Staky

Karton

In January 2010 iDJ magazine described Canberra’s breaks duo KARTON as the new Hybrid. With a new album titled For All Seasons out now on Sound of Habib plus a nod from the influential Breakspoll Awards, iDJ’s recognition is more than fitting.

Paul Beohm and Paul Richer first joined forces in 2002 when breakbeat was in its glorious heyday. The soon-to-be Karton met through a mutual friend prior to the electro house invasion, and after quickly discovering a mutual love of music, quickly got stuck into the heady business of beat making.

“Breaks was massive back then,” remembers Richter fondly. “It was as big as dubstep is now.”

Though both artists agree their influences are varied, it was with breaks they earned their production chops, and continues to be the default sound to which they frequently return to in their festooned Southside studio.

“If you wanted to dumb it down, breaks is just faster hip-hop without the vocals,” describes Boehm. “It literally draws from everything else. You can do anything in a breaks or drum ‘n’ base tune in terms of what style you want to do it in and where you want to take it.”

Although talk of a breaks revival is never far from the lips of any enthusiast it is unlikely the genre will be as sweeping as it once was. According to Karton it is just the natural evolution of music.

“It won’t come back as breaks as we know it,” ponders Boehm over the beloved tête-à-tête punter conversation. “You look at guys like Skream and what they’re doing with dubstep now and it is just basically breaks at 140bpm. They have moved away from that traditional dubstep thing and to some extent guys like Skream are writing better breaks tunes than some traditional breaks artists are. But if you ask Skream he wouldn’t call it a breaks tune, you know.”

It was in the midst of the changing breaks soundscape that Karton began writing their debut studio album titled For All Seasons.

“It was not a driven concept album,” Richter emphasises. “I think it was more a bunch of songs we had been working on for a couple of years and we thought they all kind of fit together and belonged to the same mood.”

Boehm agrees: “The idea of it was to show that we were interested in a lot more than just breaks. The title For All Seasons was kind of something that would encompass everything that we are not only interested in listening to, but also interested in creating.”

For All Seasons (the namesake is an adaption of the Concord Dawn track Man For All Seasons) highlights Karton’s ability to mesh dance floor accessibility with the easy listening necessity of any good CD. Second single All You Need is a grinding party tune with a standout vocal from Hancock Basement’s Nick Craven. The accompanying video clip is a Hostel themed showdown between two hunters. The Volley Films video effectively captures the devil-may-care attitude of the song and gave Karton a different creative outlet to explore.

“They provided us with some rough scripts and we said, what if this was to happen or that was to happen,” explains Richter. “Once they gave us some rough cuts we gave some more direction. They had a lot of raw material so we were able to suggest using different shots in each scene. We still had some control over the final product.”

The partnership with the Volley Films crew, who have also worked with notable locals D’Opus & Roshambo and The Casual Projects, was easy going according to Boehm.

“We didn’t need to do much,” he says. “What they handed over was so good we weren’t sitting there going ‘oh no’ or anything.”

2010 has been a huge year for Karton; not only has their album dropped, but their remix of Liz Melody’s Skeptical earned the duo a nomination as Breakthrough Producers in the International Breakspoll Awards. Described as the highlight of the breaks calendar Karton remain coy about the honour.

“It was weird to be nominated as a ‘breakthrough’ act four years after we first put a record out,” laughs Boehm. “Anything like that, though, you are excited and happy about. Breaks right now is huge in Spain, Eastern Europe and some parts of the UK, so it feels a bit weird having those people give you an accolade one way or the other.”

Karton feel that if anything the experience of polishing off an album has foremost strengthened them as producers, with a definite view for a follow up release.

“We learnt how to just let go,” says Boehm of the lengthy studio time. “There are only so many times you can work on something before you start doing more harm than good. When we started we didn’t really know where that point was, but towards the end we knew when a song was done and just to put it away and move on. In the work we have done since then that has shone through the most.”

Fresh off the back of a European summer tour which saw the duo enjoy huge responses to shows in Spain and the UK, Karton are appearing at Academy on Friday October 15. Hybrid, who iDJ effectively overlooked in favour of our local lads, is also on the line-up for one mammoth showdown.

Ahmet Sendil

If you think of names synonymous with Studio 54, Istanbul’s AHMET SENDIL does not necessarily spring to mind. However the veteran DJ and producer started his illustrious career at the Turkish leg of the club back in the late ‘80s. With over 20 years in the business Sendil is attributed with popularising dance music in his home country. Although he admits Turkish techno is not the most banging.

“Honestly, I don’t like Istanbul at music,” says Sendil ahead of his upcoming Australian tour. “Here nobody appreciates your success, there is a lot of bad propaganda, no support and no love. Istanbul is nothing with music; there aren’t any great clubs or crowds. It’s so bad for a city which has a 20 million population because the most popular genre is commercial music.”

Ahmet Sendil has enjoyed residencies in some of the world’s top underground clubs including Switch, Club 14 and Club 20. He developed a strong following in the newly burgeoning minimal scene, but wanted a ‘real job’ so turned his attention towards production.

“After DJing for so long, I wanted to go into producing to start a regular life,” he explains. “Before my marriage my life was not so regular. Also the music sector was changing, to the point where you cannot be only just a DJ. You need to be a musician to get gigs, to get fame… you know everybody is DJ.”

With a Friday night residency on the hugely popular French FG DJ Radio (formally Radio FG), Sendil was able to push his minimal sound even further.

“In past years I had my own minimal style,” Sendil says. “Anyone who listens to my new tracks on Beatport could say ‘Yes, that’s Ahmet’. I name it ‘sexy happy minimal’. I have been performing with Radio FG since it was launched [1981]. They used to do live radio sets there; I miss my live performances.”

The station exclusively broadcasts dance music, which suited Ahmet perfectly for a time, but it wasn’t long before he felt the need to expand to further outlets in order to distribute his new production. In 2003 the producer launched his first label M-Vitamine to release his own tracks and that of his friends. It wasn’t long before a second label was in the pipeline.

“Some of my friends and I were trying out some electro tracks in late 2007,” remembers Ahmet. “One of my friends gave me the idea of trying different genres with a new label, and so Bosphorus Underground was born. The name comes from a rap star in Turkey, he always used ‘Bosphorus Underground’ in his lyrics.”

The BU has given Sendil the freedom to experiment in other styles of dance. He feels his first love, minimal, is not as fashionable as it has been in recent years.

“The genre that I was so popular with has lost popularity,” he says. “I tried to create a new sound and new style for myself.”

You can catch tasty Turk Ahmet Sendil and his ‘sexy, happy minimal’ at Effigy on Thursday September 9 at Hippo Bar. Supported by Yohan Strauss, String Theory, Fourthstate, Luke Ellis, Biggie and Gabriel Gilmour. Free entry. Grouse!

Dance : The Drop

After little more than a year gracing the pages of BMA, it is time for me to inscribe you adieu. In this short space of time I have seen niche nights by Effigy and Party By Jake come to the fore and sadly have seen the end of an era as Pang! bid sayonara to the derelict Lot 33. My ‘Drop’ compatriot Tim Galvin will once again take the reins, so you are left in experienced hands.

Looks like Friday August 20 will be one of the busiest nights of the year for Canberra dance fans with three major drawcards on the calendar:

First up, young trance prodigy TyDi will be heading our way and giving Canberra a chance to revel in his glory as he roles into town with the Ministry of Sound Trance Nation Tour.  Another favourite MaRlo, formally Liquid M, is also headlining. TyDi has gone from strength to strength recently after being named Best Breakthrough Dj at the World Music Conference. Up against such stellar names as Boys Noize, Gui Boratto and DJ Chuckie, TyDi took home the honour and was presented the award by none other than Foreshore headliner, Tiesto.

Pang! have settled in very nicely on their Northbourne strip digs and on Friday August 20 are opening the doors of Meche to present Huoratron (Fin) with the Trashbags posse from Sydney. The Trashbag crew first came to fruition in the mid-naughties following the popularity of industrial electro and have established themselves as promotion heavyweights. In line with the Trashbag sound Huoratron’s recent Prevenge EP is a lesson in heavy, crunchy, loud dance. The Trashbags Djs Redial, Nadisko and Obey are all making the journey down from Sydney too.

Southside clubbing is also receiving a facelift on Friday August 20 as UK breaks maestro Lee Combs is headlining at The Maram in Erindale. The evening is sticking to its garage theme with the Rideckulous Djs, Fourthstate and Shift Business rounding out the lineup.

Finally onto another night of the week, Sam Scratch is returning to Academy with his infamous turntable technique with him on Saturday August 21. His last set at the Bundah Street venue was technically stunning, so make sure you check it out if you have any legs left after the three massive Friday gigs.

The very debonair Click to Click Producer Sessions are back for their third instalment on Sunday August 22 at Knightsbridge. The intimate gathering is shaping up as a fantastic opportunity for budding and established producers to showcase their wares in a friendly environment. If you missed Fourthstate’s journey from wistful prog to dubstep a few weeks ago he is back, for what is sure to be another solid performance, alongside Amplidyne, Daniel Jones, Nu-Leaf and Biggie. Best of all this gig is free!

Dance and indie punters can not escape the buzz surrounding Sydney duo Flight Facilities. Crave You feat. Giselle has been amongst the most requested tracks on Triple J this year, and has even attracted attention from international disco superstars Aeroplane. Party By Jake are inviting the duo to Transit Bar on Friday September 3 for one helluva Heartbeat party.

mi favorito …Flight Facilities’ hype is completely warranted and with a plethora of production amassing this gig is a must.

Farewell!

Flight Facilities

The enigmatic voice of Giselle Rosselli has many a female resonating with her melancholy lyrics: “Why can't you want me like the other boys do?

They stare at me while I stare at you.” The simple yet touching vocals overlay a saxified rhythm and together they have ensured the FLIGHT FACILITIES’ first solo effort is at the top of everyone’s download list.

“I found her in a bar actually,” laughs Hugo. “Well I was introduced to her by a friend of a friend and we stayed in touch. She is really talented; they are her lyrics and I think the guy is pretty aware now that it’s about him.”

For the uninitiated, Flight Facilities are a new disco duo from Sydney who have shot to fame with the release of their premier single Crave You. Hugo Gruzman, aka U-Go-B, and Jimmy-2-Sox are the facilities behind the flight and poached their namesake from Hugo’s granddad’s company. The pair have been remixing the likes of Bag Raiders, Toecutter and Sneaky Soundsystem, but it was a chance encounter with Giselle that pushed them into the limelight.

The duo started originally started out doing remixes for prominent Aussie label Bang Gang 12” after Jimmy cashed in on a family relation with top dog Gus Da Hoodrat, but Jimmy quickly admits “being family didn’t mean we automatically made the cut.  We had to prove ourselves musically too.”

Which the duo soon did as big internationals started to take notice.

“The guys from Aeroplane put us on one of their mix tapes,” beams Jimmy. “I got a message from Jaime (Doom) about it. They are like our idols so it was pretty cool. I met Stefen (Fasano) when he was in Australia and we partied, and then he contacted me on Facebook and it has just gone from there.”

After touring around Australia, including a huge nod on the Splendour line up, the duo has just concluded their first foreign stopover in Japan.

“We played in Osaka to a 500 person venue, it was really cool because we played a techno set,” says Hugo.

“In Tokyo we played a straight disco party at this place called Le Baron de Paris. The owners also own the Paris Social Club [in Paris] so we knew it had a good reputation. It was great because there was already some recognition there from being part of the Bang Gang Label.”

Jimmy and Hugo’s Australian jaunt has resumed and will finally make its way to Canberra for Party By Jake’s HEARTBEAT on Friday September 3. The pair are enthusiastic about their DJ set, describing it as a great opportunity to showcase new production.

“We are working on some new disco stuff which is more upbeat,” says Jimmy.

“We have worked with Louis Austen who did the vocals for our remix of the Bag Raiders’ Turbo Love.” Sounds like an all round night of showcasing for both Canberrans and the formidable duo – and one not to miss at that.

Check out Flight Facilities when they headline Party By Jake’s Heartbeat at Transit Bar Friday September 3.

Yolanda Be Cool

In Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction Samuel L Jackson plays no-nonsense hit-man Jules Winnfield. In one memorable scene Winnfield asks burglar Yolanda, “We’re not going to do anything stupid are we?” Yolanda mistakenly angers the killer to which he says, “Yolanda, I thought you said you were gonna be cool!” Tarantino’s film has made its stamp on pop culture history, and has given birth to the famous pseudonym for Australia’s so-hot-right-now dance duo.

“We needed a name,” laughs Johnson Peterson, one half of YOLANDA BE COOL. “We came across a reference to what we consider to be one of the coolest scenes in one of the coolest movies by one of the best directors... and it wasn’t taken!”

Peterson, with fellow production partner Sylvester Martinez, started making waves last year with the success of catchy dance hall tune Afro Nuts. D-Cup, also signed to Yolanda’s label Sweat It Out, remixed the track and was to work with the pair again on their biggest tune to date, We No Speak Americano. “We thought it would just be a fun party track we could play in our sets,” says Peterson of the song’s run away success.

We No Speak Americano has peaked at number four on the ARIA chart, has been thrashed on the Js, and with its commercial viability has, at time of writing, just hit #1 in the UK charts. The track samples Neapolitan single Tu Vuò Fà l'Americano and is famously sung by Jude Law and Matt Damon in The Talented Mr Ripley. Yolanda be Cool remain humble about their meteoric rise. “More people come to our gigs, which is good, and I guess we get more gigs,” says Peterson.

Johnston Peterson only started his production career a mere five years ago after growing up on a diet of old school hip-hop. The infectious party tech of Yolanda Be Cool is quickly rising as a popular genre for the summer party season; merging the serious nature of techno with a note of revelry.

“We’re comfortable with midget house, batty house, quirk house, non serious techno,” says Peterson of their signature sound. “Teki Latek, one of the pioneers of our sound, said ‘We like hard stuff when it’s creative and groovy, and minimalist stuff when it’s not boring or serious.’ We kinda agree.”

Although past memories of the duo’s trip to Canberra remain surreptitiously hazy, the pair is undoubtedly looking forward to their Foreshore nod, especially after their flawless Warehouse set earlier this year.

“We are doing Splendor in the Grass and some club shows then heading back to Europe for August and September,” says a busy Peterson. “Then the Parklife tour and then we have a very exciting tour of Latin and South America planned for October… Not to mention Foreshore!”

Catch Yolanda Be Cool will be commanding the fields of Commonwealth Place with the likes of The Temper Trap, Tiesto and Calvin Harris at this year’s Foreshore Festival on Saturday November 27. Tix are $127.85 + bf from Ticketek.

Dance : The Drop

With so many quality artists in Australia for the upcoming Splendour in the Grass festival it is a real pity that Canberra is missing out on the illustrious sideshows. I am not one to bemoan the quality of acts we get here, but it would be nice to not have to make the trip up the Federal Highway. In saying that though, if you haven’t already pocketed your ticket for LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip at the Hordern, unfortunately the ship has sailed. LCD Soundsystem have announced this as their last ever tour and I am glad to be amongst the drunk boys and drunk girls saying hoorah on Monday July 26.

From gigs at Transit to their intimate sessions at Hippo, promotion crew Mingle have a finger in every pie and Academy is no exception. The crew are teaming up with A-cads to present Cutlass Supreme on Friday July 23. Sydney-based MC Snob Scrilla and dance scene mainstay Groove Terminator have joined forces as the newly labeled Cutlass Supreme. Fresh off the release of their first EP Show ‘Em the pair are set to tear up Academy’s main room. Cheese, Offtapia, Levi Howes and Celebrity Sextape are in support.

Young gun Bricksta is making the obligatory post-high school sojourn across the Indian Ocean and Party By Jake are throwing him an outrageous send off at Transit Bar on Saturday July 24. Bricksta’s Eurotrash Vacation Send Off incorporates the typical Heartbeat debauchery with DJ Bricksta at the helm. The party is sponsored by Owl vs Pig clothing so if you like their minimal threads head down on the evening for some giveaways. PBJ residents Celebrity Sextape, Princi, Staky and Get Stellar are also dishing out disco treats.

The highly successful Effigy returns also on Saturday July 24 with progressive superstars Matt Rowan (Proton) and Rodskeez (Baroque) headlining. Matt Rowan was one of the first guests to help Effigy to nut out their niche and if that night was anything to go by this round will also be all class. Effigy have also locked in the services of one of the world’s most in demand DJs on Sunday August 8 at Transit Bar. John ‘00’ Flemming (J00F Recordings) is coming to town to showcase his pioneering sound. John ‘00’ Flemming is widely regarded with helping establish the ‘80s rave revolution, but is more commonly known for his progressive and trance production. Early bird tickets are available at Moshtix.

Academy is slowly building its clubbing repertoire Friday nights and to further strengthen their bill is Douster (Arg) and Black Noise (UK) on Friday July 30. Douster’s sound is characterised by a roots and Latino background with a fresh dancehall bounce. Fellow headliner Black Noise has remixes for Ministry of Sound and Southern Fried as well as much Hype Machine love. The next night Academy are hosting Denzal Park. Their track Filter Freak is currently sitting pretty atop the ARIA club chart as well as an astounding #5 on the Beatport Indie Chart.

mi favorito… I think Denzal Park will be a quality act to catch. Fingers crossed their stage show matches their production technique.

STAKY

Bricksta

The likes of Kid Kenobi and Dexter started out as teen bedroom bangers and began their clubbing careers at underage events. Canberra’s own BRICKSTA, real name Luke Tkalcevic, is from the latest crop of young DJs to springboard from relative obscurity into the limelight upon turning 18. After securing a sought after residency at Canberra’s biggest nightclub, Academy, Bricksta is heading overseas and it is Party By Jake who has stepped up to throw him his very own ‘Eurotrash Vacation Send Off.’

“I’d say the Bricksta sound is rooted in funk – that’s what I grew up with and that’s what I’ve always tried to peddle,” says Bricksta of his maturing sound. “I actually started producing first in year seven, when I was 13 years old. People don’t realise that my first love was producing over DJing. It was 2006 when I got my first set of decks – I saved up all my pocket money.”

It is hard to believe that someone so young could acquire a taste in sound that is notoriously entrenched amongst those of a legal drinking age. After being exposed to his Dad’s eclectic record collection it was a chance call to a local radio station that sparked his initial interest in dance music.

“I won a Junior Senior album off the radio, ‘d-d-don’t don’t stop the beat,’” says Bricksta. “Once I got that I was like ‘who else likes them?’ and I saw Fatboy Slim was playing them. Then I got into Fatboy Slim and then Big Beat and then it was the Chemical Brothers. I was like ‘who else is around there?’ and I came across Moby. Everything just sprouted out from there.”

Unlike many of his jaded and ageing compatriots Bricksta has a refreshing view of Canberra’s music scene. “I feel the scene here is very healthy!” quips Bricksta. “There are a lot of people around and it is really connected.”

Luke has developed his club feet in Academy’s sizeable main room on Friday and Saturday nights. Now the 18 year old is returning to Transit Bar to headline Party By Jake’s Heartbeat. “I think niche nights have been up and down and it is hard for people to get the formula right,” says Bricksta. “Heartbeat have identified a section of the market that is still very popular, which is indie dance music and that disco sound. There is a musical focus there. The biggest thing is the community around it. Obviously Duncan [Celebrity Sextape] Brown works his ass off.”

Party By Jake top dog Duncan Brown is excited by the prospect of having Bricksta on board. “We’ve wanted to get him in for a while, but mainly it’ll be good to have that personality behind the decks,” says Duncan. “We’re going to give away one of his James Brown edits, which is a good party vibe, and then some completely original tracks.”

Head down to ‘Bricksta’s Eurotrash Vacation Send Off’ on Saturday July 24 for free entry and free giveaways.

Prime Cuts Vol 3 - Shades of Gray [Beef Records]

3 out of 5

Tech Label Beef Records has just released the third installment of their compilation series Prime Cuts. Deep House duo Shades of Gray were granted the task of piecing together the release and considering the team are the founders of the label the choice was not unexpected. Dj Schwa, or Michal Ruzicka, and Nick West are the names behind Shades and their usual blend off deep house, tech house and house is not lost on this album.

Surprisingly the compilation is unmixed, which is rare for a dance music release that is not an artist album. There is a bonus mix by DJ UONE, but the individual tracks are the CD’s core focus.

The album starts on a lighter note with a Pezzner remix of Shades of Gray’s Tango and actually follows this funkier, housier vibe for the first few tracks. The Kreon remix of Manjas’ Hann at track four moves into deeper territory, as does Shades of Gray’s House of Cards. The album ends on a deep note too, although Shur-I-Kan’s String Killer is an interesting combination of minimal sounds and clapping tech rhythm.

The album is a definitely not as deep as anticipated for a Shades of Gray release, however it is the housier tracks that give the album weight.  Prime Cuts moves effortlessly from funkier tracks to the deeper tunes and it is this intentional combination that ensures the album is an easy listen.

Sampology

Queensland wonder kid SAMPOLOGY started DJing underage parties in the early noughties. Jump forward seven years and the turntable wizard never imagined the likes of DJ Yoda and Peaches would be singing his praise. Sampology is undoubtedly the country’s premier audiovisual DJ. His unique style mashes a range of tunes with clever pop culture visuals. After taking his show around the world Sampology has launched the ‘Super Visual Smackdown’ to showcase his gift on home turf.

“Well I sort of choose my music half based on the music, but half based on the visuals,” says Sam of the upcoming Smackdown. “I started doing the show a few years ago and mainly used music videos, but the new visuals come from lots of places. I’ll hear a track and think this visual reference would be perfect for that. It sort of develops and grows into its own thing.”

It certainly has grown into its own thing with his video edit of Parker’s Where’s My Monkey? sitting pretty at 325,362 hits on YouTube. The dubstep anthem is dispersed with screeching monkeys in ‘60s suits to King Louie from Disney’s the Jungle Book miming the chorus.

Sampology’s turntablism has been honed over many years of practice, but the visual component is a relatively new phenomenon. One where he feels he is still finding his feet. “I think about what I was like the last time I was there [Canberra],” he says of a memorable night at Lot 33. “I actually look back and cringe because now the show is just so much better. I have much better content and use the mp3 drum machine. It is like DJing in that I thought my early gigs were great at the time, but now I know they are much better.”

If you were wondering how his show all pulls together, Sampology explains that the concept is relatively simple – it is the practice and preparation that cement each show. “Well there are obviously two turntables and the videos link to each piece of music,” he says. “So I mix like any other DJ, but have worked out what clips mix well together. The drum machine also triggers different visuals. Each effect will play an effect on the screen. Lots of people are doing this type of shows now and I have made a real effort to make my show different.”

With a cinema-sized screen conveniently on hand at Academy, Sampology’s June

25 ‘Super Visual Smackdown’ is gearing up to be a memorable night, with local alumni D’Opus, Jemist and Faux Real in tow. “At the moment I am playing lots of different tempos. I try and mashup lots of different stuff,” he says of his new show. “I don’t want people just standing around watching the screen though. I try and choose stuff that will make people dance. It is, after all, a party!”

Catch Sampology, D’Opus, Jemist and Faux Real at Academy on Friday June 25. Tickets on the door.

Llik Llik Llik

There is a universal formula for aspiring DJs that involves getting a bunch of mates together and putting on a night to showcase your wares. Very few of these ventures stand the test of time and fade into obscurity along with their flash in the pan residents. Those that can nut it out capitalise on a hole in the market and evolve with musical tastes. Canberra’s LLIK LLIK LLIK has not only gone the distance, but has established itself as a top club night with a slew of quality international performances. Llik have recently jumped on board with Academy to bring their particular brand of tech to the Bunda Street club. I chatted with the ambitious Llik frontman Dan Eden, aka Biggie, about his popular club night.

“It started with a few mates playing house and disco and techno,” says Biggie. “We started at Bar 32 and it progressed from there into Transit Bar. The Bar 32 factor was pretty different in that it was just us playing to our friends and any straggler that walked in off the street. Once we got to Transit it turned into a bit of an entity where people were starting to expect different stuff from us every show.”

Llik established itself on the Northbourne set at the end of 2006. Their initial taste was very much an indie disco vibe that fit well in the notoriously dank club. Soon the night’s popularity exceeded Bar 32’s capacity and they moved round the corner to Transit Bar. It was here Dan and his crew began to showcase more considered artists after a lucrative offer from their Melbourne counterparts MTC.

“John Selway from New York tore the club up for two and a half hours straight,” recalls Biggie. “We had Kazu Kimura from Japan who played an amazing techno set that blew everyone away. These people are not only at the top of their game, but they are willing to come down to a place like Canberra and party with us guys.”

After a good two years at Transit Biggie decided to shake things up once again and joined forces with the seemingly unlikely Academy. Dan is excited to be on board with Canberra’s top dance music venue. “We get treated really well at the Candy Bar and we’ve got some pretty big nights coming up there,” he says.

“Basically we get free reign to play some really nice house, deep house and disco for anyone who isn’t into the music downstairs or is passing through. They are keen to let us have some bigger names down there. They have been quite supportive and the guys really help us out. It has been a great little venture so far.”

Catch Biggie at Llik Llik Llik in the Candy Bar at Academy on Friday June 25 for some always quality tuneage.

Dance : The Drop

Just when I think this column’s content will be harder to fill with Pang!’s departure from Lot I am overwhelmed with the talent coming to town over the next few weeks.

Joining the likes of Llik Llik Llik, Mingle have also taken their particular brand of clubbing over to Academy and will showcase a main room extravaganza on Friday June 18. There must be something in the water at the club because local talent from all circles will be making an appearance on the evening. The main room features the likes of Hubert, Cheese and Offtapia and is sure to include some massive tracks. Upstairs mingle have asked dubstep guru Faux Real to hold down the fort whilst in the pod room the Party By Jake DJs will be purveying some indie and disco treats. It is great to see the pod room fi-na-lly being used for something other than ‘maxing out.’ Hopefully this will kickstart a trend for clubbing in the pod as Academy make the most of their vast space.

Sunday gigs in Canberra can be hit and miss with clubbers unlikely to venture out on their day of rest in winter. The Click to Click producers sessions are set to change this as Knightsbridge opens its oh so ostentatious arms to Canberra’s up and coming electronic musicians. The concept of the day is for producers to showcase their original tunes in a warm intimate environment. The lineup includes Fourthstate, Peking Duck, Daniel Jones, Stuart, Biggie, Bricksta, Amplidyne, Gabriel Gilmour, Remedy, Dave Scully and Derek. With free entry and finger food it would be worthwhile checking out what these guys have to offer.

With the aid of Academy’s big screen audiovisual whiz kid Sampology will be back in town on Friday June 25 touring his Super Visual Smackdown show. The man oozes talent and I predict it will be one of those nights that people will still be talking about in years to come. Also don’t miss the Llik Llik Llik DJs upstairs in the Candy Bar on the same night.

I have been championing Effigy’s flag for a few weeks now and if you still haven’t cottoned on to why head down to Hippo on Saturday June 26. Their run of quality gigs continues with Jamie Stevens of Infusion fame and Club Junque (Syd) at the helm. If you want to view some extremely smooth and tight mixing get there to watch the residents in action.

With the Purple Sneakers DJs’ highly anticipated indie mixtape We Mix You Dance just released on Boundary Sounds and a recent set on triple j’s Friday arvo mix up the Sydney trio are riding a wave of success as they launch their national tour. The gang hit Transit Bar on Friday July 2 and after the previous success of their monthly night this gig is amping up to be just as notorious.

mi favorito… Go check out the Party By Jake DJs in the pod room! I am a huge advocate of turning that area of Academy into a separate clubbing area and it won’t take off unless it has your support!

STAKY

Booka Shade

On 27 November 2008 BOOKA SHADE played to an overcrowded Transit Bar as sweat rained down from the ceiling. They left that evening with a legion of new fans and now they’re back with More!

More! is Booka Shade’s latest studio album. With indulgently bass-heavy production it is a clear step away from past ethereal classics such as Charlotte and Mandarine Girl. Drummer Arno Kammermeier eagerly explains the concept behind their newest work.

“It was the two of us sitting in the studio thinking we wanted more energy, more drums, more dance beats!” says Arno, betraying the secret to their method. “It was logical to call the album that [More!]. We are also a fan of short album names like all the Pet Shop Boy’s albums, Please and Very.”

Arno and production partner Walter Merziger started by throwing out all previous sounds to vehemently try and create something new. Slowly the concept took form. More! begins with what is sure to be a universal club hit, Havana Sex Dwarf, and peaks with typical Booka Shade moments at L.A.tely and No Difference.

“We grew up with the concept of an album and we love the idea of having a concept to an album,” explains Arno. “There is a reason we start a certain way and a reason we will try and finish the album a certain way. Before we have started with more epic songs on new albums, but Havana Sex Dwarf is more up-tempo and the album ends in a different way too.”

As co-founders of Get Physical Records the duo had a deep pool of talent from which to draw collaborators for their latest release. Interestingly they chose to work with the late ‘70s Swiss electronic outfit Yello (think Oh Yeah from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) and Get Physical stalwart Chelonis R. Jones.

“We wanted to stay away from featured artists – it is not really what Booka Shade is about, we want our own sound,” says Arno. “Chelonis R. Jones has been on the label since day one, so he was an obvious choice. With Yello we wanted someone who inspired us when we were young.”

After touring non-stop for almost five years the band returned to the proverbial home of techno, Berlin, for a well needed break. It was during this time, finishing the new album, the duo learnt to DJ for the first time. This new club influence is clearly audible on More!.

“Before we thought DJing was a different art form, something we didn’t ever do,” says DJ Arno. “It gave us the chance to take the basic beat that we had made that day into the club and check how the groove worked on the dancefloor. It helped with the overall production of the More! album. You can hear it is a bit more dancey this time because of that.”

More! is out now on Physical.

Shades Of Gray

Young club night Effigy has already gained a reputable following after showcasing the likes of Luke Chable, Phil K and Jaytech. Their unique mix of deep house, prog and tech house has filled a niche market in Canberra’s dance scene, perfectly complimented by the dark burlesque surrounds of Hippo. The crew have stepped up to the plate once more and invited Beef Records’ managers, SHADES OF GRAY, to headline come Saturday May 29.

Shades of Gray is the brainchild of Michal Ruzicka, aka DJ Schwa, and Nick West. The pair teamed up in 2006 to display their unique range of deep and tech house. A year earlier Schwa had launched Beef Records as a sub-label of progressive Czech label Tribal Vision Records. With West’s help the duo turned the label independent.

“We are fully focusing on cutting edge house, tech house and techno,” says the Czech born Ruzicka. “Our first bigger signage was Robert Babicz and Moonbeam. After that we started regularly charting and the ‘big dogs’ started recognising us and our brand.”

The duo was not only interested in signing names to their label and began to further develop their own sound. Their first vinyl release came in 2007 with Simplicity, shortly followed by releases on German label Plus Minus. Last summer the pair took their show on the road.

“It was a great tour and experience,” remembers Schwa. “In between the gigs most of the times we were based in Prague. My family lives there and my dad is running a successful recording studio. So staying in a house with the state of the art equipment and not writing any music would be a sin.”

Shades of Gray completed five tracks on tour, all of which were signed to various labels. At the moment the pair have a new compilation, Prime Cuts 3, due to hit stores within a few weeks; plus their Concord Jazz EP, which just came out on Milton Jackson’s label Dark Energy.

“We are really happy about that,” says Ruzicka of being involved with deep house icon Milton Jackson. “Ian Pooley remixed one of the songs. At the moment we are working on EPs for Pack Up and Dance, which is Andy Cato’s label. Andy Cato is one of the core Groove Armada members. We are also working on an EP for I Records which is a cool deep house label.”

Shades only have a few short months in Australia, before making the move back to Prague permanent. Fortunately the Effigy team have backed a winner as it is their impressive live show that has helped Shades of Gray establish themselves at top nights such as Spice and Deep As F*CK. “It is a proper live show setup,” explains Schwa. “Notebooks, mixer, external effects and controllers. We use Ableton Live so the transition between arranging in the studio and playing live in the club is pretty smooth. Totally groovy, visual and danceable material.”

Catch Shades of Gray at Hippo Bar on Saturday May 29. Tickets are $10 on the door.

Dance : The Drop

Dance pundits around town were rocked last week with the sad news of prominent promoters Pang! pulling up stumps at regular haunt Lot 33. The decision has sent shock waves through the local industry with many of Pang!’s upcoming gigs, such as James Holden and Tidy, left homeless. Head honcho Hubert cited in a statement released to local media that “numerous ongoing complications with Lot” were to blame for the split. The lack of upkeep has been apparent to punters of late with large holes left unattended throughout the venue. Pang! protégé DJ Cheese remains optimistic about the decision. “It’s a sign of Pang!’s growth and development,” he said. “The Pang! residents, such as myself, will be sticking by Pang! 100% and will follow them wherever the party goes.”

A clear indication of Pang!’s expansion is their upcoming All Our Friends festival at the University of Canberra on Saturday June 5. The festival, which still has tickets available, is an affiliate of the We Love Sounds tour so many of their top artists will be in town. Along with a strong local contingent the lineup includes Laidback Luke, Tiga, Felix Da Housecat, Steve Aoki, Proxy and Joachim Gerraud.

For those of you concerned about where the great James Zabiela will play on Sunday May 23; I can announce that Pang!, Effigy and UniVibes are in cahoots with Transit Bar to host the gig. Doors open at 2pm, suggesting the renowned headliner won’t be on too late in the evening.

Come with us now on a journey through time and space to the world of the Mighty Booooosch. Shaman Naboo the Enigma is DJing this Thursday May 13 at Meche supported by Mikah ‘Aston Shuffle’ Freeman. So dress in your best Boosch garb and head on down for an eclectic mix of who knows what!

Kicks are sticking to a more mainstream diet for their Academy events on Friday May 14 and Saturday May 15. TV Rock is gracing the stage on Friday May 14 as Kicks and Academy try to reestablish TGIF clubbing at the venue. Much to the delight of male dance enthusiasts Emily Scott returns the following Saturday with her unique style of mixing and posing. The following weekend Academy welcomes DJ Zinc through their doors on Friday May 21. Zinc is regarded as one of dance music’s jungle pioneers, though his recent releases have an openly house influence.

Lastly, with Warehouse less than a fortnight behind us Kicks have taken the opportunity to announce the date for their summer gala Foreshore. Leave Saturday November 27 free to join the party at Commonwealth Place. The jury is still out on this year’s lineup, but if you’re savvy you might spot some Myspace tour dates before the official release.

mi favorito… If you can afford a $30 door charge on a Thursday night, checkout DJ Mike Fielding aka Naboo at Meche. I really have no idea what to expect, but after sellout shows around the country I am sure he will at least be entertaining.

The Trivs

Daniel Gaffney returned from Sweden in 2004 with a Swedish proverb that would in turn give birth to his band’s name. “There is this phrase and one of the words in it is ‘Trivs,’ which sort of refers to be doing well,” remembers Gaffney. Six years later their name could not have truer meaning as the foursome are gearing up for the Canberra leg of Groovin’ the Moo. I caught up with half of the band – drummer Gaffney and bassist Michael ‘Bonesy’ Bones – to chat about their recent good fortune.

triple j’s Unearthed initiative has spawned the careers of many independent Australian bands including Art vs Science and Washington. THE TRIVS have shared a slice of the Unearthed pie, winning a slot at Canberra’s Groovin’ the Moo alongside such musical alumni as Vampire Weekend, Tegan and Sara and Silverchair, the latter of which are also famously of Unearthed notoriety.

“I almost didn’t pick up the phone,” laughs Gaffney, waiting for his coffee to arrive. “I was studying and I hate answering withheld phone calls and when I did answer it, I was a bit Shirley at the start. I was like, ‘wait a minute, is this a prank call?’ I was still a little suspicious of it and I was listening on the radio all the next day.”

With over 23,000 registered artists on the Unearthed website and more logging on by the day, The Trivs’ win is a mammoth feat, a fact not lost on the band. “Our last EP [For Your Health] has been up on triple j for well over a year and it was really quite odd to happen to get the phone call,” says Gaffney. “I suppose there were other competitions that came through town and you’re like ‘maybe, maybe we’ll get this one,’ but I suppose we just got the nod this time.”

“I’m fine with it though!” agrees Bones. “As far as the lineup goes it is pretty amazing and quite shocking.”

triple j experts have identified some of The Trivs’ clear influences as ‘Strokes-y’ guitars and Silverchair-type vocals. However head honcho Richard Kingsmill cannot deny that put together, their sound “stands on its own merits of style.” The band are certainly looking forward to displaying their goods alongside Groovin’ the Moo’s eagerly anticipated lineup.

“We are trying to get some new songs ready for it,” smiles Bones. “We don’t have an entirely new set. They picked us for the songs we already have. It would be good to have something new and something fresh though.”

“I’m usually quite reserved,” says an excited Gaffney. “I’m like ‘oh no, I don’t want to be a nuisance,’ but this time I’m gonna be a nuisance!”

The Trivs’ current EP For Your Health is available now at Landspeed with their second release due out midyear. Catch Gaffney and Bones alongside bandmates Miller Ralph and Byron Fay at Groovin’ the Moo on Sunday May 9 at the University of Canberra Meadows. Tickets through Moshtix.

Dance : The Drop

Ladies and gents the days left to secure a Warehouse ticket are depleting at a rapid rate. With a strong ‘live’ influence from the likes of the Bloody Beetroots and LMFAO, the event is predicted to sell out well before gates open. If that isn’t enticement enough the Kicks team have divulged the construction of a stage structure, the cost of which could fund the down payment on a house. The mammoth tower is to be comprised of numerous angled and overlapping white surfaces giving a three-dimensional projection piece that will steadily evolve as the day progresses. Furthermore the outside area has been promoted to stâge deux thus increasing capacity and wow factor. Also don’t miss the after-party at Cads featuring Lifelike and the Bingo Players!

Moving on to gigs of less grandeur, Thursdays around town continue to be dominated by $2 drinks and ubiquitous walks of shame. Fortunately Party By Jake has teamed up with indie promoters Pyramid to present The Touch on Thursday April 15 for some quality tuneage at Transit Bar. Hailing from Adelaide, The Touch are currently making waves on their Shot single tour (def checkout the Loot & Plunder remix). Support comes in the form of The Spitfires from Perth and locals Assassins 88 plus the Party By Jake DJs. Make sure you head down, part your hair to the left and order a gin and tonic. Also look up PBJ’s notzine P R E S C R I P T I O N on Facebook for all your fashion and music dos and don’ts.

Looking to the weekend Aussie electro maestro Tommy Trash is bringing his Russell Hammond good looks to Academy on Saturday April 17. Tommy’s recent remix of Rihanna’s Rude Boy is slowly building as a big winter hit, so make sure you keep an ear out for it on the night.

The best of the southside parties on Saturday April 16/Sunday April 17 comes in the form of Pang!’s Lot 33 infamous soiree. On Saturday April 16 Sweat It Out’s Act Yo Age returns to the club, followed by former Stupidfresh member Nom De Strip (UK) on Sunday April 17. Nom De Strip would be my pick of the two for some international flavour.

It has been almost three long years since The Freestylers have toured the ACT. After a string of breakbeat classics, including Get Down Massive and Don’t Stop, it was their crossover 2004 release Push Up that launched them into the superstar DJ realm. Finally the wait is over! Academy-goers can fasten their seatbelts on Friday April 23 with a two hour Freestylers set.

On Saturday April 24 Hippo opens its doors again for another quality gig. This time it’s Villany featuring Sydney’s Alex Caminer and Zushy Woolstone who are best known for their Kings Cross residencies at LadyLux and House Inspection. The talented Scottie Fischer, Yohan Strauss and Sam Turnbull will also return to the Villany fold.

mi favorito… Freestylers! Fingers crossed they will stick with a traditional breaks-influenced set.

Marco V

MSTRKRFT

I call up Jesse F. Keeler, one half of MSTRKRFT, a few short days after the Canadian men’s ice hockey team take home the coveted gold at the Vancouver Games. With a 3-2 overtime victory against arch rivals the USA, it is hard not to lead with what must be dominating the news in his home country. “As a Canadian I’m kind of obliged to follow the ice hockey,” muses the Toronto native. “So I went to a bar full of homeless people to watch the final. I didn’t get to see any of the Olympics though, but I played a party in Vancouver after the Opening Ceremony.”

It is apparent Keeler wasn’t the sporting type growing up. His interests lay in music, something that became a career option following the success of his mid-noughties band Death From Above 1979. It was with MSTRKRFT, however, that Keeler found superstardom. He and production partner Al-P describe their initial sound as “darker underground disco,” a far stretch from more recent tracks. “The first record [The Looks] was just where my head was at the time,” says Keeler, preferring to look to the future. “Things evolve and we had the idea for the second record and just did it, simple as that.”

It is generally accepted their second album Fist of Gold was far less successful than their first. Yet it was this album that established the sound for which they are now renowned. Unlike many of their contemporaries MSTRKRFT rely primarily on hardware modular synths. “We use a 909 and an MPC because we like the sound,” he says. “Of course we use Waves plug-ins too. My favourite synthesiser cost $25,000. I can’t live without it, it’s like crack ‘cause you can’t stop once you start.”

Modcan are the company that made the duo’s synth. With personalised synths also made for the likes of Daft Punk, the pair knew they had found the equivalent of musical gold. “We’re lucky ‘cause they’re down the street from where we live,” beams Keeler. “It depends on how the synth is put together. Once you know how to use it, sky’s the limit. It’s the closest thing to painting in electronics. It’s way better than a computer ‘cause it always sounds different!”

Much to my dismay Keeler chooses to remain silent about MSTRKRFT’s upcoming third album. “We are working on a new album, yes,” he says, but still mute on details. “I can’t say much about it. If you tell people what you do, other people copy.”

MSTRKRFT return to Australia this May on the heels of their tour late last year. They will be joining the illustrious lineup at the AIS Arena on Saturday May 1 for the Kicks Warehouse Festival.

“Australia has been awesome. They’ve been loyal and interested since like 2005. We try and come out as much as possible!” says Jesse as a final thought. Very good news for us indeed.

Catch MSTRKRFT at the Warehouse Festival at the AIS Arena on Saturday May 1. Tickets through Ticketek.

Kissy Sell Out

After a night hosting BBC Radio 1’s weekly slot Kissy Klub, you’d think KISSY SELL OUT, real name Thomas Bisdee, would be ready to hit the hay. Instead, at 3am, the man is buzzing and more than willing to chat about his place in the electro scene. “I would describe my style as jump up electro-big garage with Eddie Van Halen on guitar – no, wait –Eddie Van Halen on keytar,” he laughs in a thick Essex drawl. 

Kissy Sellout first made an impact in the UK DJing scene as a teen. It wasn’t until he joined the BBC as an ‘up-and-comer’ in 2007 presenting his new monthly concept In New DJs We Trust that his unique in-your-face sound caught on. The notion for his slot, he is quick to point out, developed from the importance of giving new guys a leg-up in the industry. triple j favourites Art vs Science are amongst those caught in Kissy’s net. 

“I love LOVE Art vs Science!” Kissy enthuses. “I put their track Parlez-Vous Francais on my Mixmag CD. They’re tremendously talented. I saw them at the Winter Festival in Canberra last year [Warehouse] and they’ve the best guitar player. I’ve been playing for seven years and I’m not as good as him!” 

Modesty oozes from the man, though his musical reputation precedes him. Kissy has done remixes for dance music’s biggest names including Chromeo, Calvin Harris and Groove Armada. His solo efforts, most notably Rikkalicious featuring Hervé, have culminated in the release of his debut album Youth. “The concept for the album [as the title suggests] is about celebrating childhood,” chimes Kissy, still beaming without a hint of lethargy. “That was kind of my mission statement and I think that’s how it’s sounded. It’s quite nostalgic and I tried to reference guys like Tears for Fears and Human League. You know like a young British schoolboy singing about naughty stuff.” 

It is with this new material that Kissy is touring Australia. He has become a favourite of our sun-kissed crowds – a point that is clearly not lost on him. “I’ve really been so lucky in Australia, there’s been so many great opportunities,” he says. “The first time I played was at Field Day a few years ago to like 17,000 people which was totally crazy! Electro wouldn’t even be on the main stage in Europe so I would never play to so many people.” 

As he prepares to grace the hanging decks at Lot33 on Saturday March 27, his craft has become an introspective process. “I think I toured with the band slightly too early [last tour],” he contemplates. “I’m DJing this time round. I felt like I had to really step up my game as a DJ and do something new. I’m only playing tracks for like 30 seconds to a minute, which means I have greater freedom in track selection I think. I can take more risks so there is an element of danger now, like everything could fall apart at any moment.” 

Fingers crossed it doesn’t! 

Catch Kissy Sell Out’s DJ set at Lot33 on Saturday March 27.

Kid Sister

KID SISTER catapulted into the limelight in 2008 when her debut single Pro Nails featuring Kanye West peaked on the US charts at 21. Not bad for an MC who only started rapping three years earlier. Now the young Chicagoan (young by name and by nature, Melissa Young to be exact) has production offers rolling in from dance music’s elite. From Sinden to Steve Angello, they are lining up to work with the talented lyricist.

“Steve Angello sent us a cool beat and said ‘why don’t you write on it?’,” explained Kid Sister of her new track Right Hand Hi. “I like gay disco house, so I didn’t really know the Swedish House Mafia, to be honest. I was told they don’t give beats out and that I had to get on it. I’m really glad there are all these accomplished musicians and talented producers in my life now. We are all friends so it makes for a cohesive sound.”

It was her signing to A-Trak’s label, Fool’s Gold, which first gave Kid Sister a foothold in the business. She later moved with them to Downtown Records, who already enjoyed a partnership with Dim Mak and Mad Decent, to be distributed by Universal. She was probably destined to work with the Fool’s Gold crew considering she came up with their iconic name. “I actually named the label, not many people know that. We literally opened up the dictionary and started looking up words,” said Young.

“Well, to be honest my brother [Josh ‘J2K’ Young, one half of Flosstradamus] and I were taken on these white trash hillbilly vacations when we were kids to places like Nashville, but not as cool. They were on the route out west and there was this place, like a colonial town, where you had to pay to dig for fool’s gold. I was thinking about it with my brother and that is how the label name came to be; a white town trashy activity.”

Kid Sister’s debut studio album, Ultraviolet, out on Fool’s Gold, includes collaborations with Estelle and Cee-Lo as well as production by Rusko, Spank Rock and of course A-Trak. The album is an obvious nod to the recent popularity of hip-hop electro fusion. “I’ve grown up with dance music since I was 11 or 12. Chicago is, after all, the house music capital of the world,” said Kid Sister of her foray into dance music. “I would say the album is the definitive electronic hip-hop album out there right now. That style of music has become a massive trend and this album is what this movement is all about.”

Kid Sister is touring her new album in Australia this autumn and with live performances renowned for an abundance of energy crowds should brace themselves. “I’m looking forward to ripping Creamfields a new one! The show is fun, fun and more fun. I don’t go to the gym, so this is my exercise.”

Kid Sister will hit Canberra on Saturday May 1 for the Warehouse Festival at the AIS Arena. Third release tickets are out now through Ticketek.

Dance : The Drop

Like most readers who peruse these pages I love nothing more than going to a gig and being blown away. Until Sunday’s Best Festival I had never seen a DJ use equipment older than me. Okay so the Technics turntable was released circa ‘72, but touring acts (who still cling to vinyl) prefer those that aren’t 38 years old. The UK’s Greg Wilson played Sunday March 7’s event using an original Studer Revox reel-to-reel tape player. I doubt I will ever see that again. Mind unquestionably blown.

Canberra’s scene has been craving a new venue for the better part of a year. Hippo has dusted off its evening cocktail reputation and embraced prog to become the latest dance haunt. Reasonable prices and limited capacity have combined to produce an excellent douche-filter, so the crowd is select. After Effigy’s last double-header at the venue the team has upped their ante with a triple headline bet. Robbie Lowe (Beatcode/Proton), Trinity (Pinksilver/Deep House Project) and Dave Stuart (Shrug) join the locals in celebrating Fourthstate’s birthday on Friday March 19.

Pang! continues its tremendous Friday night dominance in Kingston the same evening. Hubert has taken a punt on Noob (France) and Matt Walsh (UK) to pull the crowd with eclectic locals Cheese, Bedrock Beats, James Marshall and Dubdecker Buss also on show. The internationals are both signed to Tiga’s Turbo Recordings and if his taste is anything to go by, and it most certainly is, join the revelry.

Academy Saturdays presents The Only this Saturday March 20. Pop it in your iPhone and catch Canberra expats Chris Fraser and Jeff Drake busting their originals for the masses. The following Saturday Academy presents the Ministry of Sound Clubber’s Guide 2010. Unlike past Ministry tours where we Canberrans have been stooged a headliner, both Hook and Sling and Anna Lunoe are promised starters. Anna Lunoe has had the magnanimous task of being the first female to record a mix with Ministry. Check her out to see history in the making.

Thursday March 25 welcomes Australia’s Girl Talk, the Yacht Club DJs, to Transit Bar. Blow off uni/work Friday as this event is not to be missed. Guy and Gaz are hot to trot with their crazy track selection – think Roger Ramjet meets Warp – and this event will herald their first in Canberra’s clubs. Their tour includes special guests DZ and Howl, though sadly no locals have been announced as yet.

Lastly in the spirit of St Patrick’s Day Lollygag have invited Irish deep house DJ John Daly to Trinity for an ostensibly Éire evening swilling Guinness… hopefully you’ve picked up this issue on Wednesday March 17, ‘cause it’s tonight!

mi favorito… I really enjoy the intimacy of Hippo and I think Effigy will solidify itself as the new ‘it’ night with the success of their Friday March 19 event. ‘Sport that fresh attire, tonight we goin' out set the town on fire.’

STAKY

Dance : The Drop

Dance : The Drop

Dance : The Drop

Bang Gang

Dance : The Drop

Dead Mau5

A rodent-infested recording studio is not the musical birthplace that springs to mind for one of the most iconic producers of recent times. Maybe an infestation is a bit of a literary colouring, but a mouse did crawl into the computer of Joel Zimmerman, never to resurface. After this rather glum incident Zimmerman saw the irony and went on to use the abbreviated DEADMAU5 as his IRC login. The Canadian musician became one of the industry's fastest rising stars and that name his iconic trademark.

"I have had some incredible years," types the man via email, with answers that reveal the hardships of providing an in depth response. "The best highlight was probably winning the Juno in Canada, like the Grammys in Australia (never tuned in to the Logies?), for my album Random Album Title."

Although Deadmau5's personal demeanour has gone on to its own notoriety, it is his musical accolades that stand out. In 2008 the producer was the highest new entry, at number 11, in the DJ Mag top 100, which is arguably the world's most recognised poll. The same year Zimmerman was also the most awarded DJ in the Beatport Music Awards, a feat he followed up in 2009.

"Beatport is very much a DJ-led digital platform," he says of the download site. "When I started to put my music out on Beatport I was doing a new style which connected with the DJs on there that obviously wanted a change in style that I was producing. With this shift in tastes I was in the right place at the right time and kept producing solid underground music that DJs loved and bought. There is no real secret formula."

As his popularity soared so did his ego, until his head was too big to stay on his own shoulders and he needed a specially built Mau5head to survive. Well maybe not, but the answer to that question was left blank so one begins to wonder. It is known the red USB-powered Mau5 helmet with flashing LED eyes and big white smile first surfaced mid-2008. Zimmerman offered up the name of the manufacturer. "A guy called Warren Keiilor in Toronto who used to make stuff for the muppets," he says. "This guy is so intelligent when putting together our technical requirements for the head and developing the new LED head."

Last year Random Album Title successfully showcased Deadmau5's biggest hits including Faxing Berlin and Not Exactly. For Lack of a Better Name is this year's offering and, as is always his style, Zimmerman has chosen a diverse range of musical genres. He gears up for his third Australian tour in November and it is the crowds here that have made the biggest impact. "I don't really look at the Australian scene," he says. "All I know is that when I play in Australia the fans are amazing and create one of the best atmospheres. You guys are crazy and love a party, and the weather is good. In Europe it always rains!"

See Deadmau5 at Foreshore on Saturday November 28 at Commonwealth Place.  Only limited final release tickets are still available.

Axwell

Each week Beatport adds thousands of new tracks to its already outstanding catalogue. The online music store is recognised by DJs and producers alike as the foremost legal source for downloading dance music. Swedish musician AXWELL has been named Best House Artist in the prodigious Beatport Music Awards for the past two years yet he remains coy about his ongoing success.

"I rarely know if what I am making would be considered a hit," says Axwell of chart toppers I Found U, Tell Me Why and Feel The Vibe. "I don't know what makes a hit, it is still mystery to me. I can sort of say what might work on the dancefloor because I know what anticipation might work, you know - the build up. But I don't usually like tracks that become hits. For example I hated Viva La Vida off Coldplay's last album, I even took it off my playlist, and that was a really big hit! You might say I have an inversed hit meter."

After developing his taste for electronic music from early PC games Axwell has evolved to become one of the industry's most sought after remixers. His discography includes reworked hits for the likes of N*E*R*D, Usher, Moby, Madonna and Faithless. However it is Axwell's work with the prolific Swedish House Mafia (including Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello and formerly Eric Prydz) that prevails. The group's formation has none of the grandiose revelry one expects of such notable artists.

"I moved to Stockholm from the south of Sweden in 2001 and I invited them to come to my studio to make house music," says Axwell. "Stockholm isn't that big and we were some of the only ones making just house. I thought we should hook up and we started developing a friendship. Now we tour together as the Swedish House Mafia and make music together."

Unlike his collaborators though, Axwell has adopted an approach to production that ensures his work remains unclouded by the many gadgets available. "Mostly I use software plugins to make music," he says. "When I started out I could only afford a computer, I couldn't afford any synths or any other equipment and I couldn't play the keyboard. So for me to go and buy synths would not be staying true to my roots. I think when you have a limit to your sounds you can be inspired by those limitations. Maybe that is too philosophical," he laughs.

Beatport awarded Axwell another accolade for Best Remix of 2007 regarding Dirty South's Let It Go. The Swedish Mafioso is looking forward to a reunion with the Australian producer upon his impending return to our shores. "I want to make a track with Dirty South in Australia," stirs Axwell. "We work really well together. I also want to hook up with Australian singers!"

Catch Axwell Saturday November 28 at Commonwealth Place as part of a massive lineup at Foreshore Summer Music Festival. Final release tickets are still available at www.lexingtonmusic.com.au, Parliament Clothing, Qjump, Moshtix, Ticketek and Landspeed Records.

Dance : The Drop

It really irritates me to hear people bitch about the quality of acts that come to Canberra. There is this seemingly endless few who carry their soap boxes to every gig willing to announce "why didn't they bring this person?," "if they brought that DJ why couldn't they bring [insert international DJ here]?" Firstly, why go to a party only to berate it? Secondly, promoters can't just click their fingers and magically the best DJs will appear in town next week. It takes months of planning and negotiations. So if this sounds like you, PIPE DOWN because you are seeing big names for substantially less than other capital cities and, like most people, you probably have a sweet hook up behind the bar. Just get d-runk and get out of my face. End Rant.

Poured myself a chamomile; now for some good news. There are a few new kids in town who go by the name of JAKE. Keep your ear to the ground as they are planning a different kind of party experience. I actually don't have much information on this one, let's just hope they can deliver.

Pang!'s continuously impressive lineup of travelling entertainment resumes on Friday October 30 with the Neon Essential Vol. 2 tour. The Neon Records imprint has released the second in its mix series and Grant Smilie (TV Rock) is heading to Lot33 to promote it. Kid Massive (France) is also on the bill and for those playing along at home he has coincidentally just released an EP called Neon Lights. Supports include Pang! residents Hubert, Beat It and Reverse Dog.

Exposed returns to Transit after a short hiatus to present the Official Stonefest After Party featuring troublemakers The Hump Day Project. Debauched mayhem seems to follow these guys whenever they visit our fair city and I am sure this will be no exception. The gig is FREE and local DJs will be Chairman Wow v Fidel Maestro, Cheese, Beat It and Kiss Off Electric.

The races have never been my thing so if, like me, you would prefer to go out afterwards there are a few serious contenders. Our House (not to be confused with My House) is back for its run of summer parties at Old Parliament House starting Tuesday November 3. Friction & Lexington have invited Kid Kenobi, Bass Kleph and Dancing with the Stars third round drop out Emily Scott to kick start the lineup. If you are a race day ticket holder don't miss out on free buses to the event from Thoroughbred Park.

Pang! is hosting its own Race Day After Party at Lot33 and it is set to be monumental. K.I.M (The Presets), Boy 8-Bit (Mad Decent, UK), Beni, Bag Raiders and The Aston Shuffle are sharing headline responsibilities with Hubert, Beat It, Timtulip and Cheese to fill out the program. Pretty sure it will reach capacity not long after doors open at 5.30pm, so be careful not to get stranded in the line on Kennedy Street.

If these parties all sound a lil' too four four don't miss Shockwave featuring DJ Cotti (UK) at Hippo on Saturday November 7. As one half of -30 Recordings Cotti's dubstep and grime will certainly make Hippo's system wobble.

mi favorito... I'm not going to beat around the bush here. Go to Exposed. Go to Exposed and bring your friends!

STAKY

Miami Horror

The disco revival has well and truly established itself as a credible genre in dance circles and leading the charge on the home front is Melbourne-based MIAMI HORROR. The newly formed live act can thank producer Benjamin Vanguarde for generating a buzz with past work that involves a series of remixes as well as standout work with the tongue in cheek Gameboy/Gamegirl. Vanguarde though is quick to sing the praises of his new bandmates.

"I had collaborated with our guitarist Josh Moriarty [ex-Young & Restless] before and Dan [Whitechurch, keys] and I have been friends for about five years," explains Vanguarde. "Then I met Josh's mate Aaron [Shanahan, drums] and we all started throwing ideas around together. The live show has turned out really well. They were all the right people for the job."

Like most aspiring musos Vanguarde started as a teenager creating loops and riffs in his bedroom but found band life too erratic. After maturing his sound with solo work which included his EP Bravado, Ben decided the best way to promote Miami Horror's unique mash of pop and italo-disco was through the incarnation of a live show. "Sometimes people come to one of my Miami Horror DJ sets after coming to the live show and I think they are a bit disappointed," says Vanguarde. "I mean the live show has a lot going on and it completely outshines the DJ show. The response to both though is generally good."

The vintage throwback feature video for their 2008 track Don't Be With Her skyrocketed to popularity online and it was with this success that Miami Horror were gifted a contract with EMI. Their first studio effort is set for release early next year. "Our next album is set to come out in mid-January," the 22 year old producer enthuses. "It will be quite different to our earlier stuff. There will be a vintage pop element and although it is unstructured and varied it still flows together. Our sound is a bit different to a lot of other electronic production out there. We have a very '70s influence. It's very dreamy. To be honest we haven't thought too much about it."

The Miami Horror live ensemble has so far impressed audiences at renowned festivals like Good Vibrations and Splendour in the Grass. Canberra has its turn to catch the show at the third Trackside Festival in late November and Vanguarde is eager to show the nation's capital what they have to offer. "We are aiming to play songs off our upcoming new album," he says. "It is different from what we have done in the past because we are probably not going to play remixes, just about ten originals. The visuals will be similar to our film clip."

Catch Miami Horror at Thoroughbred Park on Saturday November 21 as one of Trackside's headline acts. Tickets are $85 (+bf) and are available from Moshtix, Ticketek, OzTix and Landspeed Records.

The Hump Day Project

A new dance craze has been sweeping Jamaica. Basically the en vogue move involves male dancers using their member to 'dagger' women in time with the music. Seriously, check out this dry humping phenomenon on YouTube and see for yourself. Steve Lind has raised his hand to cement his place as the founder of the move and its impact on his production duo THE HUMP DAY PROJECT.

"You know the dagger dancehall craze that has been sweeping Jamaica? Yep, we started that... but 'The Dagger Day Project' just didn't have the same ring to it," boasts Lind. Although THDP's affiliation with 'daggering' may not be entirely believable, the pair have released a series of Baltimore-influenced tracks which are as infectious as the West Indian dance fad. Steve Lind created The Hump Day Project with Heath Jansson (who is also known for his work with the Impossibles) back in 2007.

"In December '07 when breaks were dead, electro was boring, fidget was in its infancy and house music was all but forgotten, Baltimore club came along," says Lind. "We fell in love with the sound and raw punk-like approach to production. It seems we weren't the only ones feelin' the vibe with peeps like Utah Saints droppin' our Chemical Brothers bootleg on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show and the Stanton Warriors opening their Glastonbury set the next year with the same tune."

From the outset THDP went from strength to strength. Initial bootlegs such as Faithless' Insomnia and C&C Music Factory's Gonna Make You Sweat helped establish the duo's tongue in cheek approach to performing and solidified their reputation as party starters. In September 2008 the pair were asked to host their own monthly club night at Sydney's renowned Chinese Laundry. With the help of designer friends, their night, Big Trouble, also gave birth to the website troublemakers.net.

"At first the website focused heavily on our bootlegs, edits and mixtapes," says Lind. "But unfortunately with the current music climate the way it is - with corporate fun police handing out fines and closing down blogs (R.I.P. Deckheads) - we decided to shift the focus onto the individual artists. Now the site has come full circle and music is the focus once again with the launch of TroubleMakers Music."

Much to the appreciation of their growing group of revelers TM Music has enabled The Hump Day-ers to launch their music for free online. Canberrans have been among the first to jump on the bandwagon reminiscent of the days when Steve Lind called the capital home and was a regular at Trinity and Academy. With many DJs here having a story or two about the former Devil's Advocate, Steve has only great things to say about the town. "I think the scene in Canberra is fantastic!" he says.

"Friction & Lexington are doing amazing things and just keep upping the ante with every festival and lineup they announce," Lind enthuses. "Pang! is one of the best nights in Australia and let's not forget The Aston Shuffle! We haven't played Transit yet but are really looking forward to smashing it out for the Stonefest After Party."

See The (outrageous) Hump Day Project and their dagger dance antics at Exposed @ Transit Bar on Saturday October 31 for the Official Stonefest After Party. Locals include Beat It, Cheese, Kiss Off Electric and Chairman Wow & Fidel Maestro.

Dance : The Drop

We are only three quarters through the year and are already being forced to consider our New Years options. Long gone are the tween years, when deciding upon some house party three days before the 31st was Kosher. With tickets to most events selling out faster than the speed of sound and big parties already announcing headliners, the time is nigh. The great Danny Tenaglia has been added to the Summerdayze tour and is sure to help boost ticket sales. The Field Day lineup includes Krafty Kuts, 2manyDJs and DJ Yoda and as always should see a slew of Canberrans make the trek up. As per usual Canberra is late to announce its big NY parties. Garema will hold its obligatory community affair, but the notable dance events are likely to be at Academy and Transit. Watch this space for details.

Looking in to the nearer future, this weekend will be huge for those in the Trance scene. On Friday October 16 Mercury Bar will host Trancentral. The focus is obviously on trance, but the lineup also includes DJs who will pump out tech and progressive trance too. Don't miss Pang! DJ Comp #1, Peekz, and #2, Mr. Wilson, as well as my personal favourite Beat It.

If you want to listen to Trance of the harder variety, Subsonic returns to the Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing Centre in Mitchell on Saturday October 17. If you have never been to a CIRCC event the atmosphere is unlike anything else in town. The Lighter Massive Crew always ensure a great amount of time is spent on intense production so a gargantuan laser show is expected. Hardcore master Weaver (Raver Baby Records) headlines, plus Sydneysiders Tempa and Nemesis. Locals include Lighter Massive kingpin Nomad and the vivacious Nasty.

Pang! is putting up the biggest competition to the trance parties the same weekend. Although I think the crowd is unlikely to cross over much. On Friday October 16 Pang! features Hostage (Nightshifters, UK) at Lot 33 where the musical flavour will be broad. Hostage is renowned for his heavy electro rave-esque sound championed by the likes of Annie Mac and Kissy Sellout on BBC Radio1. I am certain there will be some breaks and dubstep in the mix as Shifty Business, Crooked Sound and DJ Dred break their Pang! cherry. The scratchtastic Stunami and James Marshall are also in support.

Pang! has also invited Dim Mak Records founder Steve Aioki to cut loose on Saturday October 17. The Californian wild child has more slashes than Fabio in Zoolander. He is a DJ slash producer slash restaurant owner slash club promoter slash record label boss slash headphone designer slash clothing and footwear designer! Fortunately he found some time in his busy schedule to head to Canberra for what is sure to be a massive night.

I'm excited by a new concept due to launch on Saturday October 24 at Belconnen's cool-cat haunt Ha Ha Bar. If you are an upcoming DJ or a DJ who just wants to have a bev coupled with sneaky mix, come down to the bar from 6pm and sign yourself up for a 40 min slot on the open decks. DJs of all abilities are welcome, but are encouraged to be mindful of the patrons when selecting tracks. "You've read all the books, but when it comes to the crunch - where are you?" As the event's main promoter The Crunch will be on hand to sort out logistics.

mi favorito... The Lighter Massive Crew have been putting on quality parties for many years and their Subsonic 2009 is sure to be no exception. It is good to see a dedicated few keeping this scene alive.

Dance : The Drop

Apparently Australia is known as 'the land of the long weekend.' What utter jive! It has been almost four months since we celebrated the Queen's Birthday with a Monday off and now I am counting the days till Labour Day! Finally it approaches and the decisive question remains - what to do?

As is the norm in the ACT there is sure to be a mass exodus of kids heading to Parklife. And to be fair, that is what I normally do. However this year, with so many acts from the lineup having played in Canberra already, and more to come, I can't justify the trip up.

Claude Von Stroke is one of Parklife's headliners who will be in Canberra the weekend of the festival. Transit Bar presents the Dirty Bird head honcho at their night Full Frequency on Friday October 2. His recent album Bird Brain hatches on Monday October 19 (see what I did there), but you can get some of its early releases now including Beat that Bird and The Greasy Beat (feat Bootsy Collins). Presale tix are available for $15 from Moshtix and local talent on the night includes Mikah Freeman, Ronnie Gordon, Bobbin, Biggie and Staky.

I think most dance music purveyors staying in C-town this long weekend are likely to head bush for the much anticipated Dragon Dreaming Festival (Saturday Oct 3 - Monday October 5). The diverse lineup stretches across four stages, each area with a differing musical and artistic theme. As with past years the focus isn't only on music, there will be an outdoor cinema plus an array of markets and workshops. However if you're keen to hear some beats be sure to check out Biggie, Crooked Sound System, Jude May, Aneurysm and Gabriel Gilmore. For more information on camping and ticketing visit www.dragondreaming.net.

The other awesome facet of a long weekend is the subsequent four day working week. As you may have realised Friday October 9 will transpire very quickly which means the wait for the next instalment of Llik Llik Llik will not seem as long. After the huge success of Kazu Kimura the Llikers have lined up their next international, German techno phänomen Butch (real name Bülent Gürler). After his critically acclaimed debut album, Papillon, received rave reviews following its release last year Butch will no doubt have some epically choice techno for us to enjoy. Supports are Club Junque (Chinese Laundry, SYD), Scottie Fischer, Gabriel Gilmour, Staky, Biggie and Bobbin.

The following evening is the launch of new progressive night Effigy at Hippo Lounge. Due to Hippo's intimate capacity only a hundred or so punters will get the chance to see Sydney house stalwart Matt Rowan up close and personal. Rowan gained international prominence after his track Tomorrow, written with former Canberran Jaytech, was featured on Dave Seaman's Renaissance Master's Series. The local lineup will feature Peekz, Gabriel Gilmour and Yohan Strauss. Tix are $10 on the door.

Mi favorito... I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest the pick of the fortnight will be the new night at Hippo on Saturday October 10.  The tunes will be deep and the atmosphere will be inviting. Nothing like a cheeky martini, smooth mixing and good company.

P.S. Don't forget about Foreshore tix, November is now only a month out!

John Dahlbäck

There is something in the air in Sweden. The country is home to more dance music luminaries than it is to Eurovision pop idols, and that's saying something. At only 24 JOHN DAHLBÄCK has earned his place alongside other Nordic notables such as Eric Prydz and Axwell. Interestingly the well known 'House Mafia' are not where he draws his inspiration. "It's funny, I don't think of other producers as major influences on me," says a stoic Dahlbäck as he prepares for his upcoming Australian tour. "I maybe like one track, but no specific producers."

How then did such a young prodigy get introduced to the world of electronic music at only 15? His first release came out on vinyl when most other kids his age were more concerned about the impending release of Playstation2. "My cousin Jesper was a pioneer of house music in Sweden and he first introduced me to dance music," Dahlbäck remembers. "I was lucky because my father had a studio at home and I had the privilege of using that from an early age. I would just go in and try to make sounds on his computer."

Jesper and his cousin continued to make techno influenced tracks under the moniker Hugg & Pepp. Yet it wasn't until Dahlbäck founded his own label, Pickadoll, in 2000 that his production work began to achieve worldwide recognition. "I had a few labels before this one, but they were all with other people," he says. "I wanted my own label for original music so I could choose tracks myself that I think really stick out."

With artists including Style of Eye, Sebastian Léger and Zoo Brazil all putting out releases on his imprint, Dahlbäck has come to see Pickadoll as the greatest measure of his own success. "In Swedish 'pickadoll' means 'gun,'" Dahlbäck explains. "I chose it because it was edgy and unusual to me at the time, just like the music I was making. The logo is great; it shows a girl licking a gun. It all fits together."

Australians have their first ever chance to catch John Dahlbäck in action this summer as he helps headline the Stereosonic tour. Fortunately Canberrans won't miss out as Dahlbäck was also in the first round announcement of the Foreshore lineup. The Swede only has positive comments about the scene down under. "I have heard it is crazy good!" says Dahlbäck. "I have worked with Tommy Trash before, after I met him in Amsterdam, and I think that Australian music focuses a lot more on melodies. Over here everything is a lot more minimal. Australian music is not afraid of using more vocals which I really like."

After Dahlbäck's track Everywhere featured on John Course's disc of the 2008 Ministry of Sound Annual compilation, his impending tour has been highly anticipated for some time. "I am just going to play a bunch of new tracks from my next album to really showcase me and my music!" he enthuses.

Catch John Dahlbäck at Commonwealth Park at this year's epic Foreshore on Saturday November 28. Although first and second release tickets have already sold out, third release tickets are still available for $99.95 from Moshtix. GET YOURS NOW!

Basement Jaxx

For most people my age there are a group of maybe five artists which first sharply turned our heads towards dance music. The list includes the likes of Groove Armada, the Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, Daft Punk and, of course, the decisive BASEMENT JAXX. The UK house duo fervently rose to prominence in the late '90s with a string of infectious hits including Bingo Bango, Romeo and of course Where's Your Head At. On the cusp of their fifth studio release, Scars, I chatted to Felix Buxton about Yoko Ono, a decade of hits and all things Basement Jaxx.

"As the name suggests, Scars is about a darker place we were in when we started writing the album," says a reflective Buxton in the midst of a dutifully long day promoting the album. "There was a lot of friction in both of our lives, in relationships and outside of that. We have been around for a while and we have suffered ten years of bruises and scars and this is where we are now and this is what the album reflects."

Despite the ominous nature of the title of their latest release, Basement Jaxx have returned to a refreshingly catchy sound. 2006's Crazy Itch Radio was a not-so-well-executed attempt at the illusive concept album (an introspective comment on the top 40... ahem). Scars offers a series of well executed collaborations. The most interesting of which undoubtedly involves avante-garde artist Yoko Ono.

"We didn't have a general plan of attack to talk to Yoko," says Buxton. "I mean we had seen or read somewhere that she was a fan of our music, so we knew it wasn't beyond our reach. Many years ago we bumped into her manager at a party so we were able to contact him again. I felt like I had a connection with her. To be honest I wanted to speak to her about life and the universe. She became prominent in the love generation and we started making waves in the acid house generation. During both periods there was a lot of social change. For example in our time the violence stopped so much in the football terraces. I felt there were a lot of parallels."

As with their previous albums Felix and Simon Ratcliffe (the Jaxx's other limb) have clearly ensured Scars resonate both visually and aurally. "We knew we wanted the cover to feature certain imagery such as the future and the desert," Buxton describes. "We also wanted it to be neither human nor beast, just clashes of matter. Matt Maitland did the design of our new album and I think he did a great job in turning our vision to reality. Matt did the art for our second album Rooty and has also done the art for the second part release of Scars [Basement Jaxx are still to release some down tempo tunes that didn't make the cut on the original album]. Basically Matt really understands the Basement Jaxx aesthetic."

Scars is available now online or from all the regular outlets. Can we expect a Basement Jaxx tour announced soon? Maybe... "We'll maybe come down to Australia in February next year. Hopefully we get some offers from the big festivals." Fingers Crossed.

Claude Von Stroke

You'd be forgiven for thinking CLAUDE VONSTROKE is another of the talented Dutch musical prodigies. In fact Claude, real name Barclay Crenshaw, hails from Detroit and his name is the result of a few beers and a dreamt up 'European' DJ moniker. Crenshaw, which is a pretty catchy DJ name in its own right, now resides in San Francisco and the Claude handle has stuck around.

Fresh off the success of his mind-blowing Fabric 46 mix, Claude is on the road ahead of the release of his second artist album, Birdbrain. "I have no set agenda with the new album," says Claude. "Some tracks are more crazy and some are more mellow. Basically I was just inspired by the San Francisco area and the Dirtybird guys."

The "Dirtybird guys" he is referring to are those signed to his label. DirtyBird Records was formed by Claude in 2005 after he was inspired by a self-made DVD which featured interviews with other seminal techno producers such as Derrick May, Derrick Carter and Theo Parish. "The name for the label evolved from something else," he says. "I was working with the Martin brothers, Chris and Justin, in a bar and we came up with the name for a party we ran in Golden Gate Park. The name for the label came from that. I know in England it [Dirtybird] means something else and I am happy for people to think that's where it came from," he laughs.

Soon after Dirtybird's inception Claude released the hugely successful Deep Throat ("I would like to coooooome") closely followed by Who's Afraid of Detroit?, named by minimal heavyweight Richie Hawtin as the best track of 2006. The song's A-side The Whistler enjoyed similar acclaim and was further publicised through remixes by the likes of Jesse Rose and Diplo. Claude's first album, Beware of the Bird, was a crossover sensation and received plaudits from dancefloors worldwide; a far cry from his hip-hop roots.

"I don't necessarily idolise anyone in dance music. I look up to people in the hip-hop world like Travis Conquest and Public Enemy," says Claude. "I was originally interested in the concept of making hip-hop beats. The constructed beat is something that dance music has in common with hip-hop. Then I started listening to drum and bass from the UK, which then somehow morphed my interest into house. It was a natural progression of fabricated sound."

The new album, Birdbrain, drops on Monday October 19. Its first release, Beat That Bird, was co-written by Justin Martin and is a choice tech house download.

The Whistler himself takes a break from his run of Parklife dates to visit Transit Bar on Friday October 2. Ably supported by Mikah Freeman, Ronnie Gordon, Biggie, Staky and Bobbin. Limited release presale tix are available now for $15 from Moshtix.

Dance: The Drop

Spring is slowly emerging from its chilly Canberran hibernation. As the nights are getting warmer and the days are getting longer I can only think of one thing - summer parties! I love gigs this time of year; 08's crop of pre-yuletide shindigs saw some of the world's best (think Bookashade, Crookers and Sasha) descend on the capital. As far as I'm concerned this year will be no exception with festivities really gearing up over the next fortnight.

Foreshore has announced a second troupe of mask-wearers to their already formidable lineup. If you didn't have enough excuses to attend the Saturday November 28 festival The Bloody Beetroots are now also performing alongside other notables such as Crookers, Empire of the Sun, Deadmau5, Stanton Warriors, Axwell and more. Rumours are asunder that there will be more epic announcements to come.

Full Frequency returns to Transit Bar on Thursday September 17 with Chris Santiago of Santiago and Bushido fame. Their fidget production is best recognised on Chicago's Potty Mouth Records label with releases such as Headtrick receiving major dancefloor plaudits. Vance Musgrove, Ronnie Gordon, Cheese and Mike G also feature on the stellar lineup.

If you want to camp overnight at Transit Llik Llik Llik's monthly instalment returns on Friday featuring Wagga's techno don Luke Ellis. After a year of parties the Llikers have a firmly established crowd of followers and with the help of Llik residents this party shall be loose a one.

In recent weeks Pang! have relocated their fervent Lot 33 antics across town to Academy. They are set to do it again on Friday September 18 with the Official Tame Impala After Party. Following Tame Impala's Sundown Syndrome Tour at the ANU earlier in the evening, Modular are teaming up with Pang! to host this monstrous event. Holland's Sidney Samson (Riverside motherf%@*er!) will headline with the BANG GANG DJs (Doom & Hoodrat) also confirmed. Local support shapes up with talent from a few different quarters including Ashley Feraude, Hubert, Reverse Dog, Ryz, Team Wing, Beat It vs Offtapia and Celebrity Sextape.

Mingle are putting on a huge end of term party for their fellow students on Thursday September 24. triple j Mixup resident MDX (MoS/Long Distance Recordings) is bringing his unique style of Tech to Transit Bar with Cheese, Scottie Fischer, Yohan Strauss, Nolly, Mr Wilson, Sam Turnbull and Skywalker in tow. MDX is one of my favourite DJs, not only for his flawless mixing technique, but for his unique ability to pluck obscure tunes from the underground and turn them into Gen Y gold.

Lastly don't forget your tickets to 360 at the UCU Refectory on Friday September 25. Friction and Lexington are presenting the cream of the Parklife lineup with A-Trak, Tiga and MSTRKRFT coming to play right here in C-town. Tiga's recent album Ciao! is one of my standout releases of 2009. With such breakthrough hits as the chunky Mind Dimension 2 and pop-influenced Shoes, I can't wait to see him deliver. Jeff Drake, RyFy and DJ Bricksta round out the lineup.

mi favorito ... hmmm, hard one this issue. Can't go past seeing Tiga, A-Trak and MSTRKRFT. Don't be phased by M15, at the end of the day you'll be hanging with your mates regardless.

STAKY

Dance: The Drop

Wow Playground, what happened? I guess two wrongs (or 18) don't make a right! If you want to go to a festival where you will be able to buy alcohol and where crucial insurance concerns were dealt with before the headliners were announced, don't miss out on this year's Foreshore. First and second release tickets were snapped up in record time and with the full lineup now released, don't let yourself become the only one who can't join in conversation about Deadmau5's ridonkulous tattoos and mask come Saturday November 28.

Looking into the near future, there are some tasty events to hit up over the next fortnight. Pang! is bringing their crew to Academy on Friday September 4 to present the Boys Noise Records Night. With a slew of local support and five headliners including DJ Edjotronic (France), Shadow Dancer (UK), Strip Steve (France), Ajax (Sweat It Out, Syd) and The Aston Shuffle (MOS), the Academy bar staff are certainly going to have their work cut out 'cause up and downstairs will be pumping!

The following evening, pop on your charitable boots and head down to ANU @ 7pm for their inaugural Red Party. The event is raising funds for the international AIDS epidemic and, as the name suggests, dress in all things RED to further promote awareness. Support is coming from all corners of the Canberra music scene. The DJ contingent alone includes Team Wing, Sean Kelly, Staky, Cheese, Peekz, Stunami, Hubert, Saad & Jonty, Faux Real and Celebrity Sextape. For more information visit www.anuredparty.com.

Also on Saturday September 5 is another instalment of tha sheezy +one at Transit. If you missed out on round one of this new night, to quote the Fresh Prince, "a lesson could be learned from this musical fusion." Deep Cycle and MC Conduct are down from Sydney to purvey their particular style of DnB/breaks and dubstep. If you like the whampity whamp, the lineup is filled out by DJ Harlequin, Poser and Shifty Business.

Tom Piper returns to Academy on Saturday September 5 too, with support from Ashley Feraude and B-Tham. The Bam Bam Music main man has recently refreshed Riverside and, with a ream of ARIA chart hits under his belt, Academy will surely reap the benefits of his hard-drive.

Another night I am looking forward to in the next few weeks is the launch of Full Frequency at Transit Bar. The first of these Thursday night ventures on Thursday September 3 features NY-based Kill the Noise. If you are unfamiliar with their work, think Bag Raiders meets Surkin. Full Frequency backs up on Saturday September 12 with Detroit Techno 'Grandson' Omar-S and also promises more big names in coming weeks.

Before I sign out a few props need to be given to The Aston Shuffle lads who landed themselves an impressive #3 in the country at the recent ITM50 DJ poll awards. Of course this feat secured them the #1 act in the ACT. Alliance @ Academy netted best club night and Foreshore took best festival. Congratulations guys, much deserved salutations.

mi favorito... Reminiscent of Fridays in a far gone era, hopefully Pang!'s Boys Noise Records Night will help rejuvenate TGIF clubbing at Academy. With both levels open and a cacophony of genres on offer this is a party I eagerly await!

STAKY

Zoo Brazil

John Andersson, aka ZOO BRAZIL, has been producing music since the early '90s. Most club-goers would recognise his recent work with cult label Get Physical, but he has in fact been producing tunes since the tender age of eleven. "It was house, or some kind of 'noise' that I got from my first home computer which could only sample 0.5 seconds -mind-blowing back then!" says Andersson from his Stockholm studio.

The Swede has come a long way from the pre-teen banging away on his archaic PC. Outside of the club scene his most notable claim to fame is his track The One, featured on Kylie Minogue's 2007 album X. "The song had already been written in 2001/02," he explains. "It was finished in my bedroom whilst I was waiting for a new studio. It was too pop so I sent it off to my publisher in the UK. Five years later Kylie heard it through another songwriter on the album and fell in love with it and asked if she could use it on her album. It was really straightforward. Since then I have had a lot of offers to write more pop songs for artists, which is really fun."

Primarily a renowned techno artist, the slight change in musical direction gave Andersson a sniff at commercial success. He is pragmatic about the experience though and believes that dance music production has a crossover appeal that is becoming increasingly apparent. "Dance has a massive impact on the pop scene," he asserts. "Just look now how much the US RnB and hip-hop scene has changed. It has gotten much more electronic. Synths and strange sounds are not only found in the cool and underground scene, but are also becoming more and more prevalent in the mainstream charts."

New producers shouldn't jump on any particular flavour du jour. So if you are thinking of pumping out a crappy vocoder-riddled debut, think again. "Only make music you like yourself and believe in," Andersson offers. "Don't try to jump on a bandwagon. Ask labels if you can remix any act in the beginning for free, just to get your name out there and never give up."

As a DJ, Zoo Brazil has graced the stage at the world's best clubs, including Ministry of Sound and Pasha. Now his finetuned show is coming to our shores. "I have lots of new songs that I have just finished in the studio. I'll only be using CDs on this tour, with a lot of my own edits and stuff which is the best for travelling."

One last question remains - if Zoo Brazil owned a zoo in Brazil what exotic animals would it house? "Why, a Moog-a-phant of course!"

Catch Zoo Brazil at Hubert's Birthday Bash Friday August 28 at Lot 33. The night also features maRlo (Armada Music) plus Exposed DJs, Mingle DJs and Llik Llik Llik DJs.

Dance : The Drop

Hopefully you all had the chance to say bon voyage to Tim Galvin before he jetted overseas for two months of debauched club hopping. My name is Staky and I'll be Dancing the Drop while Galvin is on the road. With only a few short paragraphs to dish out two weeks of gigs I unfortunately have no more time to lament his departure, but if you are reading this from abroad Tim please don't surrey the good Canberra name.

This Friday August 21 Academy is making the most of its sizable stage with indie-dance rockers Lost Valentinos playing with full band. I'm sure you've all bopped in your car to the Bang Gang 12" released Bismarck and now is your chance to see the Sydneysiders live. To beef up the lineup the Los Vals will be supported by Ghost Wood as well as Bar 32's Shakedown residents Celebrity Sextape and Skullss.

If you are staying in the city that night you must also visit Transit for Llik Llik Llik's first Transit birthday bash. Canberra's premier techno crew have invited Simon Caldwell (Mad Racket) and Ronnie Gordon along for the festivities plus Canberra export Shunji. Get in early to pick up a free Llik CD mixed by residents Biggie, Gabe Gilmour and Scottie Fischer. Please save me one guys!

Across town Pang! is bringing back Sam La More with locals Peekz, Cheese, Offtapia, Beat It and Hubert in support. Make sure you pass him your congrats for telling Miss Hilton to eff off!

Don't extend yourselves too much on Friday night because on Saturday August 22 IloveCBR is hosting the capital's newest (and most contentious) dance festival, Playground. For a first effort the gang have managed to secure an impressive lineup including Hook N Sling (Syd), Acid Jacks (Melb), Elmo is Dead (Syd), Ivan Gough (TV Rock) and uber hottie Minx (One Love). Free buses will be heading to and from the warehouse in Hume and tix are available from the regular haunts. All the best guys, I hope the inaugural event goes off without a hitch.

Univibes' Mingle returns on Thursday August 27. Mingle at Transit is fast becoming one of the biggest student-focussed dance nights around. So if you are one of Canberra's many academic paupers, make the most of the night's cheap drink deals and free entry.

Pang! luminary Hubert is throwing himself a massive birthday party at Lot 33 on Friday August 28. Not only has Hugh invited a host of local glitterati to bolster celebrations - including Exposed DJs (Staky, Beat It and Bobbin), Mingle DJs (Cheese, Yohan and Oli) and Llik Llik Llik DJs (Scottie Fischer, Gabriel Gilmour and Biggie) - he has also been fortunate enough to coax Zoo Brazil (Sweden) of techno mega label Get Physical along for the ride plus MaRlo of Armada Music.

Two trance heavyweights are in town that evening with Alliance at Academy also staging TyDi. At only 22 the Queenslander has enjoyed a major release on Armin Van Buuren's label Armada Music with hit Meet Me in Kyoto. Support comes from Pang! DJ comp winner Peekz and the tremendously talented Fourthstate.

Mi favorito... Definitely checkout Hubert's birthday bash! This gig has something for everyone - international clout, a national trance hero, a gamut of local DJs. Decadent partying at its best.

  Staky

Drumattic Twins

Fresh off the release of their second album, Hammer & Tongs, renowned breakbeat duo the DRUMATTIC TWINS are returning to Oz. It has been a few years since the pair have graced our shores. Unlike a few of their Australian counterparts who have recently advocated a stronger electro influence, the Drumattic Twins remain truly a breaks superpower. Needless to say diehards and scenesters alike are keenly awaiting their fifth tour.

"We always look forward to coming to Australia," says one half of the pair, Kevin Lancaster, better known as Lanx. "The scenery and weather are good and the people are crazy! Although Canberra is a bit colder so we might have to pack our cardigans." Though they might need more than their cardies to ward off the Canberra cold, their legions of fans will flock to the Transit Bar this Thursday July 9 regardless of weather.

The Drumattic Twins' foray into production began in the mid '80s as a cover band. It wasn't until Lanx and production partner Nick Slater teamed up with vocalist Ryan Gee as "Shades of Rhythm" did their star begin to rise. The trio went on to produce era-defining anthems such as Extacy and Sweet Sensation. With their remix of N-Trance's Set You Free they became a household name, even appearing on Top of the Pops.

Jump forward a decade to the release of Drumattical in 2001 from their independent label Freakazoid. Tired of the constraints of working with a major label, Freakazoid allowed the Drumattic Twins a unique creative opportunity. The universal success of Drumattical showed the gamble paid off. A whole new generation of club goers were converted to the Twins' notorious break beat when triple j championed Feelin Kinda Strange and local heavyweights Bass Kleph and Nick Thayer remixed the track.

Released a few short months back their new album is massively club orientated. "There was not one single inspiration for the new album," says Lanx. "It is more of a collection of songs, a progression of our music since the first album. In saying that though the majority of the music is new and we have tried to appeal to a wider audience."

With the huge singles Don't Be So Drumattic, Sound of the Drum and Under the Lights already getting an awesome dance floor response, Australian audiences have a lot to look forward to. Their 'decks and effects' show has been honed with years of experience. Yet their cacophony of layered sound is thankfully not preset. "Our sets are different every night," Lanx explains. "We don't plan our sets; it is always on the fly, which makes it more exciting I think. We try and follow what the crowd is into, so it will differ from place to place."

Don't miss Lanx and Nick Thayer at Transit's new night Full Frequency on Thursday July 9. With support by local favourites Karton, Dubdeckerbuss, Staky and the Rideckulous DJs and free entry, there are no excuses not to go!