In between running one of the biggest house labels in the business, the Azuli imprint famed for its highly-lauded Choice compilation series and a 12-inch catalogue well past the hundred mark, plus legendary record store Black Market in London's Soho district and putting together yearly Miami and Space Ibiza compilations, David Piccioni somehow also finds time to squeeze in a bit of DJing.

This weekend David Piccioni will be reunited with longtime friend David Morales when he plays Def Mix Ibiza at Pacha this Saturday, September 10th. Having originally spun together at New York's World club in the late eighties the pair's sets together have long attracted more than a passing interest from anyone who spent any length of time in New York City, in its formative house years.

This summer Azuli has also been holding down the fort at El Divino in Ibiza and this Sunday will play host to Jo Mills, who, as we reported earlier this week, will shortly be taking up a residency at Singapore's Attica club. RA checked in with Azuli's David Piccioni on the eve of what looks like being another big weekend for him on the island.

What has Azuli done in Ibiza this season?

I assume you mean in terms of events - the other stuff is unprintable.....we have been doing a weekly party at El Divino on Sundays and enjoying the success of our singles; Deux - 'Sun Rising', Chab - 'Closer To Me' and Lee Coombs - 'Shiver'

Any memorable moments of madness or mayhem from the White Isle this summer?

A couple of disappointed Germans asked for their money back at El Divino one night. They came to hear Jeff Mills but had read the poster wrong as we had in fact booked Jo Mills!

You have been a guest of Def Mix in the past couple of years. Is your playing with David Morales an annual event?

I love playing with David... DJ'ing with him is pretty cool too!

It seems like we are doing it together each year, which is great. We have played together since the days of 'The World' in New York in 1988.

"To be honest, it's usually the
ones that make the most money."

Which recent releases on your label are you most proud of?

To be honest, it's usually the ones that make the most money.

Your Miami and Space Ibiza compilations are usually released only a few months apart. How do you decide which tracks end up where?

Lots of research really, and hangind around in dark corners of dodgy clubs (that's my excuse anyway).

Space is a tough one as you have to reflect the club and all its nights as a whole. The Miami one is about placing yourself in the vibe of Summer in the middle of March (which isn't easy) and really feeling which tracks are going to make it and be played throughout the season.

What are some of the current trends in dance music that you like and
don't like?

I love the minimal musical German stuff - Dessous/Get Physical etc. The '70s rock sample stuff sounds a little tired to me though.

How do you think house music has evolved over the years and where do you see it going in the next few?

I never make predictions because it's pretty much impossible. I just keep an eye out for what the creative people are doing in the present.

What are your fondest memories of your time spent in New York?

Being stopped by two beautiful Puerto Rican girls in the Lower East Side who were all over me complimenting my music and the wonderful night they had in the club night before. Shame it wasn't me playing, it was David Morales.

Have you ever been grumpy or so stuck with the blues that you found it difficult to spin records? How did you recuperate?

I usually arrive at the club early and sabotage the electricity so that I can leave and go to bed. Then I can get up early and take it out on my wife.

(By the way this is a joke)

Which do you find more frightening? Turning complacent or burning out?

Burning out - I don't do complacent.

You, like many others, love the music but besides that, why do you do what you do?

It motivates me. If you aren't motivated by whatever you love then it's a struggle. I'm not sure what else I would be motivated by right now.

Aside from Danny Howells, can you reveal who else is confirmed for the Choice compilations in 2006?

No I can't - sorry. :)

Downloads vs record shops? What are your thoughts on how the music is being purchased by the new generation of music buyers?

Times change - no point crying about it!