Carl Cox: "If I'd been taking drugs, I'd be in a mental institution"

We've got Carl Cox's healthy lifestyle to thank for his illustrious, long-running career.

In a new interview with The Weekly Review, the 'King of Ibiza' has said he's glad he made an early decision to say no to drugs, claiming music has provided his highs over the years.

“I’ve always said music is my drug. I’ve always been clean living. If I had been taking drugs, I wouldn’t be here today. I’d be in a mental institution. Or dead. I was lucky enough to say no in my early days and to get enough sleep. I’ve got a zest for life and that’s what makes me who I am.”

He also thanked you, the ravers, for keeping him powering through extended sets.

"I try to rest as much as I can before I do a long set. Even though (eight hours) seems like a long time, when you’re actually DJing, it goes like that. You get six hours in and all the ones who are still going give you the strength to keep going.”

The rest of the interview covers the importance of the rave scene bringing people together, him living in Melbourne and his disinterest in the media.

Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter