DJ Interview

(This interview was adapted from the Authors own website to protect the identity of the DJ)

Q. You have a number of permanent disabilities and you’ve told me that you have 75% hearing loss. You've explained how you perform as a DJ with your disability, an impairment of the sense naturally associated with music, using Rekordbox to see the waveform and by feeling the vibration via the headphones. Can you take us through your process of preparing a mix, and give us some more insight as to how you perform live?

A. Well I start digging through some of the artists I follow and the list keeps growing due to many new sounds out there. As well I look out for waves that have creative taste that allows me to feel the journey. I play live and select random tracks to take the audience on a new journey. Each gig has a different story and vibes to share and tell for everyone to enhance the music loves.

Q. Your sound spans all manner of house and techno. What were some of the records, DJ sets or gigs that got you interested in electronic music?

A. Since watching Tony Harvey play back in the day, while teaching me to mix tunes that I enjoy the most, it made me want to have ago.

Yes, I had a bad start with the scene by putting my middle finger up at the audience and being a complete show off. Which was a deep mistake that nearly booted me out the scene and my career. So after taking some time away and accepting and learning from my mistakes I started to do things professionally and peacefully by starting from the bottom to regain the respect from the promoters over time.

It was a hard uphill battle to get where I am now and I’m still learning from old and new mistakes over time, while still trying to be that inspirational guy that just shows the magic of sounds.

Yes, we all make mistakes mistakes over time and keep driving forward to get better. But one thing I learned, you only get one shot from each promoter and a second chance is world war 3 to work out to regain the respect and equality.

Q. You mentioned you originally learned to mix at a nightclub. When did you know you were ready to become a DJ?

A. I knew I was ready by testing my fear with the audience, which I fail at times, but I try to learn everyday to have fun with them with the music. It's only been recent that I’m having complete enjoyment and being true with the music, while expressing my story from the vibes.

Q. You did well in many DJ competitions, which earned you a spot playing at Schoolies one year. You’ve also played at a heap of underground gigs. Those are some unique experiences, what were they like and what have you learned from them that will help you in the future?

A. Schoolies was a great year for my experience with electro house and many more with mainstream music during the year while building awareness at the same time. Then I faced my enemy with mental health conditions of double episode of anxiety and started going into the depths of pure vibes of house and techno, which made me grow to new places that I never experience before and I LOVE IT!

A good friend of mine and Sydney DJ showed me the way of melodic journeys within the music, during the early dark underground vibe days. He showed me Sydney Underground Music by visiting the Fox Studio for Flying Circuit Event featuring Alex Niggermenn and many more. It was one of great learning curves for me and drives my passion more to study more within the events and creative arts, while promoting disability awareness.

Q. A lot of the old guard in our scene are still very active, be it DJing or running events. Who are your mentors in the music industry? If you could have a mix with anyone who would it be?

A. My mentors are everyone that wishes to give me advice or ideas to implement. Most of my learning was from studying a Dual Diploma in Events and Travel & Tourism, with some of best teachers I could asked for.

I'd love to have a mix with all the legends that know the scene inside and out, for the share of love and unity within the scene, and show that pure vibes is always in the heart that captures the games.

Q. You stressed the importance of advocating for people with disabilities. What do you think of Australia’s new prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and what is the first thing you would like to see his “thoroughly liberal” government do for people living with disabilities?

A. All I want to see is everyone working together while having equality to everyone to enjoy the social freedom. Yes, I understand there a lot of red tapes that need to be looked at, but the key is sharing education for everyone to learn and to enhance a new audience to enjoy the nightlife and festivals for our beloved creative culture.

Q. You have been to schools and spoken about what it’s like living with a disability and what opportunities are available for people in that situation. Can you tell us more about that?

A. I talked at a few old schools where I grew up and also shared my experience with teachers and students who come to work to learn the hospitality trade, that like get advice to enjoy the nightlife. Nothing major, just sharing experience and ideas for those want to become artist within the scene.

Q. You are the perfect example of someone facing great difficulty, yet overcoming it to live the life you want to. What would you like to say to other people with disabilities who are interested in electronic music and even becoming a DJ?

A. Just do it, do it for the love and not for the money.

Q. It’s clear that you are really devoted to the music scene and running events. But when you’re not DJing or studying events management how do you spend your time?

A. Just collecting tunes, playing the PS4 or working during the weekdays to keep driving through life.

What a truly amazing story, you are an inspiration to a lot of people. Thanks for being so patient with me and I look forward to your continuing success.

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