (Edu Imbernon remix)
5. Ross Evana – Captivating
6. Ronan Portela and Ariel Rodz – La Saracha
7. Oliver $ – Doin Ya Thang (Original Mix)
8. Adonis – No Way Back (Greg Wilson – Re edit)
9. Butch – Big Futt (Original Mix)
10. Oliver $ – Granulated Soul (Original Mix

Anthony Probyn’s Top 10 of 2011 Mix

Rob Harnetty Top 10

1. Arty – Around the World
2. Rafael Frost – Smash
3. Super8 – Cre8 (Mike Saint-Jules Remix)
4. Arty – Zara
5. Adam Shaw – Out of Reach
6. Joe Made – The Ring (Rob Harnetty Remix)
7. Depeche Mode – Never Let Me Down Again (Eric Prydz Remix)
8. Mike Shiver & Matias Lehtola – Slacker (Maor Levi’s Big Room Remix)
9. Michael King – n0th1ng (Rob Harnetty Remix)
10.David Tort – Jack it Up

Arty – Around the World by Anjunabeats

Sean Hughes Top 10

1. Hot Chocolate – Cadillac (The Revenges Re-work)
2. Noir and Haze – Around (Solomun)
3. Danism – Love The Way (Crazy P)
4. Julio Bashmore – Battle For Middle You
5. Lykke Li – I Follow (The Magician remix)
6. Idiotproof – Jump
7. Patrick Lindsey – Get Up
8. Tim Green – In Love
9. Je Davu – Jam
10.Eats Everything – Entrance Song

Jemmy’s Top 10 Annexe Anthems of 2011

1.Joe Goddard ft Valentina – Gabriel
2.Solomun & DJ Phono – Ice Cream & Bonus Miles
3.Jemmy – Suede Desert (Marc Marzenit Remix)
4.Maya Jane Coles – You (Imbernon Remix)
5.Smash TV – World Wide Wet
6.Robert Dietz – Pandemic
7.Edu Imbernon – Vintage
8.Laura Jones – Love In Me
9.Four Tet – Love Cry (Yousef Remix)
10.Jemmy – Monkey Island

Andy Mac’s Top 10

1.Virgo Four – Its A Crime (Caribou Remix)
2.Paul Johnson – Mysteries
3.Mosca – Bax
4.Eats Everything – The Size
5.Little Dragon – Ritual Union
6.Tiger and Woods – Kissmetellme
7.Storm Queen – It Goes On
8.The Weekend – The Morning
9.Julio Bashmore – Battle for Middle You
10.Style of Eye – Dry (Zombie Disco Squad Remix)

Virgo Four – Its A Crime (Caribou Mix) by Caribouband

Other winners from the night included:
Glastonbury – Best Major Festival
Bestival – Fans Festival Favourite
Sonisphere – Line Up of the year

The Cream team celebrated in true ‘cream’ style but the hangovers were worth it! We’d like to thank everyone who attended this years festival, this award is dedicated to every single one of you! Roll on 2012!

To see the full list of award winners Click Here

Don’t forget Creamfields 2012 earlybird tickets are on sale now from www.creamfields.com/tickets

Who is the greatest dance act of all time?

From Deadmau5 to Daft Punk, The Prodigy to Pendulum, Mixmag – the only dance music magazine with the heritage and credibility to run such a definitive poll – is asking dance music fans from around the world to vote for their ultimate dance music act.