1.Growing Up
I played sax at school from about grade five through year 12 and also studied music; writing sheet music and the like. My parents were certainly not musically inclined but encouraged me to continue with music – it seemed a natural progression to go into DJing and producing as making your own music was much more fun than playing other people’s music. As far as a key memory, not sure there’s a defining one other than my dad hammering us with country tapes on road trips!
2.Inspirations
So many and so diverse – Prince, Stevie Wonder, INXS, Bell Biv DeVoe, Run-D.M.C., Herbie Hancock, Bocelli… I just like great music. Putting together an album is no mean feat and to be able to do it consistently is even harder. Don’t get me wrong, I love a lot of the modern guys too but growing up I used to thrash the Kick album and Use Your Illusion by Guns N’ Roses practically wore out the needle on the turntable.
3.Your Crew
My crew is very diverse. I have a number of businesses – Neon Records, at which we look after everyone from Milky Chance, Klingande, Gorgon City and over the years Rudimental, Skrillex and many more. We have made a shift to more of an album-based label with firm roots in house music. Loving it. I also own 360 Agency – a music booking agency – and a PR company called iDCollective. In addition I’ve got hospitality projects in LA and Australia so it’s busy! Axwell is my business partner in my new venue in LA (opening in January 2015), and he and I have been long-time friends and he’s had a significant influence on my musical career. Working with Ivan Gough over the years has also been a great pleasure – he’s a genius.
4.The Music YouMake And Play
As with Neon, my focus is more on the house tip whenever possible. I’m halfway through a couple of new things that will drop early 2015 and I’m loving the UK garage vibe that’s coming from Gorgon, The Magician, Duke Dumont, Alex Adair, Disclosure and the like. It’s solid music with melody and considered vocals – expect to hear some of that, and if the vibe is right towards the end of the night we’ll take it up a fraction!
5.Music, Right Here, Right Now
The music scene right now is no different than it’s ever been – fiercely competitive, cyclical and the only thing that really matters is good product. Make good tunes, play records that you love and hopefully you find a niche. Two things are different to ten years ago: one is the social media aspect; it’s like a full-time job! However, nobody gives a crap if Flume only posts one time a year – as long as the album he drops next is bangin’, that’s all that counts. The second thing for up-and-coming guys is cutting through the noise. Everyone’s a producer and a DJ these days – it’s starting to sound clichО. What’s your difference and why should I listen to your promo when I already have 50 links in my inbox?
