His name is always at the pinnacle of every top DJ list around the globe. And German DJ/producer Paul van Dyk not only headlines the biggest festivals, he also dominates the global electronic music charts. His hugely successful recording career has seen him sell more than three million albums worldwide.
Ahead of the Grammy nominee's hotly anticipated gig at Dubai's Madinat Arena tonight,
Emirates Business persuaded him to take some time out of his busy schedule for a few quick questions.
—If I wasn't talking to Emirates Business, I would be: In the studio working. I don't get many days off and I usually have a lot to do at home when I'm not away touring.
—My nicknames are: None. People tend to call me Paul; it's short enough anyway!
—A common misconception of me is: That I'm a trance DJ. I'm not. I'm an electronic music DJ and producer.
—I think Dubai is: Always a lot of fun. Unfortunately, when I play here, I fly in and out straight away as I usually have other shows. But the crowd is always fantastic.
—I think the emirate's current growth is: A very clever move. Dubai is definitely going the right way and it's showing the world that the Middle East isn't what you stereotypically see on the news.
—Since Dubai has residential buildings named after Boris Becker and Michael Schumacher, if someone offers to name a building after myself, I'd feel: A little weird, but honoured. I don't think I like the idea of naming the building after me for the sake of it, but it'd be cool to create some sort of Paul van Dyk music building.
—Germans are currently doing well in the world of business, particularly in the UAE, because: Of the very weak dollar!
—The artists I'm currently listening to are: The Wombats, a brilliant indie band from the UK. I also really like Duffy and Way Out West. And of course, I'm listening to a lot of electronic music.
—When DJing, the song I get the most requests for is: For An Angel.
—My latest release, which you should be checking out is: The
In Between remix album, plus my radio show, which goes out worldwide. I also just did a documentary for CNN about my home city, Berlin, called
My City Life.
—I wish people would take more notice of: The fact that there are a lot of wrong things on this planet. From politics to the environment. The only way we can make a change is if all of us get involved.
—In the US elections I prefer: Obama. I think he is more aware of what is going on in the world, and I was impressed with his foreign policy statement. His other strong point is business – he's aware of the internal market, as well importing to and exporting from US. He could save the country's economy. But I'm afraid race is going to be a big issue.
—Speaking of voting, last year, I told Emirates Business that DJ Magazine's 2007 Top 100 DJs poll was full of cheating. This year: I haven't heard of or seen any signs of cheating so far. Hopefully, they have adjusted the system so that there will be no spamming. But at the end of the day, every hard-working and talented DJ deserves their praise – an internet poll won't make or break them. For example, the DJ poll ranks DJs regardless of their genre, so you can get the world's biggest and best Drum n Bass DJ only making it in at number 80.
—The last film I watched was: The Happening . I don't usually have time to watch movies, but I catch them on the plane when I'm touring. That one wasn't very good.
—My favourite cartoon character is: The Pink Panther. He's just awesome.
—If I wasn't a DJ, I would be: A chef in a restaurant.
—Finally, I'd like to add that: I'd like to thank all fans of my music for their support over the years. They are what makes my job worthwhile. And I can't wait to see Dubai's crowd again.
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