Spencer Parker - Flights of fancy

Spencer Parker has been a key player in the house and techno scene for the last decade. From early associations with the likes of NRK, Buzzin Fly and Rekids to recent outings on Crosstown Rebels and King Street, coupled with his natural affinity behind the decks, have meant that Spencer has continued to sit comfortably on the cutting edge for throughout his career. As one of the scene's most in demand DJ's, Pulse asked Mr Parker to share some of his most memorable travel experiences. 

Spencer Parker - A Gun For Hire is out 14.09.11 on Saved Records.

Pulse. What's your worst airport waiting lounge experience. Spencer. Swaying gently in the (minus 24 degrees) breeze as i waited at Chita airport in Siberia, alone, on the borderline of stupidly drunk and epic-ly hungover, for my first of three flights home that day, after precisely no sleep and arriving (via a different three flights) less than 14 hrs previously. If you think asking for a paper bag to potentially barf into is a touch embarrassing, try miming it to a stone faced Trans Ural Airways hostess at 10am...

Best and worst reasons for missing a flight. Only ever missed one flight!  And that was because a guy on my train had a heart attack in Kings Cross station and no other trains could get in or out.  I arrived at the airport late and missed my flight to Graz in Austria (to play in Slovenia that night). So, in my infinite wisdom and with my great knowledge of geography, I decided that Austria was about the same size and shape as Ibiza (?!?!!?!?),  based on the picture of the country behind the bookings desk (?!?!!?!?). So i was sure i could get a train across the country from Salzberg - which was departing in 20 mins. I booked myself onto the flight, paid for the ticket and ran to the gate. I somehow negotiated myself onto 2 different trains across the length of Austria and after travelling for around 15 hrs, made the pick up in Graz, and gig.

Worst excuse for missing a gig. Never missed a gig!

Scariest foreign experience. Being booked to play a beach party in Georgia, on the Black Sea coast, an eight hour drive from Tbilisi. The arena held around 2000 people but only 30 were there, the decks were both Numark with no stlyli, one cdj kept stopping as it had water in it and the other had a problem with the pitch where -8 was actually 0. There was also a huge stage with video projections on and a MC going crazy. I explained i couldn't really play as all the equipment was fucked and I was going back to the hotel, and would return when they sorted something else out. As the owner of the club and five of the bouncers surrounded me, i decided that, actually, I quite like my kneecaps as they are, and put my headphones on.

Most unbelievable travel story. Traveling to Russia for NYE a few years back the travel company fucked up the dates on my visa. I arrived, after two flights, was put straight back on the flight i had came in on. I lost my entire fee and spent NYE in a travelodge type hotel near Zurich airport, waiting for my return to London the next day. The restaurant was shut, I hadn't eaten all day and could only munch on the crisps in the bar area. As midnight struck i was given a party popper that i promptly pulled and it broke without going off ! At that point, i retired to bed to gently sob myself to sleep.

Most unlikely travel encounter. Waiting for a connecting flight in Russia i saw a guy with a monkey on a lead. About the same size as Marcel from Friends the little fella was wearing a very gangsta, bright red tracksuit and actually got on the plane! For the rest of the flight, all i kept thinking was, i wonder if he got his own seat, how much baggage allowance is he allowed etc etc.

Most extravagent overseas purchase. Probably a baby blue pair of canvas shoes from Visvim in Tokyo. Whenever i go to Japan, Visvim and Head Porter normally gang up on me and tag team to beat the fuck out of my Visa card.

Place you've left vowing never to return New Zealand, don't get me started.

Your favorite travel destination I love Paris and have a lot of friends and family in the city. It's a great place to visit and I adore playing at the Rex Club, so it's always fun times whenever i get to go there.

Country that you most look forwards to returning to. Japan. Without a doubt! I'd wanted to go there for years and when i finally did, it didn't disappoint.

When you get back to Berlin, what is it that makes you feel at home and is there anything you specifically miss when you are away? I can answer both those questions with one answer. My beautiful, gorgeous, sexy girlfriend is what/who I miss most when I'm away, and how she makes me feel at home is none of yo godamn business!! 

For more info on A Gun For Hire check here

Spencer Parker on Pulse Radio