Space Ibiza frontman and In Bed with Space resident Jonathan Ulysses talks to DSI ahead of his main room (Inside Sessions) set for In Bed with Space @ Sankeys M/cr on bank holiday Sunday, 25th May.

We'd like to open the interview with a question to really get a feel for who you are, Jonathan, so in terms of music and musical style, and all in your own words, what's Jonathan Ulysses all about?
Jonathan Ulysses is about a happy face and a driving bass! I’m very much about interaction with the crowds whilst playing my music, and I bring a bit of Ibiza to wherever I play.

If you could be born in any period of world history, with any job you liked in that period of history, when would you be born and if we had a time machine and travelled back there, what would we find you doing?
I would have been born at the beginning of time, when there was no war, no pressure, no government, and no VAT.

This was a time when the land was pure and green, the air was clear of all toxins, and the animals would roam free in the forest. I would be a tribesman chasing down the mammoth to feed my family, whilst living under the stars, and living with the harsh reality of not having the internet.

You've got your own venture with Smokin Jo, Club Nude, which is the follow on to NDSM. How would you handle playing completely nude from behind the decks to your usual party crowd, only with them all naked?
I would love that! All the sexy girls jumping up and down with no clothing on sounds like a lot of fun. In regards to me being nude, I think I could handle that too, as I’d have the DJ stand in front of me so most of the club would not be able to see me anyway, unless they were using just a table stand to hold the decks up; then I might have a problem…

Continuing on the collaboration tip, you seem to be quite tight with Jo, how did you two meet and come to the decision that you should work together… and just how successful did you think you'd be?
I have known Jo for many years. She used to go to the same gym as me in Hammersmith many years ago, and I was a big fan of hers before I even met her. Jo is a great DJ and her success speaks for itself. In regards to my own success, I think I’ve been very lucky working with Space. I knew that I had to work hard to make the dreams that I had come true, and the success would follow.

Obviously one of the biggest achievements people will recognise you for is your decade of residency at Space, one of Ibiza's best clubs. What's the story behind how you got this break?
I had been on the island for a few years and worked for many of the clubs, but Space was the one club that I always wanted to work for. I harassed the manager at the time for bookings and after a few dates and letting them get to know my style – luckily, another DJ left the club. I replaced him but then had to fight for a slot with the other DJs. I always tried to pride myself on the music that I played and was happy to play at any time, no matter how big or small the crowd would be. I did three of the compilations for them and watched the club grow over the years.

or its great weather and sunshine, so how many pairs of sunglasses do you actually own, and what's looking like it's going to be your favourite pair for the oncoming party season?
I have a big problem with sunglasses as I always loose them or sit on them, so now I just get the cheap ones so I’m not so upset when they’re gone!

To lay on you, and we're not expecting you to sort it out on its own, but what do you think is the future for the dance music scene?
The future is massive for the dance scene. The technology has been revolutionary with new inventions everyday making things easier for DJs and producers to bring the magic to the dance-floor. Things like Ableton, vinyl, scratching, CDJ 1000s, MP3s, and many, many more things that will always keep this scene alive.

Obviously Space is one of your favourite clubs in Ibiza, but what other clubs would you recommend to a friend who'd never been to there before, and why?
There are too many clubs to recommend and I might forget someone, and I don’t want to upset anyone! I would always recommend Space, just for the people that go there, for the feeling of the music and the vibe within the club.

all for fun. If you were to die tomorrow, which DJ would you have play at your funeral and which three tunes would you insist they drop?
I would have Tony Blackburn – he is a legend. The three tracks would be Frank Sinatra ‘My Way’, Stevie Wonder ‘Hotter Than July’, and Luther Vandross ‘Never Too Much’.

As you know we're interviewing you for DSI, which is possibly the world's greatest clubbing website and portalsite. What effect do you think websites have had on the dance music scene?
I think that websites are real good for the industry, the more information that is out there, the better. You may decide to go to an event on the other side of the World one day, and now you can check out the night before you step through the door. You can find out about your favourite DJ or producer with a click of a mouse.

You're playing the opening party for Space Ibiza at Sankey's in Manchester in the UK. Obviously this is a different type of crowd playing in a different city, so how will you adapt your DJ set to accomodate this fact?
I will be playing in the main room for Sankey’s and will be playing a little bit outside my box with a more tech feel to the sound. I don’t get to play this style much so I’m really looking forward to it. I always try to adapt my sets to where I play as I think that will always give you an edge.

In Bed with Space, Bank Holiday Sunday 25th May @ Sankeys, M/cr with Jonathan Ulysses & Smokin' Jo.

In Bed With Space Part 10 mixed and compiled by Jonathan Ulysses is out on 27th June on Club Star Records.

www.myspace.com/jonathanulysses