There are superstar DJs and there are superstar DJs. And then there’s Mauro Picotto. The Italian spinner/producer is something of a legend around these parts – as his recent headline slot in front of some 15,000 ravers at Creamfields will attest. This is a man who’s been carried shoulder-high into the Gresham Hotel in Dublin after a city centre gig by close to a hundred fans. “The people are simply wonderful,” says Mauro. “I know it sounds cliched but there is something about Ireland – I come here all the time, it reminds me of home.The people are always up for it and there’s no bullshit. The best thing about it is that you can chill out and have a pint of Guinness without anyone hassling you ... sheer bliss.”

But Picotto’s appeal stretches beyond Ireland – he regularly plays in most corners of the globe and is just back from a successful season in Ibiza. “It was absolutely fantastic. It’s such a groovy place with all the elements to ensure everyone has a good time. We hung out with all the usual guys and it was like being a kid – getting to go and do what you love best with your mates. It’s like a cultural gathering of all sorts. Ibiza is one of my favourite places to DJ – you just can’t beat it! I had a funny situation happen with my luggage but I am keeping that to myself!”

Picotto is one of those DJs that made a killing on the back of the clubland explosion in the UK – he played 97 gigs there last year – but has the recent, well-documented slump affected him? “No – it hasn’t affected me at all really. I am very lucky and I seriously realise how fortunate I am. I personally think it will clean the business out which is a good thing – get rid of the bullshit and quality will shine through. There is an awful lot of muck out there ruining the chances of genuine good DJs making their break. Too many people were riding on the back of the phenomena and ruining it for everyone else. The sooner the better.

“It’s definitely slowed down but I do think that the UK is in severe danger of disappearing up it’s own ass which hasn’t helped! The clubs and clubbers are separated by their genres, with each genre believing they are better than the other. Each genre is unwilling to accept another and this is segregating the people. I wish some people would remember that dance music is about having a good time and quit with the garbage. The people and clubs are very good but the politics is complete bullshit. I can understand why the best DJs in the world prefer to play other countries. I guess the UK is a small market and everyone is fighting for their slice of the pie.”