Clubs: Paul is back in the fold
PAUL Oakenfold comes to Gatecrasher Birmingham this weekend, giving fans a taste of his as-yet unreleased new album.
The veteran DJ, who has become a household name because of his Big Brother theme tune, now lives in America but says he is excited to be returning to the city.
“I think it’s a great place,” says Oakenfold. “I need to get back there. I’ve got some good friends in Birmingham. I’ve been coming here for many, many years and it’s a great crowd.”
Oakenfold says his return to Birmingham after an absence of more than two years comes at a time when he wants to return to focusing on music after spending several years scoring films.
Among the box-office smashes he has worked on are Shrek, Swordfish, Collatoral and The Bourne Identity.
“It’s a completely different approach scoring a film,” he says. “You’re sat there with the director and you’re controlled by what’s on the screen and what he wants. There’s a lot of pressure.”
Now fresh back from touring with Madonna during the summer, the 46-year-old DJ says his priority is working on new music.
“I’ve been really interested in producers and DJs. When I released Perfecto: Las Vegas it was really good to work with new young kids, just getting back to basics and working with some raw talent.”
He adds: “People on Saturday night are going to hear a lot of new music as well as some classics and some remixed favourites.”
Saturday’s event will be filmed for television channel Nightlife TV which is making a programme on the best clubs in the world.
Gatecrasher Birmingham will also be hosting the White Lies after-party. Following their show across town at the O2 Academy the band will be at the Broad Street club into the early hours.
* Tickets cost from £13.50 and doors are open from 10pm. For more information visit www.gatecrasherbirmingham.com
