Tara Reynolds on Creamfields, rock stars and the future of vinyl.

When did you first go to Creamfields?

"I first went to Creamfields years ago, I think it might've been one of the first ones. I spent most of my time in the Trade tent which absolutely blew me away. I remember Ian M, Pete Wardman and Tony de Vit playing and they were phenomenal. I also saw Paul Van Dyk for the first time and I remember thinking at the time that it was the best music I'd ever heard."

You've played all over the world - what is it you like about Creamfields

"The fact that its practically on my doorstep is a big bonus! I love playing internationally but local crowds are where I feel most at home. They know me better than anyone and know all my tunes, which makes them a great crowd to play to. With it being a festival, there's a whole different atmosphere and these things combined make it a great DJing experience."

What are your Creamfields festival essentials?

"A coat and umbrella because it usually rains and a pair of old trainers - have you ever tried to walk through a slushy field with high heels on?"

What's the main difference between playing in a venue and at a festival?

"I think there's a different atmosphere at a festival - a real sense of occasion. People usually go all out for these events - wear special outfits, travel down in big convoys. The clubbers have probably been preparing for the event for weeks and so are really excited by the time they arrive, which makes for a great atmosphere."

Summer festivals in the UK are still prone to a little rain - What do you play in bad weather? And sunny weather?

"It probably depends less on the weather and more on the time I'm playing. If I play an early set then it would be a lot less frenetic than my usual sound. Having said that, sunny days do lend themselves to a more chilled out vibe somehow!"

Who else will you be watching at Creamfields?

"I would love to see Basement Jaxx and Faithless - they will be immense. Also, PVD again (haven't seen him play since my first Creamfields!), Fergie, Paul Oakenfold (I've never seen him play would you believe), Erick Morillo, Fatboy Slim, Justin Robertson, David Guetta, Dave Clarke, Plump DJs, Scratch Perverts... my god so many I want to see!"

What do you see happening for Dance Music in the future?

"I think advances in technology are going to change the way a lot of DJs do things. I rarely go record shopping these days - if I buy anything I download it, something I didn't do even a year ago. Lots of DJs have a love affair with vinyl but the reality is that it may eventually become obsolete. Also, there seems to be a trend developing where the genres are becoming less polarised which I think is a good thing. It became very segregated for a while there but some promoters are now putting a variety of genres within the one venue, and sometimes in the same room. This is a good thing for the scene I believe."

Are you ever envious of Rock stars, or do DJs have it better?

"I have to admit I've never really thought about that! I'm sure both have their challenges and rewards. Considering I can't sing or play guitar the chances of me ever becoming a rock star are very remote so I guess I'll never find out!"

How are you getting to Creamfields this year? In Superstar DJ style, or a smelly tour bus?

"My lovely boyfriend James will be driving me in his gorgeous black Shogun Sport. I think his car is really sexy so I don't mind turning up in that at all!"

Tara Reynolds will be performing in the Tidy Arena at Creamfields UK 2005, Old Liverpool Airfield, Speke, Merseyside. Gates open at 3pm and close at 6am. Tickets are on sale now and cost £51.50+booking fee. Telephone 0870 242 7326 or visit http://www.cream.co.uk

We have a pair of tickets to give away! Click here for further details!