Para (aka Scott Johnston) is an up ‘n coming Canberra DJ who has been building up quite a name within the Canberra dance community. Known for his ability to pick the right track, he plays a versatile selection of drum’n’bass from jazzy stuff through to the darker beats. ITM’s Play got the lowdown.

ITM: Whereabouts did you grow up?

Para: All over the place actually. My family has moved around every 3 or so years since I can remember. It’s been great though, I’ve been all over the world, and met more people than most would in a lifetime. I was actually born in Canberra, then moved away when I was still very young, and have only come back in the last 3 years or so.

ITM: How did you first get into DJing?

Para: My previous port of call (before Canberra) was Perth, where I lived for 5 years. If you’ve seen or heard the drum’n’bass seen over in the West, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I went to a few early raves when I was 16 but drum’n’bass totally stood out for me. I was big into metal and punk bands beforehand, and the toughness of dnb just seemed like the right crossover point. A mate had some turntables so I started messing around. Never really got serious with it until I was back in Canberra.

ITM: How long have you been DJing for?

Para: About 2 and a half years now, but collecting jungle records for over 3.

ITM: Do you remember your first set, how did it go?

Para: My first (flyered) set was at Battle Of The Sexes III in January of this year, but I’d played heaps of house parties prior to that, aswell as un-flyered jungle nights. I had the most fun at the house parties though. BOTS was awesome, I was the first up, but the only kid playing jungle, so I could say it was original…

Cheers to the BOTS crew for putting me up and bringing me back since too.

ITM: Do you play a variety of styles, or is there a favourite that you stick to?

Para: I play a whole bunch of styles, but mainly I’ll try to keep the tunes not as rough and dark as some would like as it’s always good to play to more people than fewer, but if the bass scares them off, I’ll tone it down a notch. I’m really digging the jazzy up-tempo d’n’b right now, but I go through phases with a lot of styles.

ITM: If you have a favourite, what drew you to that style?

Para: Drum’n’bass in general really gets me going. I find it hard to work out what kind of tunes I’m going to play out one night, let alone pick a favourite genre. There’s so much that can be done with jungle, ever-changing styles, producers and DJs inventing whole new ones. There’s a lot to be discovered, and even I haven’t witnessed its full scope. Once I have, then I’ll get back to you. The joy of listening to it is what does it for me, and seeing people get into it is another big high.

ITM: What is your favourite venue to play in Canberra?

Para: Only having played at a few, I’d probably have to say Babylon (even though the crowds that grace Mombasa really get into it). The main room @ Babylon has great sound, but the back bar is just as fun a place to belt a few out. And with the promotion getting a lot better there, I’d say there’ll be more drum’n’bass to come very soon.

ITM: Do you have a favourite international/ or role model?

Para: Role model is a big statement, as I respect anyone who can make a living out of travelling and producing and/or Djing as much as they do. A few standouts include Total Science, High Contrast, John B, Loxy & Ink, and Dillinja. That’s just to name a few. Drum’n’bass is blessed with such talented producers right now, it can only go forward. Karn’ the aussies though, haha…

ITM: Where would you like to see yourself in say 5 years from now?

Probably in a snow-covered chalet atop a mountainous peak in Switzerland or somewhere, clenching my winning lottery ticket, but I’m pretty sure there’s a slim chance that’s going to happen. I’m happy to end up anywhere, as long as I’m having fun with what I’m doing. Sure it would be a major plus if it involved being paid for travelling and playing drum’n’bass, so we’ll just see how each day goes. I figure I’ll stay in Canberra for a while though since the longest I’ve ever stayed somewhere is about 5 years. I’d like to secure myself here, and with it being such a cool group of people, I can’t see any reason to move just yet.

ITM: What do you think about the Canberra scene at the moment? (eg. Good, bad, steady, growing)

Para: I’d have to say (the jungle scene), it’s steadily growing but having only been here for 3 years, it’s hard to tell what it was like before 2000, so I don’t have much to compare it to. It certainly has improved since I’ve been here though, and with more and more people catching the jungle-bug (which unfortunately there is no cure for), things are definitely looking up for us. 2003 will be a big year, stay tuned. Canberra’s dance scene in general is really going good though. I think it’s mainly because of the close community and all the respect there is for everyone’s styles. I have a great time going out these days, even if there isn’t any rolling bass in the background.

ITM: Do you have a favourite set or stand out moment?

Para: It would have to be Dubplate @ Mombasa back in March this year. The Synapse boys have really sorted me out since I met them, and giving me a generous slot at one of Canberra’s biggest d’n’b nights was certainly the best thing anyone’s done for me in a long time. I had the best night of my life then, especially since I didn’t see much of a gap in the dancefloor from when I started to when I finished. Major thanks to the Canberra jungle lads for that one (and hopefully for more to come), Paf, Escha, Arkation, MGO, Buick, and all others involved. You’ve really changed my life for the better.

ITM: Where could us peeps get the chance to see you playing next?

Para: Very soon Synapse will be providing a new drum’n’bass night @ Babylon, hopefully going monthly, covering a lot of styles, from Hip-hop to garage to breaks and everything in between. We hope to pull some big interstaters aswell as some big internationals, and the more people we have turn up, the more frequent the parties will be on. Check the Synapse website (www.logik.com.au/ark/synapse) for more details of upcoming nights aswell as photos, bios, and crazy antics of everyone involved.

Once again, many thanks to everyone who’s helped me in the last couple of years, you all know who you are, and stay tuned for future mash ups.

Be sure to keep your eye on the WHATSON section, for your next chance to see Para.