Waterloo Bridge is a symbol when I’m travelling back from the north side of the river that I’m nearly home.
Jon Rundell is an international DJ, acclaimed producer, in-demand remixer, record label boss – and south Londoner (he lives in Streatham). Rundell heads up Carl Cox’s Intec Digital label where he has been boss for seven years. Earlier this year he mixed the Pure Intec 2 compilation alongside Carl Cox which was released to critical acclaim. He takes Intec to Ibiza this summer, for a special one off party at Space on July 2. @Jon_Rundell
When were you happiest?
As a kid running up and down the lanes in Brighton, going record shopping and playing lots of football all over the country. And now. Everything right now is really cool.
Where would you like to live in south London?
I don’t know really, for me its all pretty accessible where ever your based here. Maybe one day a nice house in Dulwich but I’ve a bit more work to do before that’s possible.
What is your favourite south London sound or smell?
Sound-wise, people in beer gardens in the summer. There’s just something about it that makes you feel content, especially when you’re with a good group of friends. Smell-wise there is a great bread stall on the Northcote Road in Clapham that gets me every time.
Who is your favourite south Londoner?
Michael Caine since he’s lived further south near the river, he is all my all-time hero. David Bowie has to get a mention too with coming from Brixton.
Photos: Joe Okpako for The Electric
What’s your best experience in south London? Your worst?
Playing at Electric with Coxy, great fun. Worst was a long time ago and I’m not sure the place even exists these days.
Best south London gig or night out?
Brixton Academy, with the right band or DJ you’re into, can be pretty breathtaking.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Prepare or fail.
What is your earliest south London memory?
I remember my first visit to Brixton, I must have been about 19, and walked down Coldharbour Lane trying to find a pub to meet some people that were DJing in it. I was really intrigued by all the people on the street and how busy it was.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
I’m a man of simple pleasures and means: I don’t need much to be happy, just to be treated well by others and to be doing the same back – that’s all you need really, isn’t it ?
What is your most unappealing habit?
You’ll have to ask my friends that one, I’ll be biased and say not much.
What is your guilty pleasure in south London?
That has to be Slurp on the Streatham High Road, it’s a great little Chinese, Japanese and Thai food place. It gets a visit at least once a week.
Where do you hang out?
Years back we all used to go drinking in a place called The Holy Drinker on Northcote Rd, we all used to live nearby there and it wasn’t a chain bar so we liked it for that reason already. These days I don’t get the chance that much but when I do I’ll pop into Balham and meet up with friends there.
Who or what do you dislike and why?
I have a big distaste for people who just seem intent on being famous without actually doing much for it.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I broke my nose as a kid, it still kind of bugs me .
What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
Haha, I can’t repeat that. I still know them too and it’s not been forgotten – one day they might end up having to eat their words.
Tell us a secret…
The government put special things in the water to stop everyone using their brains to the best of their ability.
What has your career taught you?
Do what you love, and do it by being yourself, do it for as long as you can and don’t take short cuts.
The house I live in is…
A haven, except when I make loads of music noise.
Your favourite south London landmark?
Waterloo Bridge is a symbol when I’m travelling back from the north side of the river that I’m nearly home. And I love the song that The Kinks wrote about it too so it makes it even more special to me.
Describe yourself as an animal…
Hm, not sure really, a night owl perhaps?
