Above and Beyond have been hailed as the UK’s new dance superstars following a meteoric rise to the top of the global music scene. UrbanPlanet caught up band member Tony McGuinness, currently ranked No.6 in the world's Top 100 DJs, to find out why he calls himself an animal and what it’s like waking up with groupies!

How did you get started?

I started making dance music around 1998 I think, having been in bands before that. I’d come to the end of my rock music tether at the time and wanted to try something different. I did a few tunes on my own and with my brother and then met up with Jono and Paavo in 2000 and immediately recognised their superior engineering skills! So when I got asked to remix Chakra Home for Warners I asked Jono and Paavo to help out and that was how Above & Beyond started.

How would you describe your style?

We make emotional, uplifting, lyrical, happy, sad music.

What was the best ever gig you have played to date?

Electric Daisy Carnival, LA Coliseum this summer. 20,000 people in the Olympic Stadium singing their hearts out. Incredible.

What was your best gig you have seen as a gig-goer?

My Bloody Valentine around1993. I had no idea what to expect, I think in my head I’d confused them with Britpop (they were on tour with Blur) and they utterly shook my world. They played white noise for 10 minutes and my mouth hung open. There is a rumour they will be reforming for Coachella next year, in which case I’m so going.

What are currently your favourite bands / artists?

I’m actually really loving the new Radiohead album, but I like so many different artists, from Sia to Frank Sinatra, Cliff Martinez to Keane, Arctic Monkeys, Eggstone, Crowded House, Vangelis, Editors, Engineers, REM, The Cure, Freedy Johnston, Craig Armstrong, The Timewriter, Jeff Buckley, The Chameleons, The Clash, Jose Gonzalez, Eg White, Little Fish…

Who is your all time favourite act?

The Cure. 100% original.

What was your first job?

Advertising strategist. Loved it.

When was the last time you threw up?

I think it was when I got alcohol poisoning from vodka and orange with not much orange in. Horrible. I had my head in the loo for over two hours.

What's your pre-gig drink of choice?

Certainly not Vodka. Either red wine with dinner, or a beer.

Do you do the whole groupie love thing?

I'd certainly like to have dinner with Cate Blanchett.

Which other celebrity would you like to be trapped in a lift with and why?

Bruce Willis, of course. He’d swear a lot but he’d also get us the fuck out.

Where was your most enjoyable holiday?

Diving in Palau, Micronesia. Heaven on earth.

If you were an animal what would you be?

I am an animal. I’d be a DJ.

Who did you last share your bed with?

Two lovely girls who came to our show in LA.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Life is like rowing a boat. You can see the past but the future is behind you.