Paul van Dyk's perfect weekend
Paul van Dyk, 39, is a Grammy Award-winning electronic dance music DJ, musician and record producer. He was twice named World No.1 DJ and has sold over 4.5 million albums worldwide. He tells us his idea of a perfect weekend.
Paul van Dyk, 39, is a Grammy Award-winning electronic dance music DJ, musician and record producer. He was twice named World No.1 DJ and has sold over 4.5 million albums worldwide. He tells us his idea of a perfect weekend.
It's Friday afternoon. What's on your mind?
Probably getting ready, thinking have I got my passport and am I in time for the airport as I'm usually performing over most weekends.
Who normally has the pleasure of your company at the weekend?
When I'm at home, most of all my wife and family, but when I'm on tour it would be my tour manager Matt, who is a dear and vital member of the team.
How do you prepare for a big night out?
First of all, if I'm performing I make sure I'm as prepared as I can be, so first musically, and then getting an idea of what's going on at the venue and understanding the feel of the crowd. Importantly though, I sleep and eat something light.
What's your favourite party outfit?
I'm quite lazy with what I wear, I'd rather be in trainers, jeans and a T-shirt because it's easier when I'm in the booth jumping around to be comfy. I'd prefer to feel relaxed than be distracted in a stiff suit.
You've just arrived at the bar. What's your first drink?
Honestly, when I'm working I mostly drink coffee, water and tomato juice – not together though! If I'm going out, I'm quite easy and just drink whatever everyone else is having.
What is your favourite nightspot and why?
I'd have to say my favourite nightspot would be my couch! But I have played in some phenomenal bars and clubs all over the world, and if I was to choose one now I'd say this new hotel in Hong Kong, which looks a lot like the Ritz. They have a bar and nightclub set on something like the 142nd floor, it's very cool.
What tune always gets you on the dance floor?
I would say it's more my wife dragging me on to the floor; I'm a bit of a reluctant dancer, so I'm usually pulled on by my friends. I'm a complete freak for electronic music, so if it's a dark club where nobody cares what the person beside them is doing, I love just jumping around, and that's my style of dancing.
It's a sunny Saturday. What are you up to?
I never have a normal Saturday; I'm usually travelling from A to B for a show so I don't get much chance to see the good weather. The weekend is the centre of my working week.
What's your most memorable weekend ever and why?
To be honest, that's an unfair question. After playing for 20 years, most of my weekends have been phenomenal. But I find the most memorable night outs are with family friends, those spontaneous times when I'm a bit reluctant and my wife is dragging me out.
What's the recipe for a perfect night in?
I'd say being on the couch with my wife, eating something nice and enjoying a glass of wine.
Favourite DVD? And what would you eat while watching it?
I would say in my house, we are past the age of watching DVD's. Now we prefer to watch programmes online, in particular my favourite is The Big Bang Theory. Sheldon is so funny! My favourite snack would have to be these cool salty rice crackers we have in Germany.
Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?
I like something substantial so I'd have to say cooked.
Sunday lunch – home-cooked or down the pub?
Always home cooked with family.
Where and how do you like to relax?
It's the same formula as my ideal night in, but for a holiday I enjoy hanging out at the beach and getting to feel the breeze off the ocean. My last holiday was in 2005, so the next one in January is needed! We're undecided on definite location, there's a few in the running, but I'm working on New Year's Eve in LA, so it will have to be after that.
You've got a whole weekend off and a wad of money in your back pocket – which country or city would you head to?
I'd have to say Singapore. It's the biggest melting pot of cultures in the world, bringing together everything – there's Asian, southern, western, and northern, and because of all the strict rules over there it's very safe. The food is so varied and cool, and the culture is impressive.
