For nearly 20 years, clubbers and music lovers around the world have relied on Pete Tong to get a glimpse of what the future of dance music has in store. As host of Radio 1’s legendary Essential Selection – first broadcast way back in 1991 – Pete has an unparalleled knowledge of both the scene and the tunes emerging from it. So it’s fair to say that any project he puts his name to is likely to be worth paying attention to.
In 2008 Pete launched Wonderland at Ibiza’s Eden, with an aim to mix the biggest stars from dance music and beyond and combine them with his own unique blend of underground music. Now, tens of thousands of clubbers every year experience Pete’s island vision, and Wonderland 2010 is a snapshot of the experience. We caught up with the man himself to discuss standing out from the crowd, his studio relationship, and just which tracks will be the ones to watch this summer...
Why should people buy the new Wonderland compilation? What makes it stand out from the crowd?
I have tried to reflect the true Ibiza sound - a mix of music that is unique to the island. I’m sure there will be many other Ibiza compilations that will have all the big tunes on but often those hits are hits all over the world. The Wonderland selection is inspired by the magic and chemistry that only comes together on the White Isle.
At lot has been made about Tuccillo’s track ‘Bambola’…is is 2010’s ‘La Mezcla’?
It's certainly a contender; again its a flamboyant and unusual track that you would expect to get a special Ibiza reaction when you play it...it might not sound quite the same in Barnsley on a Saturday night but if you had been in Ibiza it will bring back golden memories!
What hardware/software did you use to put the mix together?
Much is tried and tested on the road at parties and gigs on Traktor Pro and then it’s perfected in the studio on Ableton Live and Logic Pro Studio.
CD 2 kicks off with your exclusive mix of Gorillaz ‘Stylo’…what do you love about this track and the Gorillaz?
As soon as I heard this song I called the label and asked for the parts. I’m crazy about Damon Albarn. He's a genius songwriter and I love his melancholic voice. The whole Gorillaz project is so inspiring. This record even made me go back through the Blur catalogue to remind myself of past glories. I was very pleased when we got Damon's approval on the mix and proud that this will be the first time it’s available in the mix and as an individual download.
There are a couple of your own collaborations on the mix…who does what in the studio? How does the relationship work?
Paul Rogers is based in my studio full time and is a wizard; he will usually run the desk and the computer. He favours Ableton and me Logic so we have them rewired and work side by side. Tracks and mixes start in all sorts of ways. Often I’ll have some sketches I have started on my lap top and we then expand on them in the studio.
What will be – in your opinion – the biggest track in Ibiza this year?
‘Red Room’ by Dennis Ferrer is going to be big. Also Armand [van Helden]'s mix of ‘S.U.V’ by Uffie and ‘Cobra’ Charm by Tim Green as well as the Ferry/Josh mash up from the album.
Wonderland is out 14th June - click to listen & pre-order.
