Pop Quiz: Paul Oakenfold

Pop Quiz: Paul Oakenfold

Aidin Vaziri | At first everyone thought it was kind of funny that Paul Oakenfold made a living spinning records. And then the 42-year-old British DJ sold out the Hollywood Bowl, played the Great Wall of China and landed gigs working with everyone from Madonna and U2 to New Order and the Rolling Stones. Most recently, his music has been popping up in ads for Coca-Cola and Toyota, as well as in films such as "The Pink Panther." Meanwhile, he's just released a new album of his own work, "A Lively Mind," which includes collaborations with Pharrell Williams, Grandmaster Flash and actress Brittany Murphy, who sings on the first single, "Faster Kill Pussycat."

Paul Oakenfold
Q: I would so hate to be your neighbor.
A: Yeah, especially if I was in the apartment above you.
Q: Do you actually live in an apartment?
A: No. But can you imagine if I did and you were below me? I would be the neighbor from hell.
Q: I heard Tony Blair is your neighbor.
A: That's right, he is.
Q: Does he come over for tea parties?
A: No, he doesn't, actually.
Q: How did you make as much money playing records as he did running the country?
A: There is money in DJ-ing after all, eh? Hard work, commitment, pushing the envelope. I don't sit on my laurels. I don't look back.
Q: You've also worked with U2, Madonna and the Rolling Stones. What does your phone book look like?
A: It looks big, fat and black.
Q: Do you like playing huge places like the Hollywood Bowl or would you rather be playing in some dump in south London?
A: I enjoy it, yeah. I like taking it to the next level.
Q: Do you realize how ridiculous your life is?
A: I do sometimes, yeah.
Q: You play records.