You’re back – you must like the UAE?
You’ve got fantastic food. I’m going up the tallest building in the world soon – is it any good? I’ve been to the UAE about six times before; it’s changed so much in 10 years.
What’s your Four Seasons tour all about?
We’ve created a bunch of shows around the four seasons, with new visuals and music to represent what’s going on. The winter show is more dark and frosty and towards summer it will lighten up. It’s about coming up with new ideas and changing things to make it more interesting.
And you’re also working on a new album, Pop Killer…
I decided to stop doing film soundtracks and give myself a chance to get back on the radio. It carries on from where my last album left off – songs with great singers and up-tempo beats. It one of those that will sit comfortably on the radio.
You’ve been at this game for 30 years, but it’s only your third proper album – why?
I find them incredibly difficult to do! And it’s not like the world needs another Oakenfold record.
You were at Ibiza in the beginning – has it lost its way?
It certainly lost its way for a lot of people – but that all changed last summer. It freshened itself up, there were new clubs, day parties – last summer was really, really good, a lot of Americans coming up, I was really excited.
Speaking of Americans, you just finished a three-year residency in Las Vegas.
The mentality people have about Las Vegas is wrong – it’s young. It’s got more nightclubs than Ibiza, the best residents, it’s a 24-hour party central. America is much bigger for electronic music now; that place isn’t going to go away, it’s only going to get bigger.
People often compare Dubai to Las Vegas.
Really? I’ve never seen it. Can you party 24 hours in Dubai? No. There’s nowhere else in the world like Las Vegas.
Has David Guetta sold out?
I signed him to Perfecto – I think Guetta is great at what he’s done, and why is that selling out? A lot of people are jealous of him, they want to be in his place. He works with great singers on great songs; what’s wrong with that?
You’re approaching 50, how do you keep fit on the road?
I look after myself; I work out and I take vitamins, eat the right food and get as much sleep as I can.
Do you still go out?
I went to see Skrillex the other night; I think he’s really good, good technique. Musically his choice was very good, he wasn’t afraid to take chances – he even dropped some reggae.
What do you remember most from working with Madonna?
Just how good she is, she really does keep you on your toes. Money is time with Madonna and you’ve got to know exactly what you’re doing andbe at your best. Every moment felt like the FA Cup final; you’ve got to deliver.
Winter will be released on February 17. Pop Killer will be released later this year.
