40 Questions: Matador

Despite its relatively small size, the island of Ireland has always held its own in terms of its consistent output of high quality club talent, and the latter side of 2020 has even seen things ramp up to a level we haven’t experienced before.

One name that’s always been among the top selectors to come out of the emerald isle is techno aficionado Matador, who since breaking through in the early 2010’s has released music on record labels like Richie Hawtin’s Minus, the infamous Plus 8 Records, and Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations.

As a DJ and live act he’s also seen and done it all, with highlight bookings putting him in front of crowds at Ibiza hotposts such as DC-10 and Hi Ibiza, as well as Ultra Music Festival and Dutch party Awakenings.

The latest set of productions to come out of his now Ibiza-based studio arrives in the form of his 2-track ‘Sol’ EP, which combines original titles ‘Sol’ and ‘Luna’. The release comes via his own RUKUS imprint, a label which in the past has brought us sounds from ARTBAT, Skream, Meduza, and Joran Van Pol.

Joining us this week to take on our latest edition of 40 Questions, Matador talks about everything from hotel room service and Steve Seagal, to cod sperm and getting his pilot license – read the full interview below.

1. Where are you right now and what are you doing?

I’m in Ibiza right now and about to go on a road trip in a Polaris Ranger.

2. What year were you born?

1982.

3. Do you have a nickname?

Not one that I’m aware of.

4. What’s the coolest thing in your house?

My dog Ollie.

5. How would you describe yourself?

Calm and passive until irritated by silly shit.

6. Worst experience as a DJ?

Getting sick or stranded and not being able to play. 

7. Best experience as a DJ?

Setting off on my very first tour – a Spanish tour with the Minus crew.

8. Favourite record label?

Motown.

9. What’s your biggest weakness?

Chocolate and ice cream.

10. First record you ever paid for?

I can’t remember the first record I bought, but I do remember the first I bought at an afterparty, Tomaz vs. Filterheadz – Sunshine for 50 quid!

11. What’s your morning routine?

Wake up, iced coffee, walk the dog, work out.

12. Your dream collaboration?

Moby – one of the greatest artists of our time.

13. Tell us something we shouldn’t know about you?

I much prefer movies pre-1999, anything after tends to disappoint me.

14. Who’s your biggest inspiration outside of music?

A lot of inspirational people around to be fair.  Two things I value are honesty and integrity so an individual who possesses these qualities inspires me – particularly in the world we live in today.

15. And in the industry?

Jaycen Joshua – one of the most incredible technical mix engineers.

16. Ever smoked?

Yes – only my own.

17. Ever done drugs?

Yes – I drink coffee every morning.

18. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

Back when I was a chef and just started DJing; my head chef gave me weekends off so I could play shows.

19. And the best gift you’ve ever given?

Christmas morning – a box of 100 tennis balls for my dog.

20. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to?

Tanah Lot Temple in Bali – amazing temple perched on a rocky outcrop at the beach. The sunset was incredible.

21. And one place you want to visit?

The other side of the ice wall.

22. If you weren’t in the music industry, what would you be doing?

Farmer.

23. Worst job you’ve ever had?

Worked in a food factory on the production line for 2 weeks.

24. Favourite record right now?

Fela Kuti – Expensive Shit.

25. And the best record ever made?

Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World.

26. One thing you couldn’t live without?

Air.

27. Your favourite food?

Anything middle eastern.

28. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Cod sperm in Japan.

29. Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Steven Seagal.

30. What’s something you’re passionate about besides music?

Nature, plants, life.

31. Favourite club you’ve played?

Warung, Brazil.

32. Favourite festival you’ve played?

Creamfields, Argentina.

33. Craziest story of being on the road?

Hotel in Barcelona – my wife and I ordered room service.  When it arrived, the lady brought it into the room and turned to leave. The room door had closed and locked behind her and she couldn’t open it.  All three of us were trapped for about an hour whilst maintenance tried to get in. She told us to ‘go ahead and eat our food’ whilst she waited around the corner at the bathroom. Insanely awkward. In the end a guy had to cross the balcony from the room next door with a circular saw to cut us out from the inside.

34. Weirdest request as a DJ?

I always find it strange when people request a pop track at a techno event.

35. If you had one super power what would it be?

The ability to fly, it would make my life a lot easier.

36. Late sleeper or early riser?

Early riser, the dog helps with this.

37. Strangest video you’ve watched on YouTube?

Seen a cat slapping a snake a few days ago.

38. The top thing on your bucket list?

Achieve my pilot license.

39. Most memorable moment of your life so far?

Taking delivery of my Neve console.  Had to carry it up 3 flights of stairs.

40. Will you ever be done with music?

That’s something I couldn’t do if I tried.

Matador – Sol EP is out now on RUKUS.

Find more 40 Questions HERE.