The Big Questions: Example

Where are you answering these questions from?

On a plane from Shanghai to Dubai. I came off stage about 4 hours ago and now I’m going home to London after 4 months in Australia 

What’s the most unique hotel you’ve ever stayed in?

I stayed at the St Regis in Bora Bora – we had a room over the water. The floor was made glass so you could see the fish swimming underneath you all day and night. You could dive off the back balcony into the ocean. We also had a private pool and butler. It was a mad week. Swimming with sharks, climbing volcanoes. Oh yeh – I forgot to mention, the hotel is situated on the outer rim of an atoll – the coral reef surrounding an extinct volcano.

What was the worst job you had before you were a successful touring artist?

I had plenty. I did landscape gardening for 6 months in Australia. The job itself wasn’t bad – it was the waking up at 4am to travel 2 hours to work via train and bus, then working all day long in the 35 degree heat. I also did office removals. Carrying big pieces of office furniture up and down fire escapes between 11pm and 6am.

What’s your favorite band/music right now outside of the dance music industry?

I’m a big fan of Chvrches. They bring back a lot of 80’s nostalgia for me. Kendrick Lamar and J Cole are great as well. Really unique sounds and voices. Royal Blood are great live.

Do you have any pre-gig rituals or superstitions?

Not really. I usually like to be at the venue at least an hour before I go on – to catch a vibe. Festivals I sometimes arrive really early and watch other acts all day long from side of stage. I tend to drink a few straight whiskeys before I go on and stretch my legs and back.

What’s your lamest claim to fame besides making electronic music?

Jack Nicholson once bought me a drink in LA? That’s pretty cool though right?

What’s the strangest cultural thing a promoter has ever taken you to do?

I dunno about strange. I’ve never really done anything too strange. In South Africa we went swimming with Great White Sharks (in a cage!) so that was pretty unique to South Africa’s culture.

What is one place that a visit home isn’t complete without?

My favourite thing to do when I get home is go to the cinema at 10am by myself and watch the latest blockbuster. I find it so relaxing after nonstop flights and hotels. Switch my phone off and zone out.

What are your hobbies?

Gym, cinema, eating out. I love running. I go for long runs and dont listen to music. Just clear my mind. I am currently writing a few films scripts too.

The biggest regret or missed opportunity with respect to your music career?

I don’t have any regrets because everything I’ve done I’ve learnt something from it. I’ve done so many amazing things and worked with amazing people and been to amazing places there is nothing that I would’ve done differently. I’m just glad to still be here.

Describe your dancing style?

I don’t dance. Ever. Maybe if I’m drunk I do some comedy dancing to get a few laughs. Really I’m just into bouncing, I’m great at bouncing

Most bizarre situation you’ve ever found yourself in?

I think the most bizarre thing I’ve experienced was when Dave Grohl watched the end of our set once from side of stage. Our last 3 songs. That guy is a hero. A true legend. Not many about like him.

What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever done while performing?

I’ve fallen off the stage a few times. But that was mainly back when I was drunk all the time – around 2007 I was a mess.

What’s the best interview question you’ve ever been asked (besides this one)?

I usually like questions like “coca cola or pepsi?” those kinda simple quick questions – but only because I do soooooo many interviews. But then I remember it’s nice that people are still interested in me.

The strangest thing you’ve ever eaten while on tour?

Snake or crocodile

If you could spend a day with anyone on the planet, who would it be?

Probably Jay Z – I’ve got so many questions for him.

What do you like to spend your money on?

My wife and son. Holidays. And property. I don’t really like watches, jewellery, cars or private jets. I like nice homes and seeing my wife and kid happy.

Go-to hangover food?

Banana and ice-cream, bit of milk, in a blender. Sorted

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen happening from the stage? 

Naked guy being held up on his friends shoulders. It was a gig in a ski resort. It was very cold. Not the best situation for him. I think he still had his ski boots on.

Weapon of choice?

What for a fight to the death?? Bazooka