One of dance music's most influential and innovative DJ producers, Gareth Emery, storms into Creamfields Festival this summer and we snatched him off the CDJ's for a moment to have a quick chat.

Voted Number Seven in DJ Mag's 'Top 100 DJs' poll making him the UK's highest ranked DJ, Gareth is one of the youngest DJs ever to crack the top ten. In 2010, he released his debut artist album 'Northern Lights' on his own label Garuda, to stunning reactions from fans and critics alike, topping the US iTunes dance chart within hours of release. This year he releases 'Northern Lights: Re-Lit'; a collection of remixes of his debut album.

We grabbed an interview with him to find out just what makes him tick.

What's your new album all about?
It's a bunch of remixes from my debut artist album Northern Lights, and features mixes from the likes of Hardwell, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Super8 & Tab, Daniel Kandi and more.

What made you decide to release a remix concept?
I guess a lot of tracks on the original Northern Lights were more designed for home listening than clubs, so it made sense to pick a bunch of my favourite producers to turn the tracks into club bangers.

Will you be doing any live Northern Lights shows to accompany this?
Yes. We've done two concerts so far, in Leeds and Toronto – it's basically an extended set by me plus a bunch of live vocalists and instrumentation, I even get on the piano! We've got some more concerts coming up in LA, Chicago and a few more in North America, plus we're announcing two more in Europe imminently.

You've just been to Miami, do you go to the conference every year? Did you hear any tracks to listen out for?
Yeah I go every year, it's a great time, although you come back totally shattered. I'm not sure you get truly 'huge' Miami tunes like you used to five to ten years ago as sets tend to be more varied rather than everyone playing the same tracks, but I heard some great music during the week which I'm looking forward to IDing.

You're confirmed to play at Creamfields alongside Above & Beyond and Markus Schulz. Will you get to see their sets too?
I will if I can… Catching other DJ's sets can be tricky at festivals as it all depends when you arrive, what set time clashes exist etc. But A&B and Markus are two acts I always try to see.

Have you got anything to say to your fans that are undecided about coming to Creamfields this year?
Undecided, are you mad? It sold out last year so I'd decide quickly!

What are you most looking forward to about this year's Creamfields?
The amazing crowd and the best festival the North has to offer. Oh, and the short drive home…

Which DJs will you be going to see when you have finished your set?
It all depends on set times, but on the Sunday I'd like to see the Swedes, Laidback Luke and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano the most.

Have you ever been to Creamfields as a punter?
No, mainly because of living in Southampton until I was 26… it was pretty far so I'd be more likely to be at Homelands. Then once I moved up North I ended up having gigs every time it was on.

How's your set going to be different than any other you've done before?
Well I did about 150 gigs last year and not a single one was exactly the same… so I'm pretty sure it will be different. But seriously, I always try to bring something a bit special for the festivals.

Are you willing to announce any plans, or cheeky little numbers that we can expect to hear at this year's Creamfields?
I've already got a load of nice little bootlegs and party tracks that I think are going to work well for the festivals… so definitely!

Can you reassure us that there will be plenty of fresh material to get us in our groove and make us all feel special?
I'll be well into writing my second album by then so you'll definitely be hearing a few tunes from it that I'll be testing out.

Tune of Creamfields '11?
One that I haven't written yet (hopefully).

Apart from your own obviously, what's your favourite DJ podcast?
Resident Advisor. They have a different DJ each week, it's all very underground, and some of it is crap but others are amazing. The variety really is something to behold.

What has been the best song that you have produced and why?
Usually it's the most recent, so I'd have to say Sanctuary because it's the one that reached the most people.

What decks do you use?
Pioneer CDJ2000s.

What made you get into DJing?
I've always been into music – when I was into rock music I was playing guitars and keyboards, so when I got into dance music, it made sense that I got into DJing.

When can we expect the next album?
Early to mid 2012.

Who is your all-time favourite, and current favourite DJ/Producer?
All time favourite: Rank 1
Current favourite: Ben Gold

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time? What's that?

If you weren't an internationally recognised DJ and producer what would you have become?
Not sure. Probably something in business though. Before I did this I used to have a company that sold mobile phone ringtones. I'm pretty sure it would've been something that didn't involve a nine to five office job.

Which DJ/producer would you most like to work with?
To be honest I'm just really enjoying working on my own right now. Collabs are fun, especially if you're struggling a bit creatively, and you always learn new things from other people.

Do you have any famous fans?
Haha that's a good question. Chris Fountain (Justin Burton from Hollyoaks and now Corrie) follows me on Twitter, and that kid from Skins always has a Garuda poster on his wall… if either of those count.

Gareth plays the Cream Arena at Creamfields on Sunday 28th August 2011

for music/videos/podcasts and more check out
www.garethemery.com