Youth Interview

Q. For the benefit of those who haven't been to a doof before, can you describe in your own words what 'doof' means to you?

A. Well, to me it's all about the music. It's nice to camp out with my mates for the weekend, even better when we get to see our favourite muso's perform as well. You know, it's just really good to escape the rat-race and get jiggy with nature.

Q. Can you take us through the process of choosing a doof to attend? Are there any key factors that might draw you to one and not another?

A. The price is always a major factor. We're are at the bottom of the food-chain as far as award wages go. Not all of us can afford to buy tickets for large events like Rainbow, the travel alone is rediculous, you know. We'd generally choose a cheap or free doof, something local.

For me, the next thing is the music. I want to see headliners that are going to make my boots wobble. If you can't dance to it, there's no point. It can't be pop-music or stuff they flog on the radio, it has to be proper, non-commecial electronica.

Q. Have you been to any doofs that have been shut down by the police?

A. Plenty! It's happening more and more often these days. They want everybody at nightclubs and bars because it's closer, cheaper and easier to control everything, mainly youth. If you're under 18 the best entertainment you can hope for is a Blue-Light Disco once a year.

They're shutting down all the fun and what do kids do when they get bored? We run amok.

Q. If you were in a position of authority, say on the police force or the town council, how would you propose to deal with doofs?

A. I'd treat them no differently to any other type of party. Each one is going to be different. If there's violence, remove the offenders. If there's drugs, remove the offenders. If it's completely out of control and pissing off the neighbours, shut it down.

But I wouldn't go round shutting down parties before they even started simply because of the music choice or because it attracts youth. That's a bit harsh.

Q. What's your take on the government trying to shut down doof festivals?

A. Well, they're not trying to shut down their own music festivals, are they? And that says a lot about the mentality behind it.

It's got nothing to do with safety, they're against electronica. They want us to listen to Country, Rock and Blues music because they make a lot of money from the alcohol sold at those festivals. Doofs don't serve alcohol because it wrecks the vibe.

And that's what it comes down to, the government can't spin any money from it. But they can make money processing festival applications at a few grand a pop and then rejecting them. Easy money without lifting a finger.

Q. There's been quite a few RBTs and RDTs set up around doof festivals lately. What's your take on that?

A. To be honest, I think anybody who drives under the influence deserves what they get. Besides, most doof festivals provide drug and alcohol testing on site so there's no excuse really. Like my Dad always says "stupid is as stupid does".

As for drug possession we all know the risks, even those of us who don't take drugs. So anyone who gets busted deserves what they get too. No point in blaming someone else, stupid is as stupid does.

Q. Do you have any advice for parents of young doofers?

A. My parents are always saying "Get off the internet! Go outside and have some fun!". Doofs are outside, they're plenty of fun and there is no reception when you're camping out for the weekend. I guess I'm lucky to have parents who trust me to make sensible decisions and to support me when I make mistakes. That would be my advice to other parents.

You can't wrap us in cotton-wool and expect us not to become bored. We need to venture out in the world and learn to live life. Mum says the best a parent can hope for is that they taught you the basics, like not to step in front of a moving bus. And, watching out for your mates. That's how I was raised.

Q. You seem to have a lot figured out. When you're not doofing, how do you spend your time?

A. My friends and I all have full time jobs, so we spend our week days the same way as everyone else.

I recently learned how to turn my Dad's old Game Boys into mini synths and I'm using them to write some tunes. I'd like to learn more about writing music but there's only so many hours in a day.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about doof with us. We wish you much success on your journey through life. It would be nice to hear some of your tunes one day.

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