Before we knew it we were spinning high above the Essex countryside, to the cheers of wide-eyed ravers underneath. We didn’t really have time to conduct an interview and go on a ride for free, so he kindly agreed to do both at the same time. Shouting questions into Kerri Chandler’s face while simultaneously waving a camera in the air and holding onto a tiny harness for dear life is a pretty surreal experience. I suggest you try it if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
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Noisey: Fuck it, should we just do the interview on this ride?
Kerri Chandler: Ohhhhhh shit. We’re gonna do an interview on this? How?
I’ll sit next to you.
Okay. That’s hilarious. Really?
Yeah, just try not to throw up on me and I’ll do the same for you. I’ll bring my camera.
[Laughs] “No loose objects.”
So did you just get here tonight?
Yeah, I wish I was here before, actually. I wanted to see the whole thing.
Someone earlier described the crowd as being filled with “bug-eyed, shuffling bros,” do you agree with that?
God no! I have a bunch of friends out there I’d hate to see somebody calling them that, that’s crazy.
Did you see that guy up front during your set with a shirt that said “raver” and blood coming out of his nose?
No, God no. Anybody who comes down to see me, I’m happy. If the room is packed I’m happier. When people are smiling, I’m happier than that. When the hands go up I’m happier than that. It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s a wonderful day; it’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, it didn’t rain.
Not your usual British Festival.
Yeah, that’s what I’m saying, so hell yeah.
How do you have the energy to play so many shows in a row?
People. It’s the people, honest to God. ‘Cos when I’m done I’m dead.
You have one of my favourite “in the moment” DJing faces.
Oh, thank you.
What’s it like seeing house get big twice in your life?
I think it’s a new generation coming into it and it feels the same as when we started doing it. I think they’re finding some of the songs we used to do and they’re learning some of the same melodies. So yeah, it must be a revival. It’s the same kind of progression. 2013 is no different than how it was in 2003, no different than 1993. These days everybody has iPads and iPods. The studio used to be a mystery now it’s in the palm of your hands.
DJ culture’s changed a lot though, hasn’t it?
Oh yeah, these days you can go into Sainsbury’s and buy a little DJ kit for your kid.
So do you see yourself as a father figure to a younger generation of DJs? I kind of do.
I don’t know if I’d say I’m a father figure but I like to come in and do what I’ve always done. I enjoy it. A lot. I learned a lot watching and listening to other DJs as well.
Have you considered learning from Deadmau5 and getting a totes wacky mask or hat? It might help you book shows and sell records.
Oh. Oh GOD no. If I’ve gotta hide from the people I’m playing for there’s a real problem.
If you had to though, what would it be? I could imagine you with one of those fruit bowl hats? Maybe?
No, no, no. I would never hide from the people that come to see me. That’s not me. I’m not a gimmick. I love music, that’s the bottom line.
If you were offered a million pounds to make a Kerri Chandler brostep album, would you do it?
I don’t know enough about dubstep to do it. I love dub, I love reggae dub. If it was that, yeah. Absolutely. I love bass. I did some crazy shit like that with Dennis Ferrer before. It was just for us, though.
If you had to form a Hot-Natured-esque DJ boy band, who would you pick as your counterparts?
Jerome Sydenham, I’ve gotta say. And maybe Dennis – those are my two best friends.
I was joking, nevermind. What are you feeling about this ride so far?
You know what? I like it. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a ride [Laughs]. I’m a big kid at heart, honestly, but I never get a chance to do it ‘cause I’m on the road so much. I’m actually a rollercoaster nut anyway. Wooo! I like it.
Me too, but this is seeming less and less practical! It’s really hard to work a camera with all this centrifugal force.
I just hope you can hold on to your recorder. Ha-haaaaaaaa!
What’s the best festival you’ve played at?
I’m still looking for it. I love them all, I did about 20 this year so far and they’ve all been great for different reasons. Glastonbury and Exit were amazing. And I still have a bunch ahead of me.
After the ride festival-goers were blown out of their minds to see Kerri Chandler on a rollercoaster. The festival was ending and we had sucked all possible fun from it. It was time to say goodbye.
What did you make of that?
I loved it. I love rides. I’ve got a season pass to Six Flags. That’s my shit. I love all the Superman rides, the Batman rides. When I get home I’m going straight to the beach, then straight to Six Flags.
K. Thank you.
Follow Matt on Twitter @Matt_A_Shea
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