Ministry of Sound Red Sea - Egypt

DJ Graham Gold Interview

When did you first start DJ’ing and how did it all begin?

"Oh God, far too long ago to be THAT honest, but it was when James Brown ruled and it was all about soul and funk - even disco hadn’t been invented then!"

Best gig of all time, either as DJ / punter, and why?

"This is always a tough question, in 30 years, I have had some amazing gigs. But I guess the night I ran in London called Peach at the Camden Palace-any of the birthdays whether it was Armin, Tiesto or Ferry who played (we had them all, and I was actually the first DJ/Promoter to book them all in the UK.)"

Which are you best three clubbing cities / countries worldwide, and why?

"All of Asia, Ibiza and South America-cos they are only there to party, they know their music and they totally appreciate you! Oh yeah, and usually the weather is amazing!!"

What does the Ministry of Sound brand say to you?

"Well for sure it is the biggest club brand in the world-it means 100% quality in its clubs, radio station and CD releases."

Give us your first impressions of the Ministry of Sound Red Sea venue?

"I loved it-firstly to be in the warm open air is amazing and not something that happens that often in London! The staff were extremely friendly which is always a good thing, and the crowd were amazing with their reaction all through the set, dancing to a whole load of stuff they had probably never heard before!"

With Ministry of Sound Red Sea and Hed Kandi Beach Bar both running successfully in Hurghada, Egypt – do you think we could be talking about a serious clubbing destination, either at present or in the near future? If so what else is required?

"Well I would like to say it would be brilliant if Hurghada could steal the thunder from the way too expensive Ibiza, but sadly I don’t think that will happen. Its not just cos its another 3 hours on a flight from the UK (OK just another 2hours fro m the rest of Central Egypt). But it could be become a serious clubbing destination in its own right, if maybe there was MORE choice for serious clubbers, as even though 2 of the world biggest club brands exist there, clubbers want a big choice!

It would need to be marketed in all the clubbing magazines and on all the websites with REAL information about Egypt, as for those that have never been, many would never consider it because of things they have heard 3rd or 4th hand. They need PROPER informed information about actually how good it can be there.."

What was the team at Ministry of Sound Red Sea like?

"Great, except the boss!! LOL-just kidding!! I was totally looked after-nothing was too much trouble, and the whole trip was a 100% total pleasure that I would like to do it once a month!"

How was the actual club-night you played at?

"FANTASTIC!! Ok it was a special night WHITE SENSATION, and I did have to cut my free t shirt up they wanted me to wear to make it look funky, but it was packed with a superb crowd and I didn’t wanna get off the decks - well nothing new there then!"

What tunes got the biggest reactions on the night?

"They all did - the crowd were oof the hook form start to finish - it didn’t need just the ones they knew to get them going - which for a DJ is the best thing that can happen!"

How did the crowd differ from the normal clientele? Their response, musical preferences etc?

"Don’t know as can’t compare the normal clientele there."

What other events and projects are in the pipeline for you in the near future?

"Well we are back in Egypt over New years playing Sharm and Hurghada, then a tour of the US from Jan 11-20, then a tour of India at the end of Jan."