Mark, after ten years in the industry you’ve been labelled as a true house heavyweight. You command a widespread audience and a dedicated following, be it through your own massively popular releases like ‘Alright’ or your high profile remixes with artists like Basement Jaxx, Faithless and Underworld; You now have some true, diverse musical heritage sir.

Let's talk about Japan though, if we may. You’ve been before, last year for quite an extensive tour; twice you played Womb in Tokyo along with the Riviera Sapporo in Hokkaido and you finished off with the Xtreme Dance Festival towards the end of November…

So, what were your initial impressions of Japan? Was it what you were expecting?

Actually, one thing I was really surprised about what that, architecturally, there’s not a lot of history present and that kind of shocked me. It’s not like England where you’ve got listed buildings, once something is up it stays up. Here, people are free to knock down and build their own houses to their own design. Sometimes you really have to actively seek out temples, you know. The Cities histories aren't always visual, almost devoid of that cultural heritage in some metropolitan areas. Everything is so modern and civilised! I loved the modernity, the work ethics of the people, the friendly nature. The level of ethics and respect is ever-present, which is really impressive.

Japanese audiences can vary quite differently to western ones; some go nuts, others they just stand and appreciate, sometimes there’re light sticks and choreography. How would you describe your Japanese audience?

Definitely the first one! I could stand around behind the decks picking my nose and people would applaud, they’re so appreciative. It’s such a rewarding and humbling experience to see an audience so into cutting loose and having a good time. Even if they don't fully understand what’s going on, they remain every bit as passionate and that’s truly inspiring.

Your label, Toolroom Records and its subs (Toolroom Trax and Toolroom Radio) have been the driving force behind your new direction over the last two years, where next? Can we expect any radical movements from you?

Absolutely. In fact, I’ve been working on a new album for the last four or five years, an electronic band project, Chemical Brothers or The Prodigy kind of thing. It’s really exciting for me to branch out as an artist, sort of expand away from DJ-ing exclusively and really explore my musical depths. When we set out to create this thing, we really had a strict manifesto of what we wanted to achieve as a band, it’s radically different to anything I’ve done before.

Any release dates in mind?

There’s no definitive date yet, it’s taken us a while because there’s always been other projects and commitments along the way. I intend for this to be the culmination of my career so far, I’ve taken DJ-ing as far as I can; I’ve had massive success in that world and maintaining it is a real challenge so I need something new, something for me.

Last time you were here in Japan, what was your wildest / most cultured / favourite experience?

Oh wow, what was the first again? Wildest? I think that would definitely be playing WOMB. All my shows have been great in Japan but WOMB was absolutely mental! People just went totally nuts… Most cultured would be a temple we visited in Tokyo, I think it was (Meiji Jinguu). We learned all about the history and the ritualistic nature of things, it really was amazing. I loved the whole experience, I couldn’t pick favourites. The culture, the people, the beer and, aw man, don't even get me started on the food…I could eat wagyu until I died.

This month you’re slated to play the Joule Club in Osaka. It's a different city to Tokyo; a little more relaxed…the tie is loosened so to speak. Smaller, grungier and always looking for a good time. How are you feeling about it?

I look forward to not only the gig but going back to Japan in general, I love what Osaka has to offer. The food and the drink and the massively friendly people, it’s gunna be great. (After hearing our suggestions for trying Okonomiyaki in Dotonbori) Mate, that sounds amazing…can you text me that information? Wanna get in on that if we can.

Are you planning any further shows in Japan now that you’ve had a taste?

One hundred per cent. I want to go back for shows at least three times a year, I think going too much and you’d over saturate yourself, so just a few times a year is perfect for enriching yourself culturally and expanding your fan base. I think we’ve got one more weekend booked so far this year, I really wanted to play FUJIROCK but time and commitments just wouldn’t allow it! We really racked our brains on that one to try and make the schedule work! Ah well, definitely next year.