The old adage “where there’s a will, there’s a way” might well be the hoariest in a very hoary book.

And yet in the case of internationally renowned DJ and producer Pirupa, it has particular relevance. Though his upcoming dates in this country mark the maverick’s first time spinning tunes Down Under, he has been trying to make it our way for a while. “I was looking to come to Australia three years ago,” Pirupa reveals, “but in the end we had some problems with my schedule and we had to move it. It took some time.”

Given this tour has essentially been a passion project, it’s understandable that the trendsetter behind thumping anthems like ‘Party Non Stop’ and ‘Get Funky’ seems as excited about the shows as his fans are. “I can’t wait,” he says. “This is my first time there and I would love to inspire [the] continent, have a good time and play some beautiful gigs. I’m really excited. You can’t imagine!”

Despite the fact his interview with the BRAG is being conducted over email – the young Italian’s less-than-perfect English has been offered as the reason a phoner is a no-go – Pirupa comes across as singularly humble. Every one of his responses understates his talents – even when discussing ‘Spin Me Round’, the collaboration he released last year with rapper Ninho, he makes his creative process sound shockingly easy.

“Ninho sent me [‘Spin Me Round’] to help him with the mix and mastering,” he says. “While testing his track in a club, I put the
a capella on and the people went mad. So we decided to change his original track. We put [in] different bass, synths, pads and the vocals from [‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’ by] Dead Or Alive.”

Rather touchingly, Ninho isn’t just a collaborator – he is also one of Pirupa’s genuine mates, adding something resolutely honest about the pair’s work together. “We met for the first time four years ago,” Pirupa says. “He was very young and one of my biggest supporters ever. I gave him some input for production and helped him a lot with his [stuff]. He is a nice guy and a good friend.”

Though ‘Spin Me Round’ was a resounding success, the jewel in Pirupa’s studded crown is probably ‘Party Non Stop’, a life-affirming celebration of, uh, partying, which won the producer a legion of devoted fans. And yet again, Pirupa reveals his reaction to the success of that track wasn’t knowing acceptance – he was floored by the positive feedback.

“It was a big surprise because I didn’t expect it!” he says. “[It’s] the same with my management, who didn’t expect all of this so suddenly. At the end of the day, it’s changed my life and allowed me travel everywhere. If I’m still travelling, maybe it is because that big track remained in the hearts of millions of clubbers around the world.”

Certainly, Pirupa spends a staggering chunk of his life traversing the globe, and his touring schedule is the kind that would make other musicians weak at the knees. Even he admits that occasionally it all gets a bit much. “I need to [rest] sometimes, especially after long periods on tour,” he says. “I need to switch off my mind and enjoy my life with the people I love and who make me happy.”

These periods of break aside, Pirupa seems to relish life on the road, and he speaks about his time touring with all the brazen enthusiasm of a man who has found an occupation that doesn’t feel like work at all. “I have had so many memorable and crazy shows,” he says. “I’ve played in many funny and weird places: in the water, in a cave, in the snow, under the rain… it’s unbelievable how mad this job is!”

Pirupa plays at S.A.S.H By Night Sunday July 24at Home Nightclub.

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