Danny Howells: I only started DJing as a hobby, back in '91. I didn't have a clue I'd ever be able to make a living out of it or do it for so long. It was in the late '90s that I had to quit psychiatric nursing, which was my day job. I'm pretty sure I'd still be doing that now if the DJing hadn't taken off.
Joonbug: Where do you draw your inspiration from when creating music? How would you describe your sound as a DJ?
Howells: I haven't felt that inspired recently with productions, which is why I haven't recorded much. But usually inspiration can come from anywhere .. a great night somewhere, some track that crops up randomly on my iPod, the sound of the washing machine - it can come from anywhere.
As I DJ, my style stays pretty much the same really - house music ranging from deep and dubby through to the techier styles. I don't give a faff about what's fashionable, I just play what I like and avoid the commercial muck that is polluting the world!
Joonbug: Who are your biggest influences in the music industry of all time? Why?Howells: Well, Digweed was the first guy to put on parties with big name DJs back in my hometown of Hastings, and he also gave me my very early break at Bedrock in '92 so I suppose he's been the biggest influence on me. He has always shown his support and been there for advice throughout my whole career.
Joonbug: With over 20 years in the industry, what has been your most memorable experience so far in your career?
Howells: Gah.. I honestly haven't got an effing clue! I don't think it's as much to do with individual experiences, rather periods of time. My whole period where I was starting out, getting my first residencies at nights like Bedrock etc .. that was an unforgettable time as every experience was brand new to me. There's been amazing residencies and nights and strange things happen ever since, but it's really hard to pick one as being the most memorable. (Plus I can't remember anything between 2001-2005.)
Joonbug: Now that 2011 is pretty much over, what do you think was the biggest song of the year? Why? Looking toward the New Year, any new releases or tour dates you can tell us about?
Howells: Again .. another effing hard question. There's been so much incredible music again, but one tune I really loved was Eduardo De La Calle's mix of Agoria "Panta Rei". I'm picking that because I played hell out of it, even though a lot of people didn't seem to really appreciate it. I'm very happy being selfish!
Cielo is located at 18 Little West 12th Street in NYC. Advanced tickets are still available for purchase through ClubTickets.com. Doors open at 10pm for this event.
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