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Glasto Special: Professor Green Interview

Professor Green is enjoying his first ever Glastonbury this year, playing twice and also staying in a 'Wendy House'. Read on to find out more about his festival tips and what he'll be bringing to the Dance Village on Sunday.

Q: How did you're first ever Glastonbury show go?
Professor Green: It was probably the best show I've ever done to date to be honest with you. The energy was mad and the queue was huge. People couldn't even get into the tent! The vibe was insane.

Q: So your first Glastonbury is getting off to a good start. What do you think of the festival?
PG: It's amazing. I was in the Stone Circle last night and was looking over the whole site. There's something medieval about this whole area. It's definitely quite a spiritual place. The spirit of the crowd seems a lot higher than usual.

Q: Who do you want to see while you're here?
PG: I'm gutted that I missed Vanilla Ice last night but i'm looking forward to seeing Bonobo today and The XX as well.

Do you think Jay-Z really opened the door for Snoop to come here?
PG: I think so, and I think Snoop is worldwide renowned. He's been here for so long and everyone loves his music so much I think it's going to be a no-brainer. He will smash it.

What do you think about the fact that Dizzee is ahead of Snoop on the bill. That's quite a statement about UK Hip-Hop.
PG: We're looking after our own for once. I think for so many years we've been looking at what they're doing in America and I think it seems like the tables are turning. They're paying a lot more attention to what's going on here which is nice.

Q: Do you still feel like it's difficult to battle with America?
PG: Plan B's record came out here and he sold nearly 100,000 in the first week in the UK so we can compete.

Q: What do you make of Plan B's transformation?
PG: He's always rapped on his records and he's always been a singer so it's just another side of him. He hasn't sold out. I think he's just giving people another side of him and staying true to himself. People don't realise how ignorant they are when they say to an artist that you can only make one type of music because it doesn't work like that.

Q: Are people being ignorant when they put too much emphasis on your use of samples?
PG: For me rappers have always sampled records. I've got two samples on my whole album and that's it. Hip-hop came from samples and from people mashing stuff up on the decks.

What's really weird in this country is that people always want to bring you down. We don't get behind our own that often. It's only the really bitter INXS fans that have a problem. I have an email from Andy Farriss himself saying how much he loved the song. I'm not as cool as Michael Hutchence was.

Q: You're a really prolific freestyle artist having won Jump Off seven times in a row twice, any chance of a Glastonbury freestyle?
PG: I don't do it anymore. If I go on radio then I can feel a beat but I can't just bring it out all the time.

Q: Do you at least have any tips for fellow Glastonbury virgins?
PG: I'd definitely keep the weather the way it is every year. I'm staying in a Pod Pad which is a bit like a blown up Wendy House so I've got a raised bed. Every time I turn over there's a shelf above which I smack my head on so that's not a vibe. I'd definitely have a room change.

Q: A rapper can't stay in a Wendy House.
PG: Yeah. It's not cool. Come to Glasto with an open mind though and maybe wet wipes. Go and see Skream and Example while you're here.

Q: You seem to be on a real high after the mishap of the record label fold with The Beats
PG: The manager of the label was as gutted as we all were when it didn't work out. We were like a family but Example's still here and we still have party's like the ones on Beat Stevie, only we're a bit more careful about letting people film it.

Professor Green's album comes out on July 19th while the single featuring Lily Allen is available July 19th. Lily Allen may make an appearance in Professor Green's next performance in the East Dance tent at half six on Sunday.

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4:47 PM | 25/06/2010