Yousef Interview: The Birthdays are always the highlight

There’s a lot to be said for hard work. Those who might not be to up on their history might not appreciate the lengths Yousef went to in establishing himself first as a DJ and then a clubnight promoter, record label owner and music producer of international renown. Religiously attending the early halcyon days of Cream, he was just as persistent in making his case to be part of the team, and when they wanted to return to a housier sound in 1998 he was installed as resident.

Fifteen years later and that work ethic hasn’t relented in the slightest. He started Circus upon Cream’s closure as weekly club in 2002 and has since built it up to be one of the biggest clubnights in Europe, expanding from the Liverpool nerve centre to secure residencies in New York, London and Ibiza, as well building a record label behind the event. They’re due to celebrate eleven years at the height of their game in September so we caught up with Yousef to find out about the Birthday histrionics, his blossoming productions and impending fatherhood.

Hi Yousef, thanks for speaking to us. First things first, the Birthday. The line-up is as huge as ever, but what are you looking forward to the most about the event?

The birthdays are always the highlight, 12 months of solid work rolled up into one big night of amazing music, friends and good times. 

They always seem to us like they’re a big statement about Circus is back after a brief hiatus over the summer, but this year you’ve been busier than ever on the club front. Liverpool had shows in June and July, London has carried right through and of course there has been Ibiza. Has this been the busiest summer for Circus yet?

Occasionally we plough on, sometimes it works, others it does not, but surprisingly this summer we had two sell out events in Liverpool during a period when the city is dead. So its testament to the loyalty of the circus goers and we thank them enormously. Both parties were really rocking too, and both events invited a host of new names for Circus so it further cements the fact that people really want to hear new music with us.  

A lot of our readers are students who will be coming to the city of Liverpool for the first time ever shortly. As someone who grew up in the city and still has a huge role on the city’s nightlife, what can these young people expect? And what advice would you impart to them?

Yes, Liverpool is actually a really friendly city. The nightlife has always been great - since the 1950's I’ve read - so since then no matter the current music trend the city is a great place to enjoy yourself. Advice... arrive with a smile and you will be greeted with one back

How has Circus in Ibiza been as a whole, and what goodness have you got lined up for the closing party? 

In honesty, with the endless delays and problems the club faced it’s made the season pretty hard for us. I’ve cracked on and learned a huge amount and had some really excellent events but it has been tough. The day of the week we were offered was more than we or Booom could chew (given the competition on that night).

That’s not to say it’s not been good, it has, and I’ve enjoyed it but we still have a long way to go to reach the heights of our events elsewhere and particularly in Liverpool.

And the monthly events at Egg London – what is coming up down in the big smoke for Circus for the remainder of 2013?

Yes, Egg London is a great venue now, I’m really enjoying playing there. Sept 27th is Me, System of Survival and Shaun Reeves from Visionquest and Oct 25th is me Nick Curly and more to come.

We’ve also seen that the Birthday will be the maiden live performance of your project ‘The angel’. What’s the story behind that record, as it’s been quite a big tune for you since you first started playing it at the tail end of next year?

The track is now signed to warner brothers for the world which is crazy considering the vocal was a demo recorded on an IPhone (which I never re-recorded). Laura (the angel) has been coming to Circus for some time and she came to me on Facebook with some demos and what was to end up being "float away" stood out.

I got her to send me the basic vocal and some parts she has and i restored them, added a lot of new music, new drums and created what is a great collaboration. It’s now huge in Ibiza, Pete Tong is playing it on Radio One and I feel like it could do a lot. I’m excited about and excited about the follow ups we are working on.

Production wise you’ve also been pushing out plenty of remixes and fresh tracks for the likes of Defected and Bedrock, as well as your own Circus Recordings. What else is coming up from you on that front?

Yes, I’m always busy, I like to do project after project. I make all my own music so I can work on the road, although it’s in the studio I get the best ideas and results.

I’ve remixes coming for Crosstown Rebels, Get Physical and Carl Cox's Intec soon as well as a new single for Defected. I’ve also just completed a three track EP for a label I have in mind… much more underground, more in line with my DJ sets.

Whilst we’re on the topic how pleased are you with how well the Circus X release have been received? And having collaborated with Sasha on ‘Thunderbird’, can we expect to see you in the studio with anyone else anytime soon?

Yes, it went down incredibly well. It was amazing to line up all those djs to provide brand new music for Circus recordings... Carl Cox, Sasha. Davide Squillace, Guti, Nick Curly, Scuba, Eats Everything and endless more. Its crazy I managed, I was amazed the guys wanted to all be involved.

The collab Sasha and I did ‘Thunderbird’ has been sitting on the shelves for four years though.  As it’s such a bananas track, a techno record like few I’ve ever heard really, he didn’t know what to do with it. In the end I suggested we use it for CircusX2 and he went for it, I love it.

What’s coming up on your label Circus Recordings.?

Next up is Green Velvets - Bigger than Price which comes with Hot Since 82 and The Martinez Brothers remixes and it’s the biggest tune in Ibiza at the moment. I’m really happy that I’ve managed to put together such a heavyweight but interesting EP. It’s quirky and catchy but still cool for the underground, all the ingredients for a massive track in Ibiza.

There’s also your radio show which goes out every week, and recently you’ve appeared on both Rinse FM and the Boiler Room, two mediums which have showcased the ever evolving media range for electronic music. Where can you see the next stage of internet immersion in our culture heading?

Good question. I can’t answer that yet as I’ve just had an idea....!

And finally, anything else to look forward to coming up for you?

I’m going to be a Dad! Wahooo! 

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