For those who do not know the famous English dj Yousef and did not get a chance to hear one of his sets in our ‘strass’ radioshow on rougeplatine.com, here is an opportunity to get a little bit more familiar with the character. He tells us mainly about his time spent in ibiza during the summer and gives out some precious tips.

As you are living in Ibiza this summer, describe your typical day…
 
I try to get up early, which depends on where I’ve been the night before (gig, flight back, club night, late dinner) I go for a run and do some exercise, I run about 6 to 8k’s most days. I then come back, have breakfast (11am) hook up to the internet and see what’s going on in the world, which takes me up to around 3pm. I eat again, something light. I go for a wander, I like walking during siesta as its so quiet. I come back, maybe read a little, do stuff like this. I get on AOL AIM and send and receive tracks. I consider offers and projects (gigs, mix cd’s, new music for carioca records, think about lyrics I’ve been writing) chill for a bit, see my wonderful girlfriend. We chat about music and then go for food, or she cooks (amazingly) we’ll then figure what the evening will bring, drinks, club, gigs, DVD, chat or just hanging out with friends. It’s pretty much busy from when I get up until I go to bed, that’s how I like it. I’ll take one afternoon off a week also I’ll have random studio sessions mixed up in there too.

How does it differ from your daily routine in England?
 
Not that much to be honest except I’ll have to go into Liverpool city centre to have meetings with my business partner Richard. Plus a lot more studio sessions at home. Working on my music is a Monday to Friday daily routine. And of course I have to run a household (and be a landlord too).

And now describe your perfect day in Ibiza…
 
Waking up feeling refreshed, a run in the sun, nice fresh breakfast, off to the beach with my lady, relaxing in the sun, reading a book, watching the world go by, depending on which beach, watching the comedy antics of the patrons, home relax, siesta, up for a really good dinner with loads of friends. Then a really silly party in a big villa which looks like a fun house, old and new friends, old and new music, out until the sun comes up and beyond, then a shower and sleep.

Tell us your favourite…
 
*Restaurant.

Anywhere secluded and fresh.
 
Bar.

I’m not a big drinker but I do like hanging out at rock and base to see my friends.
 
Beach.

Cala d’hort, past san Jose, really small and chilled, facing es viedra. A beautiful and powerful point on the island.
 
*Thing to do there that’s a little different (go to Hippy Market, sporting activity etc?)
 
Everyone thinks I’m an alien when they see me happily running in 30 degree heat most days..? It sets me up so well for the day though.

In your opinion what is it about Ibiza that makes it special? And as someone who is well travelled is there anywhere else in the world quite like it?
 
I think Ibiza is historically different, it’s always been a very tolerate place, which has invited the world nomads to live here for centuries, which in turn makes it very cosmopolitan. People from all over the world living in harmony is a wonderful thing. Ibiza is so far removed from what most British people think it’s like.

How does being in Ibiza affect your creativity? Do you feel inspired being there?
 
I do, I feel like things are itching to get out all the time.

Yousef singing and song writing!…discuss
 
hmmm… it’s not a big deal. a lot of dj’s do it. I enjoying making music, which has helped me to write some lyrics. I sometimes can’t get a singer so I sang myself and was surprised to learn I could hit the odd note. It’s not really performing, just getting across a tone with my lyrics. My songs are personal, not about clubbing, or last nights party. It’s more about me and what I’ve done, where I’ve been and where I’m going.

What do you think will be the top 3 tracks for the summer?

Not sure yet, I hope my tracks as “drum bums” (with Steve Mac) – the idea – phonetic will catch fire, it’s gaining a lot heat from deep dish, steve lawler, hernan cataneo and pete gooding. And my ep for yoshitoshi as Yousef featuring “spooky and the approach” will get even more attention, current it’s being considered for GU by deep dish and renaissance by nic fancuili.
 
Finally is there anything else you’d like to mention?
 
I’ve done a hot remix for lee cabera’s SR2 records. “style of eye” GOT ME, yousef circus rework. its nasty!!! And circus has been doing so well this year, our closing party (for the summer, till our 4th birthday sept 30th) was outstanding! Lawler and trentemoller flipped out about the vibe.