How did the Moneypenny’s CD come about?
“I’ve been playing a particular type of house in the back room at Chuff Chuff for a while now. I did a similar gig at Moneypenny’s which they liked. So they approached me to do a compilation. They said at the time that they wanted to do something a bit different, rather than using the same big name DJs and licensing tunes from major labels”.

So how does the music differ on your compilation?
“The beauty of the CD is in its depth. There are tracks on it which are genuine classics from fifteen years ago, but they can still be mixed and played alongside modern house stuff. The Skipworth and Turner track, ‘Thinkin About Your Love’, would grace any CD, never mind this one, because you know that it’s just so right, even though it’s old. You couldn’t do a better job now, even with all the modern technology”.

Did you get the final say about content?
“Within reason, yes. Because we came at it from a different angle, I could afford to be really choosy. The easiest option would have been to grab a couple of my favourites, mix them, and put them out as a compilation. Doing in this way means that I’m in total control of the tunes, giving the people who buy it, something different”.

How would you describe the overall feel of the music?
“It’s the same type of stuff I would play in the clubs. I call it happy, feel good party music. I’m playing a lot of the new James Brown out at the moment, but I can’t remember its name! I don’t really take much notice of who does the track, or who remixes it. I’d rather pick up a tune and like it for the what it sounds like”.

Does that mean that you make your own mind up about tracks, rather than pander to the needs of labels or promotion companies?
“Nowadays, I like to go to the record shops round London and listen to all the various new releases. I trust my ears to tell me what’s right and what’s not. I get sent a ton of stuff through the post, most of which I can’t use, so I need to be out there, picking up the best gear”.

It has been a while since you’ve made your own material. Any plans for future releases?
“I actually did a remix of one of the tracks on the album, ‘The Trumpet Son’. I’ve been spinning an acetate of it and thankfully, it has been going down really well. The label are now putting pressure on me to get it released, which I’m pretty glad about”.

What have you been concentrating on?
“I love to travel and I love to DJ, so I’ve been doing both for a few years now. I played a gig recently in Perth, Australia, in what was a Roman style amphitheatre, cut out of the side of a mountain. The place holds four thousand people – it is just the most incredible venue I’ve ever been to”.

What about the UK scene – is there anything you’re looking forward to?
“For me, the highlight this year will probably be the Notting Hill Carnival, as it’s the last one of the Millennium. I’ve been playing there for twenty years now, so I know it’s going to be special. I’m still really enjoying my radio show on GLR every Sunday night. It’s very important for me to stay in touch with all the people round London that have supported me over the years”.

Any plans to get onto Radio One?
“No plans as such, but it would be the next career step up the ladder for me. However, I’m really happy at GLR, I get to play a wide range of music, purely of my own choice. Luckily the listeners take to it, so I’ll just keep playing and we’ll see what happens”.

What do you think of the Kiss FM situation?
“I don’t want to comment on that (and then, after a bit of pushing…). That’s all in the past for me. I look to the future, not back. But let’s just say that it’s not the station that it once was”.

What are your favourite clubs?
“Tall Trees in Yarm. It’s one of my favourites. It’s a modern club, comfortable and well organised. Also Gatecrasher in Sheffield, where I always get an excellent reception”.

Finally, what about any future involvement with Moneypenny's?
“I know that they’re really happy with what I’ve done. So with a bit of luck, we might get a chance to do something similar again in the future”.