Yousef Interview

Yousef's productions might have popped up on inescapably successful labels such as Crosstown Rebels, Get Physical, Defected, Cecile and Cocoon, but the Liverpool-born DJ will always be best known as the tireless creative force behind Circus. Resident DJ at the party that started in his hometown in 2002, but now also holds a London residency at Egg, he's responsible for its roving line-ups, which over the years have read like a who's who of house and techno. He also runs the Circus Recordings label alongside a weekly 21st Century House Music Radio Show.

Ahead of the next Circus on Saturday 18th June (tickets here), also featuring Tube & Berger, Lee Walker and David Glass, we spoke to Yousef about the 200th edition of his radio show, maintaining the party's momentum and why he always stops to talks to supportive clubbers...

Hi Yousef. How has 2016 been so far?

“Both hectic and chilled. Lots of touring, Mexico twice, America twice, Thailand, Australia, all over Europe weekly, and the most amazing run of Circus shows, including the one off Dolby surround sound show I did.”

Your radio show recently reached its 200th episode, which is a monumental landmark. Is it true they're all live recordings from different cities around the world? It's kind of like a musical photo album.

“Yes, I record all my mixes live in one take, I want the listener to have the essence of what my touring is about and it’s a musical snap shot to see how each club, city or festival is different and how I play differently in different parts of the world. In Italy I play more techno, but in Argentina I’ll play more musical. So its good to the listener (all four million of them!) to see how I enjoy playing a wider range of quality house and techno.”

You know a thing or two about longevity. Has Circus itself been plain sailing all the way or have there been moments when you've considered stopping? How have you kept the whole experience fresh?

“A labour of love has no end. I don’t do Circus for money - believe me, any promoter will understand - but it's part of me now so it carries on as I do. I think being a touring DJ, running a label parallel to the events in Circus Recordings and always inviting new names to the events are all attributes that keep it pretty fresh. I play new music, book new DJs and sign new artists, as well as more established names too, so the formula only spells forward.”

It all started in Liverpool, but Circus has seen had a number of national and international residencies. Is there a unique flavour to the parties in each city? How does Egg London compare to the parties that you throw back North?

“The whole point of Circus is have an inclusive party, where like-minded fun people can listen to new underground house and techno and feel they are welcome. That ethos is very reflective of me as person and I insist upon the same vibe in all the events I do. I recall when I begun at Egg, I came down and spoke to the entire staff and asked them all to go that extra yard with the customers and be nice and make them feel welcome, as it resonates. In Liverpool when a clubber stops me to say hello, they don’t get a quick nod, they get a complete stop, I ask their name, thank them for coming and hug them and that resonates too. I'm fully immersed in new music, but that does not mean I'm not incredibly grateful for people supporting our events.”

We saw you saying on Facebook you hadn't had a drink at Circus in eight years. Did you stop completely? Do you think it's the only way that you've been able to keep so many balls in the air DJ, promoter, producer and label boss?

“Yes, I drink sometimes, but when the show is on I want to reflect total control. Get wrecked at the after party if you want to, but I usually drive and make sure everyone is looked after, even if it's our staff doing it. I have a standard I expect when I tour, the sound, lights, booth, hotel, tech rider and professionalism of the promoter, so we have that same standard at Circus. I'm too busy to be wasted. I can still let rip though, don’t be fooled by my stance, but at my gigs DJing or my events I'm there to rock it.”

You've proudly said you booked names such as Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler when they were still relative unknowns. Who out of the current new generation do you see as going on to scale equally grand heights?

“That would be telling!”

What's next on the Circus Recordings label?

“Next up is Krankbrother 'Circular Thing', which is going to massive, then the new 'Selector' EP which is by me, Darius Syrossian, Patrick Topping and Richy Ahmed.”

You have a joint party with Elrow coming up in May. They seem to be having a moment. Have you got an outfit planned?

“Who knows, I never let the side down when it comes to fancy dress!”

We saw you got to remix Chaka Khan. How much of an honour was that? And who else would be your dream acts to work with?

“Yes indeed it is, Chaka is one of my all time musical heroes, I'm amazed I was asked to do it. It's also the first time Chaka and her sister Taka and her bother Mark have all worked together too. I think the remix is set to fly if the response from the short video I put up on my FB is anything to go by… Prince would be my dream though!”