Rob Cockerton

Ahead of The Winter Social Festival this March, we chat to one of the biggest influences on the house and techno scene, Rob Cockerton. He tells us why the festival is one of the best of the year and why Carl Cox needs to call him! get your tickets for The Winter Social Festival here.

FFY: You've been on the music scene for nearly three decades now, you've seen and done so much! If you could pick one stand out moment what would it be?

RC: That’s a tough one, there have been so many moments, it’s been a rollercoaster that’s for sure, okay I’ll just pick one that comes into my head right now and it’s a pretty recent one - it’s my EP going to number one on Beatport, but like I say, there are so many to choose!

FFY: And on the flip side, what's the hardest aspect about being a DJ?

RC: For me especially it’s trying to stay current, I’m 50 next year and it’s game on trying to cut it like all the constantly emerging talent...

FFY: What was it that made you realise you wanted to involve yourself in the music industry?

RC: It all happened naturally, I loved music, I went raving, I wanted to be a DJ, I ran and owned record shops, distributed vinyl, ran labels, more djing, ran nightclubs - I couldn’t keep away from the industry.

FFY: Every year, to many, The Winter Social Festival signifies the beginning of music festival season - what makes it so good?

RC: They bring world class names to leafy old Kent, and I mean the line ups are insane, it sets the pace for the rest of the year.

FFY: Who are you looking forward to seeing in The Winter Social line up?

RC: Sven Vath

FFY: You've been able to perform alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, but If you could do a B2B set in any location with anyone, who would it be and where?

RC: I’d have to say going b2b with Carl Cox at Space is the stuff dreams are made of! okay Space is no longer with us, but Carl if your reading this, call me lol, no but seriously a 10 hour b2b with Carl in the Space Discoteca would be the one! We can all dream!

FFY: What are your plans for this year, more festivals, new music...?

RC: I’m off to play Colombia in March, in July I play a new festival in Croatia called Labyrinth Open Festival, more new music from myself, another release on Abode Records, I have another collab with Mark Fanciulli waiting to drop - it’s looking like a busy year!!