A world-renowned DJ, producer and head of the famed Circus Recordings, Yousef has traveled the world many times propelled by his music. His extensive, ever-growing discography continues to evolve and spread international joy to all who’s listening.

— — —

SunCity Paradise: Coming from Liverpool and London describe where you’re from a little bit? What appeals to you about each?

Yousef: Both cities have a real vibrancy and of course a long history. Both cities are consumed music lovers too. The greatest bands the world has ever known come from either Liverpool or London! I love the variety of life London offers, the multi culture, the art, the ideas, yet although Liverpool has those attributes, you can’t beat the character of the people. There’s literally no one like the people of Liverpool, the humor, the camaraderie, the overall spirit and kindness too. Im glad to be part of both.

Photo courtesy | Beverley Goodwin

SCP: Was traveling and seeing the world part of your inspiration to become a DJ, as well as for your many rolls throughout music? How has it broadened your horizons?

Yousef: For certain seeing the world has been the most important part of me developing my adulthood. I come from a pretty basic background and traveling to anywhere further than school growing up was never a possibility. Now I’ve been touring for 15 years. I’ve seen almost ever country I dreamed of visiting as a boy. I genuinely love getting to know new cultures, countries, their people and of course their music. I’ve returned from tours many times to get straight into the studio to make a track reflective of my journeys. For example, my release a few years ago “The Road to Medellin” was made after a tour of Colombia, and ended up being a big tune in Ibiza for Carl Cox.

SCP: When searching for a personal getaway, are you searching more for a serene beach or after a more active, adventurous getaway?

Yousef: Almost always I need relaxing time. The pace my life goes at is pretty relentless, so for me a relaxing time doing normal things with my family is the perfect getaway.

Photo courtesy | Michela Simoncini

SCP: One of our core objectives at SCP is to bring people together while traveling, not only to influence people to see and appreciate our beautiful world, but to also minimize cross-cultural divides. What effect does traveling, specifically surrounding dance music, have on humans in this regard? How has it broadened your perspective of the world?

Yousef: Electronic music has reached the entire globe, there a few places the beat has not landed. Only this year I’ve seen all of Europe, Australia, all over America, a full tour of South America, India, the Middle East and plans for Asia too. I’m sitting on a plane on the way back from an amazing gig in Dubai now. The gigs are different, but overall the message of unity and amazing new music seems to be a global theme. My perspective, although very broad through experience, has been proved time and time again that no matter where people are from, other than a few differing customs, we are all exactly the same.

SCP: You have shows throughout the United Kingdom, with additional stops in Dubai and Switzerland coming up. Having already touched on the UK, what excites you about traveling to Dubai and Switzerland?

Yousef: Switzerland is wonderful place, amazing gigs, scenery and people with a very high standard of Living! With Dubai it’s been interesting for me to watch the love for music actually develop for there [and spread] outwards, rather than an imported “we will take what we can get”, which it was only a few years ago. The place is incredibly exciting, almost crime free (from what I’ve seen) and open to ideas. I’m not sure I would settle there, but I’d certainly live there for a while one day.

SCP: If you had to choose the most picturesque place you’ve played at, what would it be? Describe the scenery a little bit.

Yousef: It’s got to be [Christchurch] in New Zealand. The place is magical, the air tastes of pure life and daylight is astounding. I can’t over exaggerate how beautiful it is. They filmed Lord of the Rings there, but the movies really don’t do it justice as they are pretty dark. Seeing that place in the broad morning sunshine is as close to heaven on earth as I can imagine.

Photo courtesy | Loïc Lagarde

SCP: What’s the first thing you try and do when visiting a new destination?

Yousef: In honesty it’s usually sleep, as I’m in town usually for such short periods that after a 12 hour flight, getting a nap in before a gig and then a pending tour is essential. I usually try to explore the morning after the gig before heading off to the airport.

SCP: Everyone has a list of places that they haven’t seen yet, but want to. What are some of the places you can’t wait to hit? Why?

Yousef: Iceland for certain. I’m going to go this year with my family. It’s not far for us and flights are direct. We’re going to see the scenery and take in its natural beauty. Also, I’m impressed with the nation that was on its knees ten years ago, now runs almost exclusively off renewable fuels. Take note rest of the world! I’d like to see more of Africa. I’ve seen South Africa, Tunisia, Egypt and Gambia, but I’d like to see East Africa too.

SCP: Lastly, when’s the next vacation and where to?

Yousef: I’m taking my wife and son with me to Australia and New Zealand over new year and into early January.

— — —

For more on Yousef visit his website: