How did you get into DJing?
I started putting on parties when I was in my teens and lived in Spanish Harlem. I got on the decks from then on really.

What makes your style of DJing unique?
For me, its always about a journey and making a good vibe in the party. That and some hot tracks.

What do you do when you’re not DJing?
I am always in the studio working on new records, I'm working on a new album which is a cross between Zero 7 and Kosheen with a singer called Rae (featured on Cant Stop) and its coming out really nice, its very different to what I usually produce and that makes it special. I'm also working on my next Sandy Rivera singles on Blackwiz Records.

What music do you listen to?
Zero 7, Sia, Jose Gonzalez, Cat Powerz - things that are more chilled out.

Who’s on your DJ dream team?
Francois K, Danny Tenaglia - those two alone are enough!

What was the most expensive night you’ve ever enjoyed in London, and who was paying?
I once went to dinner at a really posh restaurant when I first moved to London with a few friends, the bill came to £700, I paid and the food was nice, but not THAT nice!

And the cheapest?
When I used to live in Soho I found some nice little family run places that always made really good food but weren’t expensive. I don’t have much time for cooking so I eat out a lot.

What’s your favourite festival?
The Exit Festival in Serbia is amazing - 20,000 people in front of you surrounded by an amazing castle. The pre and after parties are always really good, too. The festival basically goes on for weeks!

What’s the most unique venue in London in your opinion?
Fabric is pretty different I have to say.

Describe your perfect day and night in London?
I like Japanese food. Ping Pong is one of my favourites, so start there then go on to Cosmo Bar on Clerkenwell Road. Its a nice bar with a small club downstairs. It goes on to the early hours so I don’t need to go on anywhere else!

Top 5 Tracks
Sandy Rivera feat Haze - Deeper [Sandy’s Freak Mix, MN2S]
This track just never fails - the crowd love it.

Sandy Rivera feat LT Brown - Come into my Room [Sandy’s ‘09 Remix, Defected]
I re-released this track because it’s done the rounds in clubs and keeps coming back even bigger.

Tube Tech - The Balance [Sandy’s Original Mix, Social Problems]
Tube Tech knows what to do with their releases. This one just works.

Moon 15 [Original Mix]
Classic track.

Pete Hellers - Sabotage [Pete Hellers Phelacid]
Tune! Don’t underestimate the Heller.

Tracks to...

Start the night
Sandy Rivera and Andy Daniell - Whatever [Defected Records]
It’s a good starter record.

Keep the energy up
Kings of Tomorrow - Changes
Hands up in the air time.

End the night
Kings of Tomorrow - Finally
This I can play any time of the night but when people shout 'one more record' this is always a good one to end on.

Sandy Rivera plays Space at The Den on 30th May.