Gareth Emery is a UK-born, LA-based DJ, who has built up a reputation as one of the most respected DJs in the world, regularly appearing in DJ magazine's top 100.
Producing and releasing his records through his own imprint, Garuda, he's also built up an enviable list of remix credits including Labrinth, Britney Spears and Above & Beyond.
He heads out on a UK tour from May 10th, beginning at Manchester's Albert Hall and taking in London's Ministry of Sound on May 16th - for a full list of dates and ticket links, head over to his website.
We caught up with Gareth to discover his Ultimate Playlist, and the stories behind the selections.
Read on below, and listen to the whole playlist on Spotify
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Favourite Sad Song
"One of the best chill-out tracks of all time. I'm not sure whether it's sad, but it always gets me teary eyed which is why I'm listing it here. It actually got played at my wedding, but it would be equally fitting at a funeral… just amazing."
Favourite Song From Your Childhood
"Music was a huge part of my childhood, so there are literally hundreds of songs that remind me of growing up… but for some reason this one stands out."
Favourite Song That No One Else Has Heard Of
"I've introduced this incredible piece of modern piano to so many people… so simple, but so emotional. Just incredible."
Favourite Club Anthem
"My job has been finding club anthems for the last ten years, so my favourite changes on pretty much a daily basis… but this is my favourite right now. Amazing remix of an even more amazing song. It's in every set of mine right now."
Favourite Song To Hear At A Wedding
"As far as late-night songs to here when everyone's already had plenty to drink they don't come much better than this. Link arms and belt it out… job done."
Favourite One-Hit Wonder
"Don't laugh, I actually love this. But where are Eiffel 65 now..."
Favourite Lyric From A Song
"Where are you now?/As I'm swimming through the stereo
I'm writing you a symphony of sound/Where are you now?
As I rearrange the songs again/This mix could burn a hole in anyone
But it was you I was thinking of"
"Andrew McMahon from Jack's Mannequin/Something Corporate is one of my favourite lyricists ever… if you've ever made a mix for someone and agonised over the song choices, you get this."
Favourite Song Currently in the Top 40
"I love this track, pure pop but just so catchy… don't tell anyone but I've actually thrown 30 seconds of the trap-esque bit into a few of my sets, haha."
Favourite Song From Your Own Music
"This was the lead single from my most recent album, and probably the most popular track in my sets right now… the video is also quite personal to me and totally sums up the road-trip vibe the album is about."
(Images: Rex/Getty)
