Former Godskitchen resident John O’Bir is fast becoming the new Paul Van Dyk

THE name Jon O’Bir has been splashed across the industry since he was catapulted to the front line in 2002, after winning a prestigious competition run by Passion and M8 magazine.

Eight years on, Jon continues to go from strength to strength, gaining endless respect, fans and accolades.

Where are you now? What’s been happening for you lately?
‘I’m at home in Manchester after an Easter break with the family. Easter consisted of many chocolate eggs being eaten and it was nice to have a little break, although I did squeeze a gig in London in on the Sunday, which is always enjoyable!

How did your career come together?
‘I won a DJ competition at the massive midland night Passion and the prize was to warm up for John ‘00’ Fleming in the main room. James Algate, the Godskitchen promoter at the time, was playing a set in the back room and caught my set and was impressed. I sent promo CDs out to 100 clubs after my competition win and the only one to reply was the Godskitchen, the last club I thought would contact me on the list! They offered me a residency and it snowballed from there. To say I was over the moon was a massive understatement.’

Have you visited Jersey before? Do you know much about the Island?
‘The last time I visited Jersey was on a family holiday when I was ten. I still have some nice memories of it, though, and some pictures somewhere that I’ll have to dig out. Hopefully I’ll get to check out some of the Island again while I’m over.’

Who or what inspires you musically?
‘I like all kinds of music. I’m always hearing different bits of tracks that inspire me to produce something right there, right then. From the guys in my scene, Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren etc to Frank Sinatra and even Take That! I’ve been inspired by a lot of talented musicians, there’s a lot out there!’

What are you into at the moment? What can we expect to hear from you?
‘I’ve always been a trance guy. The scene is constantly changing and with it the music as well. The tempo of the quality tracks seems to have slowed and have introduced more of a groove. Expect to hear a nice set built up, uplifting and still with plenty of energy thrown in.’

What’s been your most memorable gig to date?
‘I’ll have to say it was Cream, Amnesia in Ibiza. It’s always been a dream to play there and it turned out even better than it was in my dreams!’

How does your production work complement your DJ sets? Do you prefer one to the other?
‘I started as a DJ and I think I’ll always prefer performing in front of a crowd, introducing them to my music. To see people with smiles on their faces and dancing away when I play, words can not describe, it’s a great feeling. But not far behind that feeling is the one when you come across a killer riff and you know a track is taking shape that you’re gonna love.’

What are your plans for 2010?
‘I had a bit of a break in the studio after the From Within album. So this year is the year of production, production, production. Mixed in are a lot of gigs I’m looking forward to as well of course, but this year it’s time to spread the O’Bir name further.’

What are your long-term ambitions? What’s the future?
‘Just to keep going with this career I love so much. You have always got to keep your foot down in this industry, someone is always waiting to take your place, everyone’s a DJ! More productions and I’d like to do another album of course, that was a great experience.’

What do you get up to when you’re not working?
‘I love my sport, football, I go to watch my team Notts County whenever I get the chance. I’m always at the gym and like to keep fit. I’m really into my cooking as well at the moment, but not ready for Master Chef just yet.’

• John O’Bir headlines for Hysteria at Pure on Saturday. Support comes from Paul Mack and Adam Cain.