M-People's main man and legendary DJ in his own right, Mike Pickering will be playing a very special 'Back To Hacienda' Acid House set at Electric Gardens Festival this weekend - closing the ClubClass Arena on the Saturday night! We had a bit of a natter with the man who's now responsible for Calvin Harris, Kasabian and The Gossip's success...

You are playing at Electric Gardens Festival in Kent on 4/5th August in the ClubClass Arena, playing a special Hacienda style set. Whose idea was this?

Dean and Andy (the promoters)....

The festival takes place in Mount Ephraim Gardens, a plush country garden site. Do you think the site can make a big difference to a festival? What’s the best and worst you’ve experienced?

Yes I reckon, I played a party for New Order at Real World Studios near Bath in 1988 which lasted 3 days and was amazing. I’ve also played many cold muddy fields that I have deleted from my memory.

Do you think the UK dance music scene would be markedly different today if it wasn’t for the Hac?

That’s impossible to know but it was the prototype for clubs in Europe.It was really radical at the time and did completely change the face of clubbing forever.

Are you still making music these days?

I have done the music for a couple of films in recent years but I am an A & R man these days working with Calvin Harris, Kasabian, The Gossip and the Ting Tings amongst others.

When the classic Renaissance: The Collection CD was re-released last year, the M-People tracks were omitted as Sasha and John Digweed felt that the tracks hadn’t “aged” that well. Were you disappointed with the decision or did you see where they were coming from?

The copy I got had MPeople on it but my view is those were great songs and great songs are timeless. The mixes might age in some cases but not the song. Funny thing is the more contemporary DJs around are playing MPeople again. I know Erol Alkan and Justice played “Movin’ On Up” in their set at festivals over the summer. If Sasha’s mixes were left off it’s a shame as in my opinion his mixes of “Someday” and “How Can I Love You More” are among the best he has ever done.

Which producers or DJs in electronic music these days really inspire you?

I think electronic or dance music is really healthy at present. Obviously I love Calvin’s album and I really like the Crystal Castles stuff. DJs I like are Erol Alkan and 2 Many DJs.

If you could go back into the past and change one thing that you did during your career – what would it be, if anything?

Growing a goatee beard.

What advice would you give to someone who’s trying to break into the music industry?

It’s been said so many times it’s a cliché but just follow your heart and soul

What do you make of the whole laptop DJing thing?

Well I can’t say too much as my daughter Grace is out there using one in the clubs.

Check out the full line-up for Electric Gardens here:
http://www.dontstayin.com/uk/canterbury/mount-ephraim-gardens/2007/aug/04/event-113891