The Big Questions: Roni Size

Where are you answering these questions from?

Right now I am sitting in Heathrow airport, ready to board my flight for the Japan/New Zealand/Australia tour. 

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

I stayed in the Malmaison in Oxford, England. It’s a refurbished prison. Creepy as hell. 

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

I used to work as a mechanic fixing old bastard cars.  I used to hate getting up in the mornings and the smell of grease. 

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

I really like Ben Howard and Zero Seven…I’m really into great singer song writers.  I have a lot of new music which I find inspiring as well.

Do you have any pre-gig rituals or superstitions?

Hmmm I guess always check that I have my ear plugs, I always hit the decks sober…but by the time I’m finished I may be a little worse for wear.   

What’s your lamest claim to fame besides DJing?

Well I guess it’s name dropping but my cousin is in a band called Musical Youth.  Now that’s cool “pass the dutchie pon the left hand side …”

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

I’m not sure if it was cultural but I went to a private island in Puerto Rico where the waterfall was AMAZING. 

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

Family is important and I must have them close when I’m home.

What are your hobbies besides DJing?

I like football, table tennis…I’m a G at ping pong. 

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

I don’t have many regrets but maybe I would of loved to have been married already…now I’m married to the job.

Describe your dancing style?

Unorthodox…it’s a cross between a shake, a head nod and bashment salutes. I used to be able to break dance…windmill and all that shit! 

Most bizarre situation you’ve ever found yourself in?

Hard to say but probably being in New York while there was a crazy storm and running into some weirdo who claimed ‘the end is near.’

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

I’ve probably mentioned the wrong place, like I must of got on the mic and said ‘hello Switzerland’ and was probably in France.  

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

I need to have a think about that one.

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

I had been offered some pretty weird food in Beijing, they eat all sorts there but I think in Thailand the bug thing is not really me. 

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

Well as a musician and a fan it would be Bob James, but as just a person it would be Bruce Lee or Chris Rock.

What do you like to spend your money on?

Speakers, any speakers, loud speakers.

Go-to hangover food?

Jamaican food is my way to recover, but I don’t eat meat anymore.

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

Defiantly seen someone having sex on the dance floor, and people nowadays seem to want to scale big ladders in the big tent. It’s only going to end one way. 

Weapon of choice?

My mind is all I need.