From The Stone Roses’ glory days to Primal Scream’s renaissance, Gary Mounfield has rocked the British indie zeitgeist for over two decades. Ahead of his DJ set at Rockschool, he tells Ben Sin why he’s still a fly boy.

Many know Mani (aka Gary Mounfield) as the former bassist of legendary British indie rock band The Stone Roses. Others know him as the man who saved Primal Scream. But on March 6, some in Hong Kong might come to know him as “that awesome DJ” as he performs an eclectic set at Rock School. We caught up with him over the phone from his native Manchester

You’ve performed here twice before with Primal Scream. What were your impressions of Hong Kong?
Well, the first time I played, the city just felt like this expat graveyard – everyone at the show was white. Then the second time I actually saw some Chinese people here. Probably had to do with the first gig taking place pre-Handover in 1996 and the second show being in 2001.

You’re also performing in Kuala Lumpur before the Hong Kong gig. What’s your impression of Asia in general?
Asia is brilliant. I’ve never had a bad time anywhere in Asia. Especially Japan, I think they’ve got the best rock fans in the world. They’re so loyal and so knowledgeable.

The event is called Supersonic and it’s billed as “the return of British rock’n’roll”. Obviously you were a major part of the Madchester movement. Did you think you’d be part of such an influential scene?
You know the saying everyone will get their 15 minutes of fame? I think I’ve had about 25 minutes. To still be doing what I’m doing 20 years later is just a dream come true. Rock’n’roll generally doesn’t tend to last that long but I’ve been lucky. I’m looking forward to the next 20 years hopefully.

Looking back at the Madchester scene, what would you have done differently?
I would have had a different manager for The Stone Roses and I would have done more work. I think we were more known for turning things down then doing things. It’s a shame; I wish we had a better work rate.

What was wrong with Gareth Evans?
Ha, let’s just say maybe we would have done more work had we had a different manager.

What’s the biggest difference between DJing and performing in a band?
I guess as a DJ, you’re more interactive with the fans; it’s easier for people to come and talk to you. It’s like a meet and greet. But as far as preparing it’s the same to me. I have the same approach to both because I love music.

What can we expect from your set in Hong Kong?
I usually play the best of alternative and independent, but I plan on busting a bit of reggae and hip hop too.

What do you think of the current British music scene?
The British music scene at the moment has gotten a bit stale. But over in Manchester we have a knack for producing great new bands every generation and there’s a new band called Bell Fake and they’re very good. They’ve kind of moved into the spot that New Order has left wide open.

What about your side band, Freebass?
I was just going to mention us! The Freebass record is almost finished. It’s taking a bit slow because obviously, it’s called a side project for a reason. Andy [Rourke, former The Smiths bassist] and I both got a band to work for. But it’s coming along, and I can’t wait for the gig.

The concept of Freebass is three bassists together. How does that work?
The band was just meant to be a laugh. We were joking about it over a drunken night, but then the talks got more and more serious each time we met. Of course we were drunk each time.

You’ve said you stayed clean of alcohol and drugs over the entire recording process of Primal Scream’s last album. What about now?
Well I drink, but the others not anymore. We’re getting a bit old for all this partying and drugs, it gets tiring. And to tell you the truth the last record we made was the most enjoyable experience ever because we stayed clean.

So then what do you do now outside of music and watching football?
My hobby outside of music and football is fly fishing. I love nature and love being by the water.

When can we expect a new Primal Scream album?
We’re writing songs all the time and we will spend the rest of the year to get our songs together. So you can expect the next Primal album in 2011.

Okay, you’ve famously said that The Stone Roses would reform “the day Manchester City win the European Cup”. Do you think you’re in danger of fulfilling that promise?
Ha! That was just a joke. Besides you’ll have a better chance of seeing Elvis or an UFO than seeing the City win, mate.

If you could go back in time to 1987 when you first started your career, what would you tell yourself?
I would look me dead in the eyes and say “SLOW DOWN, BOY”.

Mani played a DJ Set at Supersonic at Rockschool, Saturday 6.