WHO Underneath that giant Mau5head is one of the most celebrated producers in the global dance scene: Niagara Falls native Joel Zimmerman. In the last year, he’s become one of the most in-demand DJs and the No. 1 selling artist on Beatport — the go-to digital download site — with his Mau5trap tracks repeatedly holding the top spots. A computer whiz, Deadmau5 continually punches out floor fillers that flawlessly fuse techno, minimal, electro and tech-house.

Known for his signature large-sounding eighth-note-saw-synths, Zimmerman got his start in 2005 thanks to UK DJ and Prodigy remixer Chris Lake, who introduced his music to UK DJ, mover and shaker Pete Tong. Superbly skilled, the Juno-winning Deadmau5 has collaborated with top talent including locals Sydney Blu, Jelo and MC Flipside. After a summer of intense touring, taking his live set and visual effects from Coachella and Creamfields to Edinburgh and Ibiza, he touches down this weekend at Virgin Fest for a rare Toronto appearance. Up next he’ll be launching a “World Tour" this fall to promote his debut album, Random Album Title. Not that he needs to create much buzz — clubbers around the world are likely anxiously waiting.

WHAT “Music of the electronic variety,” says Deadmau5, whose ideal DJing experience requires a great sound system, a good crowd, some golf carts and chocolate milk. “Anything goes, really. I draw on a lot of sources for inspiration.”

WHERE Sept. 7 with Moby, Lee Burridge and many more at Virgin Fest on Toronto Island Park.

FAVOURITE RECORD OF ALL TIME Westworld, “ChiaPet.”

FAVOURITE RECORD RIGHT NOW Daniele Papini, “Church of Nonsense.”

FAVOURITE WEBSITE RIGHT NOW www.fark.com. “Hilarity ensues.”

WHAT IS YOUR MOST SURREAL OR WEIRDEST DJING EXPERIENCE? “I think they’re all a bit weird and surreal, actually. Probably one of the [strangest] was playing at Red Rocks in Denver. That place is quite special.”

DIGITAL OR ANALOG? “Both. I’m that kinda guy.”

WHAT IS VITAL TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? “Coffee first thing in the morning and breathing — that’s kinda important too.”

WHAT GLOBAL ISSUE CONCERNS YOU MOST RIGHT NOW? “Fuel prices. Kind of a drag.”

WHAT IS YOUR RING TONE RIGHT NOW? “A duck — ‘quack quack.’”

WHAT IS THE LAST GREAT FILM YOU SAW? The Fountain. “[It’s a] bit of a headfuck, but I’m into those kinda films.”

WHAT ACTOR WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC? “I don’t even know what the hell a biopic is. Never mind, I just Googled it. I guess I’d play ‘Hi I’m Arty Fufkin… Polymer Records’ from Spinal Tap.”

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? “This email, because my manager told me to.”

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