There's one man out there who really knows how to party hard when it comes to throwing events, and in recent years he's also been taking to the turntables. Damian Gelle is 'The Real Tony Montana', and we're looking forward to hearing him grace the decks at this weekends Summit @ Hidden Nightclub. We got hold of Damo to talk about garden parties, the club scene and what's in store for the future.

So then, who is the Real Tony Montana, and why did you chose to adopt that name. Is there a story behind it?

Damian Gelle: Sure is, I started DJing and the plan was to play under a different alias every time. So I started as Tony Montana, the next gig I was ‘Pablo Escobar’, the third gig I was ‘George Jung’ (who Johnny Depp portrayed in the biographical movie Blow). The problem was I didn’t expect to get that many more gigs and the other problem was everyone kept calling me Tony. Next thing some guy starts trying to sue me saying he is an established artist and has been playing under the alias of Tony Montana for some time now. Fair enough I say but come on he’s not The Real Tony Montana – that guy was in the Brian De Parma film written by Oliver Stone and superbly played by Al Pacino. Hey, now there’s a good DJ name: Al Pacino!

You’re a very busy man behind the dance industry what changes have you seen over the years in terms of changes in the scene since you started?

I started promoting in the hard dance scene, my first event was in my backyard in 2001. Since then I have witnessed seismic shifts in the musical landscape…but people are still going out and having it which is essence of clubland. House music can now be played on the radio at primetime. Love it or hate it but many house tracks are these days remixed with a vocal just for this kind of exposure. In short, dance music is probably more far reaching now than ever around the world. Ironic considering the recent closure of so many clubs in London (The End, The Cross, Turnmills etc…), but I’m sure in this ever expanding and contracting market there are plenty more we haven’t even heard of yet to open.

You’ve partied all over the world, but where would you say has the best atmosphere?

Ibiza beats most places. There is something magical about flying down to that hot Balearic island and letting your hair down. The clubs feature the crème of the crème from the DJ world, for four months of the year it simply rocks. My brand Ibizan Heat has been taking clubbers there for the past 7 years and I must say it is the one event I do all year where people actually say they have had ‘the best week of their life’. You don’t get that from a festival or a club event ever!

What do you think you would be doing if you were not in the music industry? What were you also doing before you got involved?

I’ve done a whole bag of odd jobs such as a printer, carpet cleaner, laborer, fruit and veg manager in a supermarket, security guard, I’ve studied and done newspaper journalism, radio journalism and public relations. Life has had many forks in the road. Many moons ago I wrote film scripts and there were a few bites of success with a couple of shorts made. I would say I’m happiest when writing.

We know your a fan of a garden party. From taking your first garden party to a 20,000 capacity Clapham Common party know as South West Four it has come along way to say the least. When you first started, did you already have it in mind that you wanted to take things that far? Also, what’s next on the agenda for you in terms of events?

It’s hard to say you are going to do an event in your backyard and at the same time envisage selling out a festival on Clapham Common. You begin by wanting to throw the best event possible and with that energy you transfer it somewhere else. There are a lot of walls that get in your way in you either go around, through or over them. There is a lot stacked against you. At the same time you are growing all the time and just like a DJ that plays out for the first time in front of 100 people then steps it up to 200 people I say keep going and have a read-hot crack at where that path may take you or even better forget the path and make your own. People don’t just end up DJing in front of 20,000 people. It’s like the old joke about the guy who wanted to win the lottery so bad that he started praying to God…and he prayed and prayed and prayed until eventually an exasperated God said, “listen son, help me out here…at least buy a ticket.” Without sounding too preaching, my point here is it doesn’t matter how small you are you gotta be in the arena! To answer the other part to that question, Lock N Load are looking to do a very different kind of clubbing event in the New Year but still a lot of work to be done before we can give it the green light.

You’ve been mixing now for 3 years. Which DJ’s have influenced you over the years and have you any plans to produce your own tracks?

Certain artists are just in a league of their own when performing and the reputation that follows them around such as, let’s call it the big five: Carl Cox, Sven Vath, Richie Hawtin, Sasha & John Digweed. They are brands in their own right that have been around for years (notice I left out Tiesto). I’m not trying to be like these guys but really admire what they’ve done. I play what I enjoy but believe is suitable for the time and place. This year I have vowed to produce something time permitting.

You have seen a lot of promotions come and go in the past, but which ones have stood out for you in that time, and what are the key ingredients that make a memorable party?

The Gallery has been outstanding. Anything that can be weekly and celebrate a 14th birthday hats off. Also Bedrock has been there done that. Ingredients should be a creative promotion, sense of daring with the line-up, a passionate crowd, DJs that deliver on the night…your brand will shine.

This will be the first time to be gracing the decks at Summit on April 4th at Hidden. What should we be expecting for your hour?

I play music with energy, only a trace of vocals. Very driving. Can’t wait!

What has been your ultimate gig over the years, and what did it have that made it that little bit extra special from others?

Playing the new terrace at Cream last year, a terrorfog cannon blasting dry ice over your head during the mix was pretty unique!

What exiting things will be going on for you in 2009 DJ-wise?

I’m looking forward to the Ibizan heat trip in June plus the Cohesion Boat Party and an outdoor set at the Dex Hotel in Brixton. I’m also doing The Real Tony Montana & Friends at Ministry July 24 which should be some good summer fun!

Okay, how about some quick fire questions to finish things off…?

Favourite club?
Amnesia

Favourite DJ?
Carl Cox

Favourite producer?
Eric Prydz, Dave Robertson.

Favourite all time tune?
Soulseekers by Martin Roth

Favourite City?
London

Thanks very much for your time Damo

It's fair to say that the party is always where Damo is, so make sure you take some time to hear this king of partyland taking to the decks at Summit.