Despite being involved with dance music for over 20 years, Pete Tong has lost none of his enthusiasm. Indeed, when DJmag speaks to the Radio 1 presenter, he's especially upbeat about two of the birthplaces of electronic music - Ibiza and the US. "Wonderland really established itself in Ibiza this year. Everything clicked in year three and we have built an excellent team," Tong says of his summer residency on the White Island. "I had some amazing shows in the US as well, in NYC, LA and Las Vegas. It's going to be very interesting to see how the dance boom evolves in North America." Tong has also been busy in a 'behind the scenes' capacity, and his agency, WME, a collaboration with the William Morris Agency, as well as his involvement with the International Music Summit in Ibiza have remained a priority for the Radio 1 DJ. Apart from the 'Wonderland' mix CD, Tong also released a single on Toolroom this year as well as remixing Phoenix, Underworld, Rasmus Faber feat Candi Staton and Bryan Ferry - does he find producing a challenge, as opposed to presenting a radio show or DJing? "I'm not sure challenge is the right word. It's a lot of fun and very therapeutic," he says. "For one reason or another, I was a slow starter but it's a big priority now and is really helping shape and enhance my DJing. The soundtrack work is something I especially enjoy. I've invested in a great studio and Paul Rogers has been working with me full time. The only challenge is sorting out my life to spend more time in there!" With more of his own releases planned over the coming months, Tong is upbeat about the state of clubland and feels that the worldwide recession actually had a positive effect. "I tend to think that the recession brings out the best," he claims. "The clubs, DJs and festivals cannot take things for granted and the people want to escape from the humdrum of the day to day. I would have to say the numbers have been very steady if not better than recent years. In Ibiza when you look at a club like Pacha, they have had an amazing summer," he adds.
Despite being involved with dance music for over 20 years, Pete Tong has lost none of his enthusiasm. Indeed, when DJmag speaks to the Radio 1 presenter, he's especially upbeat about two of the birthplaces of electronic music - Ibiza and the US. "Wonderland really established itself in Ibiza this year. Everything clicked in year three and we have built an excellent team," Tong says of his summer residency on the White Island. "I had some amazing shows in the US as well, in NYC, LA and Las Vegas. It's going to be very interesting to see how the dance boom evolves in North America." Tong has also been busy in a 'behind the scenes' capacity, and his agency, WME, a collaboration with the William Morris Agency, as well as his involvement with the International Music Summit in Ibiza have remained a priority for the Radio 1 DJ. Apart from the 'Wonderland' mix CD, Tong also released a single on Toolroom this year as well as remixing Phoenix, Underworld, Rasmus Faber feat Candi Staton and Bryan Ferry - does he find producing a challenge, as opposed to presenting a radio show or DJing? "I'm not sure challenge is the right word. It's a lot of fun and very therapeutic," he says. "For one reason or another, I was a slow starter but it's a big priority now and is really helping shape and enhance my DJing. The soundtrack work is something I especially enjoy. I've invested in a great studio and Paul Rogers has been working with me full time. The only challenge is sorting out my life to spend more time in there!" With more of his own releases planned over the coming months, Tong is upbeat about the state of clubland and feels that the worldwide recession actually had a positive effect. "I tend to think that the recession brings out the best," he claims. "The clubs, DJs and festivals cannot take things for granted and the people want to escape from the humdrum of the day to day. I would have to say the numbers have been very steady if not better than recent years. In Ibiza when you look at a club like Pacha, they have had an amazing summer," he adds.
