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Tina Lee talks to rave scene pioneer Danny Rampling ahead of his dragon-i gig with Jay Kay of Jamiroquai.

I know you get asked this loads, but how does it feel to be back full-time DJing?

That break really allowed me to empower myself and become a richer person. I have a new passion for DJing and to be back on the international scene, I’m enjoying it immensely. It’s what I do and what I love so I have a lot of energy and a lot of passion for the craft of being a DJ.

You excited about playing with Jay Kay of Jamiroquai?

Well I have to say I’m very excited – that was a very pleasant surprise that you sprang on me. What is Jamiroquai doing? Is he doing a band set or is he DJing?

I’m not sure either. I just know he’s playing with you at dragon-i.

Yes, I’ve heard a lot about drago-i in Hong Kong from friends and DJs so I’m really excited to be playing there. Also, with Jamiroquai on the bill it’s going to be a great night.

How is it in the UK right now?

Cold [laughs]. The same old, same old – there’s a new club that just opened called Massive and it’s a great new addition to London nightlife. The UK scene has its ups and downs but there’s still lots going on, particularly here in London.

Do you ever get stopped by people in the street?

No, not really. You do your thing, you’re in a club and it’s great to have that adoration while entertaining people for the night but that’s it – it gets left there, it’s just being who you are. I have my ego in check and don’t let myself get carried away.

Speaking of egos, how would you rate yourself as a DJ and producer? And how do you feel about DJ Magazine’s rating system?

How do I rate myself [long pause] – well a 10 out of 10 [laughs]. I put my all into it and I’m there to entertain people, and it’s a lot of fun and brings so much satisfaction to my life. It’s a highly addictive profession, DJing. In terms of rating myself, I’d say as a producer the best is yet to come. I’ve done a number of productions. I’ve been in the studio recently with Steve Mach and Seven Fisher – [we] produced a track that’s going to be out early next year.

I think the DJ Mag’s top 100 is a reflection of a highly competitive industry. It’s a marketing exercise and I find that it’s like a political campaign. It’s about how you market yourself. That’s how it is in today’s industry – it’s about the marketing of the DJ. Sometimes I find it overshadows a lot of the qualities of being a good DJ, however it’s a representation of the world’s DJ. I think people take it or leave it. If we look at that top 10 it’s more electronic trance-based music. There really isn’t much house there.

You've been in the game for ages, DJing at the height of the rave scene. Would you say that it was better back then?

It was amazing back then as it was all so new and life changing; but that was then and this is now. I like to live in the now. The scene is global and technology has transformed the role of the modern DJ and clubbers. I feel we have a brilliant global dance scene and it fills me with gratitude and pride to have helped shape the scene whilst continuing to contribute to the dance music community.

Tell us about some of the best and worst comments you've had on your book, Everything You Need to Know About DJing. You’re in the process of writing another one right?

That’s right; I’m writing my second book about my DJ history and the dance scene. It will be released late 2009. I focus on the majority of comments which are positive. There will always be the odd cynical comment about how you’re never going to go anywhere in life, but these are made by people who have negative attitudes and consequently their actions hold them back from becoming great and living life to its true potential. I believe in a win-win mindset all the way but always listen to constructive comments. Feedback is the breakfast of champions.

What was one of your most awkward moments while DJing?

It was a few years ago playing Russia in an open-air beach club on a night of a fierce storm. The decks were outside, exposed to the elements and I got several electric shocks. Eventually, after the second CD turntable broke down because of the rain, I decided to put on a mix CD in the remaining deck whilst pretending to play (not to disappoint the party faithful). Then a huge fucking dog walked into the DJ booth and tried to attack me! I promptly made an exit to the safety of the inside club with the dog still chasing me, biting my back side! Luckily the owner got the dog off me with a large stick. So, by and large, a great night all round and most entertaining for the locals! I can laugh about that night now, but at the time it was very, very wrong.

Danny Rampling plays dragon-I, Sat 22, 10pm-late, $700 (door), $500 (adv).