Already one of the world's most sought-after DJs/remixers, Paul Oakenfold is fast becoming a darling of the film community. Having already proven his worth by scoring the film Swordfish, the London-based DJ/producer/remixer/label boss was coaxed into remixing the theme from Planet of the Apes, due next month.

"[20th Century Fox] approached me and I went and met Danny Elfman, who's doing the score and [director] Tim Burton, and they're really nice guys," Oakenfold says. "They told me what they were looking for and I just kind of beavered away in the studio."

Film offers are now piling up in his U.K. offices. "I've been offered about seven films," he says. "I just kind of want to take my time. I don't want to rush into anything yet. I've got quite a busy summer."

In addition to the Mekka tour, which he'll join for select dates, Oakenfold will be a part of Moby's Area: One festival, which kicks off July 11th, an event he hopes will continue to raise his stateside profile.

"I think there's gonna be a lot of new people that probably haven't heard me before, so hopefully they'll kind of wander in and listen to what I'm playing," he says. "It's quite interesting to see how the concert works really, 'cause you've got OutKast, New Order and Moby -- and there are three completely different crowds. I'm looking forward to seeing all three of 'em play."

JOLIE LASH
(July 6, 2001)