Mydjspace Global Music Network

QSo how did it all begin? What gave you that initial ‘push’ to become a DJ?

AIn the mid nineties my older brother returned from a few years in the UK with the first ever Ministry of Sound Annual, which was a great mix by Tony Humphries, and a cassette recording of Carl Cox playing on three decks. I listened to them hundreds of times and was determined to do the same thing.

QWho or what inspires you these days?

AThere’s a DJ team in Melbourne called Otologic. These guys inspire me regularly with their genuine enthusiasm for music and partying, and the depth of their record collection.

QWhat was the first event you ever played at/put on?

AMy best buddy and I threw a weekly party called Fokus from 2001-2003. That’s where I really cut my teeth as a DJ playing warm-ups and closing spots.

QWhat's the best event you've played at so far?

ADefinitely my last gig at Watergate in Berlin with my pals Lewie Day and Alexkid in July this year. The three of us played back to back from about 2am until 11am on a Thursday morning to an absolutely jam-packed venue. Couldn’t ask for much more than that!

QWhat was your first record you bought?

ALSD by DJ HMC. That was in 1998. I had the pleasure of playing before Cam (HMC) just recently on the Cookie rooftop at a party called Off The Grid. It’s really exciting for me that he’s still in the game after all these years, as it makes me think I can stick around for another decade or so too.

QOut of all the tunes you have, which one 'never fails?'

AAt bigger events it never ceases to amaze me what a powerful record Plastikman’s “Spastik” can be. Richie Hawtin made that with a drum machine in 1993 and it still has more character and energy than most records made today.

QFestivals, or clubs?

AThere are a few good festivals like Rainbow Serpent, but overall for me it’s definitely happening in the clubs.

QCDs, Vinyl or Digital?

AAll have merit. At the moment I’m using mostly CDs.

QHow is the ‘scene’ in your eyes at the moment?

AIt’s held back a little by the conservative local goverments and the tightening of liquor licensing laws. Still, there’s always plenty to do and hear.

QOther DJs you rate?

ATom Lally, Katie Drover, Nick Jones and DJ Who always impress me with their sets at Revolver.

ASpend as much time partying as you do playing and promoting yourself. That’s the best way to develop an understanding of what people want and how you can give it to them differently.

QWhen you play, are your sets pre planned or do you improvise? Or both?

AAlways improvised, but with hours of preparation finding the best music and knowing it back to front.

QWhat can we expect from you for your upcoming set at White Noise?

AI’m really looking forward to playing with my old mate, Simon Slieker! As for the music, I always like to keep it varied, so it’ll depend on what time I’m playing and how many people are smiling.

QCorona... with lemon, or lime?

AWith a shot of tequila, please.