3 minutes with... Mark Ronson

This New Year's Eve, DJ, producer and all round musical God will make his Gatecrasher Birmingham debut. We catch up with him to talk NYE, Duran Duran, and New Year's Resolutions. 

2010 has been a phenomenal year for you – pick your highlight?

Probably a combination of playing shows around Europe with the Business INTL and finishing the new Duran Duran album, which is one of my favourite records that i've ever worked on. 

How do you normally celebrate Christmas and New Years Eve?

With my family on Christmas. New Year's Eve, I'm pretty much always dj'ing. 

You’re DJ-ing at Gatecrasher in Birmingham this New Year’s Eve – will you be bringing along any guest stars or upcoming artists?

I will be bringing some guests, yes. But I'm still working on it.

What can we expect from your set?

People just want to get loose and stupid on New Year’s Eve, so I'll be bringing their ammunition.

What was it like working with Brummies Duran Duran on their new album, All You Need Is Now? Will the boys be supporting you at your Birmingham Event?

I'm not sure if the boys are in town. But playing Birmingham back in September with the Business INTL and having Simon, Roger, Nick and John join us onstage for "Girls On Film" and "Planet Earth" was surely a highlight of my life.

2000 – 2010 has been a phenomenal decade for music – what has been your musical highlight?

That's a big window, but, off the top of my head, my favourite records have been QOTSA's "Rated R", Jay Z's "The Blueprint", Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" and The Strokes "Is This It".

How does DJing compare with live performances – which do you prefer?

I love DJ'ing cause that's where I came from. The band is great though because you have a support system of a lot of people around you. I hate being up there on stage by myself.

Who is your favourite DJ and why?

I learnt a lot from NYC hip-hop DJs like Stretch Armstrong, Clark Kent and Funkmaster Flex when i started. These days, i like Erol Alkan, Seb Chew and Zane Lowe. 

Your new album Record Collection has achieved phenomenal success. What is your standout track on the album?

"Somebody To Love Me"

If you could collaborate with anyone else (dead or alive), who would it be?

Biggie and Steve Winwood

What made you decide on ‘The Business International’ for your band's alias?

It sounded alright. Although now I wish i had named it 'The Business Innit'!

As well as receiving a Brit and a Grammy, you also picked up a Q-Award last month for Innovation in Sound. What award are you most proud of so far?

It's pretty surreal to win any awards at all. They all mean a lot to me.

You achieved so much this decade. What can expect from Mark Ronson in the next decade?

Hopefully, I can keep making good records and working with incredibly talented people.

Have you got any New Year’s Resolutions?

Finally stop smoking, and spend more time with my dog Maude.

Mark Ronson plays Gatecrasher Birmingham on New Year's Eve. Get your tickets below: 

Tickets are no longer available for this event