EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Take That's Howard Donald as he gears up to play Leeds on Friday

HE'S best known as one quarter of boy-to-manband Take That but anyone who knows anything about clubbing will know Howard Donald's just as talented behind the decks as he is behind a microphone.
After the group made a comeback last year he took a well earned break and returned to his first love - and luckily for Leeds he chose us as one of only a handful of dates to make his DJing reprise.
Nightscene caught up with him as he prepares to play Kissdafunk at Mission.


When you aren't DJing full time do you miss it, if so what do you miss exactly?
Of course I miss it! DJing is something I am very passionate about and love doing. But I do find I have to get it into perspective with the rest of my life especially now because otherwise I miss important quality time with my family, which comes before anything. That just means I have to be more picky about the dates that I do.

How much has your stuff developed and evolved from the start? Is it almost totally different or is it just constant variations on your own personal theme?
House music is house music, it always evolves and changes according to the latest trends so I guess you could say my sound it totally different especially if you heard what I was playing 10 years ago compared to what I'm playing now, but its still house music.

You've been doing this long enough now to get a broad outlook on dance music? Does it move in circles and do you think different styles from rave-house-garage-trance-electro are that radically different or are there core characteristics they all share?
I think dance music all derives from house back in the day - but that's only in the same way everything changes and goes in different directions. Every DJ and producer out there takes influences from someone or something and its not always dance music related. Good music is good music when push comes to shove.

How do you think dance scenes in cities in the north of England - obvious examples: Leeds and Manchester - differ from London and other places down south?
It very much depends on the type of venue you're in and the type of night it is. For example, I love playing in Ireland and Scotland because the people over there are so fresh-faced and most definitely not cynical about the scene or music. Leeds is great because the people know their music and know how to have a good time, in fact I would say that Leeds and Manchester are two of the best cities in the north to party right now as there is so much choice.

You DJ all around the world at various times, how do you think the UK dance scene compares with elsewhere?
It's very hit and miss at the best of times, and again it depends on where you are and what the party is. International clubs have always been much more accepting of my status and never labelled me as a 'celebrity DJ'. They have always been about the music and if you can play they will support you rather than chastise you for being someone in my privileged position.

How did you get to know/get involved with the KDF crew?
I think last summer was the first time I played for them in Ibiza and I loved the vibe from Tissera and Tolley along with what their parties are about - it really suits my style and what I want from my djing.

You're playing Ibiza this year - can you pinpoint what it is about the place that's so special?
All I can say is if you need to ask the question you've obviously never been - just see for yourself

Do you think you'll ever NOT DJ?
I might give up when I reach retirement age…..what is it now, 65?

Fuente: Yorkshire Evening Post