We found him: David Zowie tells us about his long-awaited comeback

He's back.

After years of waiting for David Zowie to release a follow-up to his chart-topping, world-conquering anthem, 'House Every Weekend', the UK producer has finally dropped his second single and to be quite honest, I'm over the fucking moon.

I've been refreshing Zowie's Facebook page for quite some time now. Wondering. Waiting. Dreaming of his return to the big leagues and we finally have it in the form of 'The Real Don', his Positiva/Virgin EMI-released sophomore single. His socials have remained practically dormant since 'House Every Weekend' went to number one two years ago and since that moment, I've dedicated a substantial amount of time trying to find out what the hell happened to Zowie.

He had the world at his feet, the country in the palm of his hand but things went quiet. Until now. I'm pleased to announce that I have locked in a world exclusive interview with the man himself.

Yes, I spoke to David Zowie and it was magical. We chatted about what he's been doing, what's coming next and why he left me, one of many DZ fans, in the dark for so long.

You can read the full interview below and breathe a sigh of relief with me. David's back and he's going to be bigger than ever.

It’s been over two years since you released ‘House Every Weekend’, what the hell have you been up to in that time?

Basically I’ve just been travelling. I’ve done a minimal amount of gigs; I don’t want to DJ for DJing sakes. I don’t want to sound like an arsehole either, but I just want to DJ for the right reason. I’ve travelled to a lot of places. Places I’ve always wanted to go and it was a "no time like the present" kind of thing. I’ve been down shark slides in Dubai a few times, I’ve been go-karting in bloody Morocco. I’ve been horse riding around the Caribbean, even in the sea which I never knew existed.

Really, what do you mean?

Mate, horses actually swim. It felt like I was in Neverending Story.

Are you talking about Falcor?

That was the big horse wasn’t it? Yeah I felt like that. I’m not joking, it brought back childhood memories, but yeah I didn’t believe they swam. They do. I also went to Thailand, did some Elephant riding. I went to where The Beach was filmed, I’ve been to Mexico too. That’s why I haven’t really posted anything on social media but I’ve got music with artists. Artists that are out there but for some reason or another [the tracks] haven’t really got out there. There’s legal reasons and stuff like that.

I guess the big question is, did you expect ‘House Every Weekend’ to explode the way it did.

No way, it just happened. It came organically out of nowhere. I’ve always made music, made music of all different sounds. It just took off on its own. I gave it to a mate to play, and before I knew it, it was on Radio One.

You say you’ve been travelling but there has to be reason as to why you haven’t released a proper follow up. You had a number one, was there any pressure to release something as big?

You know what, I felt pressure but it’s just music at the end of the day. It’s not that serious, I’m not saving lives am I? I’m not a surgeon. I didn’t really feel pressure but of course it’s played on my mind. I’m not even trying to repeat ‘House Every Weekend’ but now I’m in that position. I guess I don’t really like to admit it.

I mean on a really basic level, what’s your day-to-day routine, what do you when you wake up?

For the last two months, I’ve been making music, getting everything ready that I’m going to be bringing out and also working on the video. I’ve played a big part in what happens with the video so we’ll see what happens.

We can’t wait. You mentioned earlier about your social media: in the last year there’s only been about 10 posts to your Facebook. You say you’ve been busy but is that the only reason? In this age social media is kind of essential for an artist.

You know what, there’s no reason not to post, you can be on the toilet and post. I hear what you’re saying. I’m not really a social media guy I guess.

You should get someone to do it for you.

You know what, I did give over my password for Instagram. I just find it strange being on my phone and taking pictures but there’s no excuse not to do it.

You built up a fanbase, me included, and I didn’t know where you’d gone mate.

I always feel like there needs to be a reason for things I guess. Don’t really get Twitter, people just write random things.

That’s the beauty of it. From the sounds of it, your travels were amazing, I’d have loved to see a picture of you riding a horse in the sea.

Yeah, it’s true. I don’t know really.

So, the new single, 'The Real Don’, tell us all about it. Are you ‘The Real Don’?

Anybody who listened to those words can evoke what they will from it basically. I love listening to Biggie Smalls and when I first heard the lyrics "recognise a real don, when they see one” I felt great about myself. I guess I felt like more of a don than I actually am. I used to love hip hop so phrases like that stuck out.

So you’re saying anyone who listens to your music, any fans of the music, they can be 'The Real Don'?

Yeah of course. Well you’re either a Don or you’re not and there’s a difference between “one of your dons” and being The Real Don.

How long did it take you to make ‘The Real Don’?

Basically it’s a revamped track. It’s not a new one, it was made a while ago, it was like an embryo that I chose from my music. I liked the track and they wanted to go with it, so I went over it again and now we’re here. I’m excited about the video as well.

Describe the video in one word

Don.

I think the main question of the day is, do you listen to house every weekend still or are there other genres that take over your time?

Oh yeah, house is definitely weekend music for me. It all starts about Thursday.

The weekend starts Thursday for you?

Yeah, it’s acceptable to begin listening to to house music around Wednesday to get you in the mood for the Thursday vibe. So from about Thursday afternoon it kicks off and then if you’re working Friday you can deliberate where you want to go out.

You mentioned earlier that you haven’t been DJing much. Do you enjoy it? I would have thought off the back of ‘House Every Weekend’ you want to capitalise and play as much as possible.

Yeah it’s true, it’s true. I’ve thought this a lot. You know when you analyse yourself. I should have really.

You should have played at least three or four gigs a month really, man.

I agree, man. I kind of need to bite my tongue, but there’s loads of different reasons behind it. But yeah, I agree with you, I should have played a few key spots. Like I said though, I don’t want to DJ for DJing’s sakes and that’s the truth. I felt like I only had one song out and I didn’t want to become a tribute act. If I was Fatboy Slim and had a 25-year back catalogue of music I’d stand there and play all of the hits.

Hopefully then, ‘The Real Don’, let’s get you back in action.

Yeah, that’s the one. I have a nice succession of songs coming, hopefully I can get them through legal. But yeah, I’m gonna fix up man, I promise you.

What’s the plan after ‘The Real Don’ then? We’re talking album, tour, book deal?

I hope I can do it all man! I want to take things to the next level, I want to live it, I want to embrace it. I don’t want to half heart any of this basically.

The last thing I want to ask you is for a message. A message to all your fans and readers who have missed you as much as I have. What would you like to say.

Woah! You’ve flung that one at me. You know when you want to answer in an enigmatic way... You’ve put me on the spot.

Right, you’ve got an army of fans who loved the first single, they want more, hell I want more. What is 2018 for Zowie?

I wanna smash it basically. I personally want to smash it. I want to smash some gigs and events and I want to have a good time with it. I want to involve everyone, that’s what I want to do. I want to get the spirit back.

So what are we saying? More gigs. More music. More Zowie. More life?

That’s better than my one, stick that one in instead.

Funster is Mixmag's Deputy Digital Editor and he's finally ticked 'chatting to David Zowie' off his bucket list. Follow him on Twitter here