The US market is a difficult one to crack and Danny has been living and spinning in the USA for some time now. "It is the first time in almost a year that I took a break from America, after the Arc closing party I didn’t go out secretly for some time. And then towards the end of the year [2004] I was busy working on the Miami album and wanted to do a good job. So I haven’t really been out since the October Halloween party."

From an outside point of view it may seem that doing a GU 'main' series release is just another album to add to the personal discography - but this is far from the case. Global Underground have over the past decade cemented their position at the top of electronic music production, and following a slightly pear-shaped period of administrators and other setbacks, are well and truly back in top form.

Their main series is arguably their most respected around the world. What makes the series special is the effort and attention to detail that is poured into each album, from the selection of the location and the cover shot to the limited long-box release and sleeve notes. But it is not all about the details. The GU series has the ability to propel an artist to a whole new level of recognition and respect. Don’t get me wrong here, we all know and love Danny Howells and he is already up there with the world's best, but names like John Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Danny Tenaglia and Sasha are undoubtedly within a league of their own – in part due to their links with Global Underground.

It is certainly a great release for Danny Howells. Not only is it incredibly good, but it helps to confirm his place among the international DJ elite. Added to this, he has broken an unspoken convention by being the first DJ to move from GU's Nubreed series to the main series. "You know what they are like," Danny explains, "you do one and you move on - it's the nature of the series." However in 2003, three years after his initial Nubreed album, Danny was asked to put together a Day and Night disc for another new series on Global Underground. This series was of course 24/7. "I was quite happy with the results of the 24/7 CD and after that I wasn't even getting my hopes up when it was whispered that I might be doing GU027."

It has been a long time coming for Danny, as much as he tried to keep the rumours at bay. "It all happens between the record label and my management" said Danny, "after I did the 24/7 album there was mention of another CD, and that it would be the same series. I was content doing another 24/7 as I loved the freedom and idea of the album... then when it came back to me that I would be the first one to go to the main series from nubreed I was so surprised!"

“I have the
worst shirt collection
in the world...”

On the club circuit, Danny has become as well known for his unique fashion sense as well as his music. However, his quirky style is not always well received (take for example the infamous eyeliner incident of 2004). In reference to the Miami cover shot DJ Mag commented that Danny had "no excuse for such image-crimes". So is Danny suitably humbled by this stern ticking off? "[the cover shot] is a true reflection of the disgusting clothes I wear. I have the worst shirt collection in the world and the fact that I got one these shirts on the cover is brilliant. Best cover ever!" If only DJ Mag didn’t take themselves so seriously.

Enough about the fashion, what about the music? Danny told us he had no problems signing any of the tracks for the album. "I was quite fortunate as in general I seem to avoid playing major label stuff and tend to focus more on the small labels and lesser known tracks... playing things from Desyn's [Masiello] label and from other people I know. I don't consciously do it but there are always a couple of Mute releases... like the Bent track at the end of the first CD. I love the stuff those guys produce.

"When you're putting together a mix – as soon as you find out - you look out for the tracks you’ve been playing that you can use. The key for me is that I never play tracks other people cane. I always try to play records other DJs don't play that much. Stuff like the Sneaker Pimps – Post Modern Sleaze (Salt City Mix) from 97, Tantra from 99, Bryan Zentz - Redfield from a year ago and that's how I approached the album."

So where does Danny find the unique tracks to put together a mix? It is clear that he is not one to wind up stuck wheeling a PR driven record box – an outcome often produced by lazy DJs who rely on promos being stuffed into their mailboxes each day to use as their primary income of fresh music. "Record stores," says Danny, going on to explain the joys of ferreting for decent tunes in record store discount bins. "Nothing beats the feeling of a solid day record shopping (clothes shopping comes a close second). Most of the promos I get sent are not that hot, to be honest. When I do get sent a killer track, I usually mail the label and tell 'em it's a bomb!"

This year there has been an incredible amount of impressive electronic music released in the first quarter alone. I was trying to find out if this had a positive impact on the album. "I compiled it in the last part of 2004, and deliberately went back over a lot of old stuff as I felt that it was not the strongest year for music. This year it's a different kettle of fish... there's tons of amazing shit coming out!"

“Disc 1 is my baby
and it really
sums me up”

Danny Howells

So what about the punters? The reaction seems to be unequivocally positive. Danny's GU027 from Miami is arguably one of the finest releases Global Underground has seen to date. The wide variety of sounds and a final product that is almost flawless in its composition make the release something special. Most importantly, the album acts as the musical embodiment of Danny Howells. From the start of Disc 1 featuring his more vocal housey side to the more techy / progressive mix of Disc 2, the compilation showcases his wide ranging musical style. But which disc does Danny prefer? "I'm very critical..." he says, after a pause... "I like both – but my real favourite is Disc 1. The flow of Disc 1 captures my perception of 'the terrace' - Ibiza, Miami, wherever - the sun, the outdoors and all the things that make it special. It's more of a lush, melodic, really housey mix with sexy bass and lots of vocals ...more my style. Disc 1 is my baby and it really sums me up."

And on the final product. "I'm really happy with how the CD has come out, everything from the cover to the sleeve notes have been great ...although I still haven't seen a physical copy of the long box yet."

On a final note, we asked Danny what he had in store following Miami's Winter Music Conference. "To be honest the next 4-6 months I am doing the PR spiel. Living, talking and touring to promote the album ‘til I'm blue in the face! Ibiza festivals. And looking forward to going back to Australia too."