Italian deejay and producer Benny Benassi spoke to the Saudi Gazette ahead of the MDNA tour dates in the Emirates on June 3 and 4, and discussed his favorite music and his first ever concert with Madonna in the Middle East next month.

How do you feel about performing with Madonna in the UAE?
Really honored. I’m greatly looking forward to it.

What makes this concert different from your previous performances?
Well, I’m a support act for the biggest pop icon in the world! So, it’s definitely different from what I normally do.

Are you looking for something special this time on your trip to the UAE?
I always look for that special vibe when I connect with the audience and the atmosphere is just right. I really want to hit that vibe on these shows.

How has the electronic dance music scene changed since “I Feel So Fine” to your latest “Spaceship”?
It’s grown enormously. DJs have become “personalities” and the technology for DJs has changed a lot.

Which of your three tracks on MDNA is your favorite and why?
This is one of those questions I never know how to answer because I change my mind every day, according to my mood. I really like all the three, that’s the truth. Right now, it’s the single, “Girl Gone Wild” but it could change in half an hour!

What is your favorite track at the moment?
There are lots. I really like “Monolith” by Congorock, who is a friend and works with us.

Is there anyone you want to collaborate with at this point?
Still many people out there I’d be honored to work with.

Any message for your fans in the UAE?
Thank you so much for all your support. You are the people who have made my career possible and I appreciate that!

Benny also met Rachel Ingram from Ahlan! for a short 10-minute chat ahead of his gigs at Yas Arena on 3 and 4 June.

You produced three tracks on Madonna’s latest album, what was it like to work with the Queen of Pop?
It was an amazing experience – an honour and very stimulating. Madonna is extremely professional and knows exactly what she wants.

Do you ever get tired of playing your mega-hit Satisfaction?
That track kick-started my international career, I will never get tired of it! But I often play different remixes or just use some elements mixed over other songs.

How do you prepare for your gigs?
I don’t prepare my sets in great detail. I have a selection of tracks I’m feeling and then I need to feel the vibe from the crowd and take them on a musical journey. I’ll be thinking of Madonna fans when I prepare for this gig!

You’ve done remixes for the likes of Goldfrapp and OutKast, what’s been your fave song to recreate?
One of my favourites is the remix we did for Faithless. I’ve always been a big fan.

You’ve been to the UAE before, what keeps you coming back?
I’ve been to Dubai several times and I always enjoy the architecture, the location on the sea and the food!

Where do you keep your Grammy Award?
I keep it in the studio, on the coffee machine!

From the interviews by Mariam Nihal for the Saudi Gazette and by Rachel Ingram on Ahlan!.