Moda Mix Series 13: Yousef

Hot on the heels of Groove Armada, Bottin and Eats Everything, the 13th episode of the Moda Mix Series is anything but unlucky. 

Yousef's impact on the house world stretches way beyond the amount of words we can fit on this post; from groundbreaking radio shows to his seminal (and still evolving) club night Circus, to his own studio productions. Riding every wave the music world has conjured, Yos's focus on quality house music has secured his place as one of the most respected and established members of the house music community. 

In amongst a work schedule that requires a Tardis to achieve, we grabbed the man himself for a quick chat and yet another exclusive mix, recorded live in düsseldorf. 

You've achieved so much on so many levels, not just being a DJ in clubs. What is your key to success? 

I think the key to success of any kind is to assume you have never had any. I work 10-12 hrs every day and thats the way it is. I write music, DJ, remix, produce, promote, book djs, do a weekly radio show, stay fit and have a glorious wife, all of which prove I'm committed to music and life. If you do any of the above half ass'd you will never achieve any of them.

People always ask us which we prefer out of DJ-ing, broadcasting, throwing parties, running a label etc and we always have to say it's impossible to pick just one. Is this the same for you? 

Yes, exactly the same. I guess nothing beats the feeling of DJing though... It's still my main enjoyment, rocking a crowd to new music and entirely being yourself is a rare gift. I enjoying turning thoughts into reality, for me that is so satisfying.

Very few club nights make it to their 10th birthday - but this is now just around the corner for you guys. What do you think it is that's made Circus such an institution? 

Again commitment. I wanted a place for me to play in my then home town of Liverpool, which developed into a safe place for people to hear new music, which led to us inviting the worlds best DJ's, and friends, to play for us. It's been hard to never ever repeat the line-up, but in ten years we have not done it even once. I love circus and I'm so proud that it's a serious event, even after ten years. The 2nd generation of the Circus crowd comes now, for me that is really hard to take in. LIke i said on day 1, entertainment & ellightenment / serious music & fun times. The ethos wont change even if some of the crowd does. for me its the best gig/crowd/club ive ever known.

It's fair to say producers never stop learning - what was the last eureka moment you had in the studio?

When I realised it's just as much to do with the right kit as well as the right experience. You need the right tools to perform the correct job. The trick is when to know the right time to throw in a spanner...

And finally, how do you see the next 18 months panning out for you and the music industry as a whole?

I'm going to personally hunt Paris Hilton down and kidnap her dog until she stops pissing on our art. That's first. I'm also going enjoy watching many seasoned and authentic electronic music producers make a broader range of quality underground music. we are going watch the scene in the UK become the best in the world again and we are also going to watch the scene in Vegas become the worst in the world.