There's not a house head alive that hasn't heard of New York's Frankie Knuckles, the Godfather of House who is without a doubt one of the true pioneers of the house music scene. From the humble beginnings of the Warehouse in Chicago in the late seventies to early eighties to the heady days of New York's Sound Factory in the early nineties, Frankie Knuckles has played a pivotal role in the creation and evolution of house music both as a DJ and producer, having been one of the first to successfully translate the sounds of disco into floor-filling house and in doing so, define a chapter in the history of dance music.

As part of one of the first ever remix teams Def Mix, in partnership with David Morales (and later others including Satoshi Tomiie, Hector Romero and Bobby D'Ambrosio) Frankie Knuckles was instrumental in the development of the classic New York house sound; a sound which to this day, continues to fill dancefloors around the world, and especially those every summer at Pacha on the island of Ibiza.

Just as Frankie Knuckles has become an integral part of the house music movement so too has the Def Mix residency at Pacha become an institution on the Ibiza calendar. After all, what would Ibiza be without a good and proper ol' skool house party?

In the first of a series of interviews with the resident and guest DJs at this year's Def Mix Ibiza residency at Pacha we chat to Frankie Knuckles about the past, present and future of Def Mix and what fans can expect this summer at the Def Mix Ibiza parties on the island.

"I've learned that one thing every DJ strives for in this business is their own identity. DefMix helped me define exactly who I am musically."

What does the name Def Mix mean to you both musically and as an organization within the dance music industry, both past and present?

Quality. This is the only word that I can think of when it comes to DefMix as an organization and production house. From the onset, Judy Weinstein insisted that quality control be a strong factor in the work we created (not only for ourselves but, for our clients also). And my vision/example of quality to date was anything produced by Philadelphia International.
We worked with some of the greatest keyboard programmers in the business and, the best engineers. We've also used the best facilities/studios in the business. I think we were the last generation to use full-scale production studios to produce and mix. My last album/CD was recorded and mixed at Quad Recording, NYC. Yes, it's Ol' School but some of the best music ever recorded and produced is Ol' School.

Tell us what you think are four definitive Def Mix recordings or releases and why.

Where Love Lives by Alison Limerick

This was our first crossover international remix hit record. It brought focus to DefMix and David and myself as a team.

Tears by Satoshi Tomiie

This was is our first original crossover international hit that brought serious focus to DefMix as an entity to revere.

I'll Be Your Friend by Robert Owens & The Pressure by Sounds Of Blackness

These two songs defined an era. These songs solidify the house sound of New York.

The Whistle Song [by Frankie Knuckles]

This is our first original Classic. This song is timeless. Everyone can remember where they were when they first heard it. And the fond memories that it brings back each and every time they hear it. Now, with the 2005 remix, all those who remember it from the first time are sharing those memories with their kids (who are creating new memories with the new mix).

How has your contribution to the Def Mix sound influenced your overall sound as a DJ and producer?

Over the years I've learned that one thing every DJ strives for in this business is their own identity. DefMix helped me define exactly who I am musically. We didn't know what kind of impact we'd be having on the industry by & large. But now, in this musical life, there is nowhere in this world I can go that my audience doesn't know exactly what they're going to get. And that's the blessing. The rewards are mine and, my audience benefits from this.

What kind of set can we expect to hear from you at your DefMix/Saw Recordings gigs at Pacha in Ibiza?

For those who know me and have experienced what I do, stylistically my performance remains the same. Quality tunes, great energy and lots of love. For those who will be experiencing it for the first time, some will like it and some may not. The only thing I ask of those who don't like it is, don't spoil it for those who do. Just find another party. It's a big island and there's something for everyone.

What is one song you will definitely make sure you have in your record box when you play in Ibiza?

The Whistle Song 2005. I've been testing it a bit here lately and the response has been very favorable. Excellent, as a matter of fact. I see a return to "1992 The Summer of Love".

"There are other great clubs on the island but none that can hold a candle to what Pacha is all about."

Pacha Ibiza is one of the most talked about clubs on the island and within the worldwide club scene. What do you think is special about playing there?

The thing that makes Pacha so special is its longevity. The club is legendary! Some of the world's most famous celebrities, superstars and superstar DJs have passed through this room. To see how well it's held up over the years is a testament to quality production (there goes those words again). We at DefMix as a unit couldn't be/shouldn't be aligned with any other club. There are other great clubs on the island but none that can hold a candle to what Pacha is all about. They recognise what we as a production team are all about, as well as the other DJs and production teams that occupy the other nights there. That's more than half the battle won in a business where so many clubs get it wrong. Even when they spend millions.

Besides Pacha, where else do you enjoy playing?Why?

Italy. The Italian people are so wonderful and passionate about Music, Fashion, Food & Religion (and not necessarily in that order). They have an affinity for proper production. I think these are the qualities that have won me and DefMix over with the Italian people.

What do you enjoy the most about going to Ibiza?

The opportunity it affords me to remain in this game. At age 50 I'm experiencing a second childhood. And because of my notoriety in the industry I'm having the time of my life.

Where do you usually go to escape the party scene in Ibiza? Or is it just one non-stop party for you between arriving and leaving?

When I'm not playing I'm usually laying low somewhere (Judy's house or Ocean Drive, any of a number of restaurants or, the Marina).

Tell us an interesting story or fact that clubbers probably wouldn’t know about one other Def Mix / SAW person.

An interesting story? I know too many to mention here. A fact? Here's one: In every family there are fights and disagreements. But in this family love always saves the day. Love and respect for one another is the thing that has kept us as close as we are. Garnering us the success we've achieved over the years. We may have lost two members along the way (Lord G and Bobby D') but no one can ever say that it was for lack of love & respect. Sometimes it's just time to move on.

Name a pop song from the past or the present you would like to see or have seen the Def Mix crew remix.

This is too difficult to answer.

Defmix Pacha subway

You have been called a legend by many magazines around the world, and you have now been playing for many years. What surprises will first timers experience that they may not realize when coming to a Frankie Knuckles House party for the first time?

That most of what they've been listening and dancing to wasn't house music at all. Oh, it may be some form of it but what they will experience, is exactly what it was like in the beginning (just with today's music).

Are you bringing any surprise new Knuckles recordings with you to the island?

Yes but if I told you what they were, they wouldn't be surprises, would they?

Is there any particular special guest that you are looking forward to DJing with?

I'm really looking forward to working with all of my guests this summer. I have an enormous amount of respect for the productions by The ShapeShifters and Brian Tappert (of Soulfuric/Cleptomanic fame).

Is there any one artist as a producer you would like to work with?

Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Alicia Keys.

Frankie Knuckles will play the Def Mix party at Pacha in Ibiza on June 11, July 23, August 6 and September 17.