Get ready for your monthly dose of deep house and disco goodness this time coming from NYC heavyweight producer/DJ, Metro Area’s Darshan Jesrani and the hottest thing to come out of Scotland since Gordon Strachans hair, Craig Smith. Not only that, but you’ll also be on the receiving end of a delightful warm up from Developments resident selectors Chris Feinmann and Tom Lynch.

We sent some interview questions over to Darshan and he very kindly gave us some interesting answers…see below…

Your debut Metro Area album was recently voted in the top 10 albums of the decade by Resident Advisor, as well as the Top 50 albums of 2002 by Rolling Stone. Fantastic accolades all round! What did the creative process involve, other than you and Morgan in the studio and lots of hard work?

That’s it, really, and just a general desire to get back to aspects of a sound we felt had been lost. This informs all of our stuff.

We heard a rumour of a 2nd Metro Area album on the horizon, how are things coming along with that ? And how does it comapre to the first one ?

Very well, thanks — we have about 10 songs so far, with more to follow. It’s going to be more of a song-oriented album. There will be some tracks, but it will definitely have more lyrics and vocal arrangements than our last one. Also, I think the mood of each track is a little more mature from the standpoint of being written that way, mostly because we’re 7 years older. We’ve also been exploring more major-key stuff and some new wave/synth pop vibes.

You sound like you’re busy with a few different projects at the moment, what are you most excited about working on musically?

This album.. Right now I’m mostly interested in doing a strong record. I’ve also been planning to do some solo stuff, but later on, after the album is finished.

And you’ve been building a studio and music loft in Brooklyn too, are you throwing parties there as well as recording?

Well, I’ve been throwing parties, but not yet at my place. Soon I hope to do some nice nights there.

What producers and DJs do you rate at the minute ?

I don’t know, for me lately it’s been more about particular works than artists, producers or DJs. I guess with DJs it’s a little easier — I’ll always big Harvey up, my partner Morgan, Dennis “Citizen” Kane, Danny Wang, Danny Krivit, Theo Parrish, Sadar.. But I’m also totally open – there’s so much out there, and probably so much I’m not aware of.

Where are you favourite places to DJ and best experiences as a touring DJ?

I love playing anywhere people have been really open and receptive to the vibe I’m trying to convey. This has meant pretty much anywhere, and I tend to take things on a gig-by-gig basis. There have been so many incredible experiences, from playing at a farm and game preserve in South Africa, to a packed street party in Sao Paolo to a huge festival in Barcelona, to a small club in Tokyo. All over the world people are working to bring audiences special nights and I feel fortunate to have been able to contribute.

Disco music has seen a significant resurgence of late, albeit in the form of edits and hybrid combinations of disco influences and other forms of dance; something that you’ve been famous for, among other things. What are your thoughts on the genre and its nuance?

I think the renewed interest in disco and the idea of disco represents a desire for something more from a night out and something more from the music that’s played at nightclubs. However, I think it’s important that people tune in and try to understand the spirit of the music in all its forms, and the social context and values that birthed disco, and the idea of dancing to mixed music in clubs. Too often the form and fashion is co-opted and the heart of the matter is lost. That wouldn’t make for any kind of real revival.

We’ve really enjoyed listening to your live sets recently, has your dj style changed much over the past 10 years and how do you source new music?

Thanks. Yeah, it keeps changing, slowly.. I try not to make any claims as a DJ, but I’ve been playing around with mixing old and new music for a long time, aiming to do something singular and fun on the night, and I hope to keep getting better at it. It’s taking some focus and desire, and also patience. Lately I have a pretty lackadaisical approach to sourcing new music. I wait until I hear something – whether it be out at a party, from a friend, on the net, in a store – that grabs my attention and then find out what it is and how to get it. Sometimes I surf the net and discover music by following links. I used to go to stores and digging spots every few days, but now I’m in a slightly different head, plus I think I’m searching for different stuff now, and I’ve been focusing more on studio work.

Outside of the music you play in clubs, what do you like listening to?

I haven’t really been listening to all that much music. Playing and thinking about music all the time has pretty much kept me occupied. I just got a car though, so I’ll probably listen to more music while driving. I love all kinds of music, but the stuff I can get into most easily is 60s and 70s R&B, 80s and 90s reggae, 60s and 70s jazz, 70s rock, some 90s alternative and ethereal music like 4ad bands, some new wave. I’m starting to learn more about 70s electronica. I have a soft spot for folk. It’s really endless!

What is your most treasured 12″?

I don’t know man, but if you happen to know anyone at Air Europa, please tell them to find my bag of treasured 12″s and send it back to me pronto.

What’s your history with Manchester ? Have you played over here a lot ? And what can our crowd expect from you ?

I’ve played in Manchester on a few occasions. I’ve had great times there – one of the most memorable being Electric Chair in 2004 or 5.. That was the first time I’d gotten a taste of how into it Manchester crowds can get. Kind of took me by surprise.

You’re alongside Craig Smith from 6th Borough Project, what’s your thoughts on the stuff Craig’s been bringing out recently ?

Hey Craig, how are you? It’ll be good to meet you on the 28th and I’m looking forward to hearing your music. It’s actually been mentioned by a couple of people lately so the referrals are a cool endorsement.. See you soon