Erick Morillo is house music’s unofficial chairman of the board. Head honcho of Subliminal Records, as a producer he’s been responsible for a dazzling array of dance floor smashes, whilst as a DJ he is one of the most in demand and instantly recognisable in the world. This month he touches down in Glasgow for his yearly appearance at The Arches and although the weather may be slightly chillier than back home in Miami, it’s a night Morillo knows is always scorching hot…

Always good memories of playing in Scotland?

For sure. In the UK, the more north you go the more up for it the people get and in Scotland it’s total pandemonium every time I do a gig. You always get people up on top of shoulders going absolutely mental, which I love.

What do you think of The Arches as a venue?

I love it. When I first started playing there I used to DJ in the small arch which was always brilliant, but once I started playing in the main room it took it to a whole other level. It’s a great club with an underground vibe and it’s defiantly a lot of fun!

Where Are You Now has been a massive track for you this year, you must be happy with the response you’ve had to that?

Absolutely, it’s been going down phenomenally well, plus we’ve got loads of remixes coming out now too from guys like Black Rock and DJ Roog. The reaction’s been great, it’s a brilliant dancefloor track and it really gets the crowd going.

Are you working on any new productions we should be looking out for?

Yeah, I have two records coming out at the start of next year. One is called I Get Lifted and features Deborah Cooper on vocals and the other is a Minister De La Funk track featuring Duane Harden, which is called I Feel Love. I also have a new compilation on Strictly Rhythm called Strictly Morillo.

And how are things going with Subliminal right now?

Fantastic. Obviously the sales aren’t what they used to be, but the online sales have definitely picked up and we have about seven projects on board at the moment which will be getting released at the start of the year. So all in all everything’s going really well.

It was of course another hugely successful summer for you in Ibiza this year, looking forward to next season?

Absolutely phenomenal and I’m really looking forward to doing it again next year. They’re making some changes to Pacha by making the dancefloor bigger, and moving the DJ booth, which I’m quite heavily involved with. So I’m really excited to see what people make of the new and improved club. It’s going to be my eighth season over there and there are no signs of it slowing down. I’ve only been away from the island for two months and I can’t wait to get back!

You have of course put out a lot of massive records over the years, what in your eyes makes a really good house track?

I think for me it’s got to have good energy and sexiness with a good drop. The girls have to like it but it has to be tough enough for the boys!

And you’ve been running Subliminal for 11 years now, what sort of state do you think the industry’s in now compared to when you started the label?

It’s going through a large scale change. Nobody goes to record stores anymore and everything is downloaded. At the end of the day though, I think it’s all about good music and as long as you’re making good music you’re going to stay in the game.

Madagascar 2 has just come out in cinemas here and features one of your old Real 2 Real hits – I Like To Move It. Any plans to do anymore tracks for films in the future?!

Well it was a great opportunity I tell you that! But composing music for movies is a full time job and it’s something I’d like to have a go at maybe when I’m not travelling as much I’d like to do. I’m just happy though that a track that I made when I was 20 years old, 17 years later is being introduced to a whole new generation and it’s a hit all over again and opening a lot of doors. I’m really happy to have created a record like that in my lifetime.

What can the Glasgow crowd expect from you on the 20th?

Dirty, sexy, energetic, fun f****** music and a lot of sweat so bring your towels!

How was 2008 for you? Erick Morillo

Favourite tune of 08?

The Deadmau5 bootleg of Miracle. It’s one of those tunes that no matter where you drop it the whole place goes absolutely mental.

Worst tune of 08?

All I’ll say is that he’s a friend of mine and he’s French, we’ll leave it at that!

Best gig you played in 08?

Creamfields in Argentina. I was playing in front of 40,000 people and the energy was amazing! It was unbelievable.

Best set you’ve heard in 08?

Steve Angello at Ministry of Sound a few weeks ago.

Best party you’ve been at in 08?

The Cirque De Soleil party in Ibiza

Best thing about 08 for you?

That my family is still very healthy

Catch Erick Morillo this Saturday at The Arches. Limited number of tickets available on the door.

See you all down the front!