ITM’s tigger caught up with 22 year old Karl Stanton, a.k.a. Lynt. Lynt has been playing records for over two years now and with three residencies a week, including two of his own nights he is one of the busiest boys in town.
When did you start DJing? Why?
My first gig was June 2001, I could never pinpoint the reason why.. I remember seeing Khalil + Laidback at 33 1/3 in 2000 and the sound was something completely new to me. My first dance party was at Aurora 3 for LTJ Bukem only a few weeks(?) before so the whole dance scene was like nothing else. It’s like my hand reached into my wallet and swapped cash for decks automatically.
What’s behind your name?
The complete and honest truth is…. It’s an old nick / tag / whatever. Karl “Stanton” seemed a bit to close to the record, if you get what I mean.
Musical influences?
I’ve always had a love for music. My musical history was alternative, leftfield and kinda non-obvious, not intentional mind you.. I was always being exposed to new sounds. Most of them came from my peers handing me CDs “try this album, its wicked!”. I think that’s why I have a love for breaks, its very open minded and the beats keep me interested (having ex-drummers ears).
Describe your style?
I think my bio says “diverse”. I guess that represents the range of styles I get to play at my nights. I also work in a record store so I’m being influenced from all types of genres. I make efforts to make sure everything flows together nicely. I’d hate to be tied down to one sound, which is why I started Skylounge…
What record never leaves your box?
I had Tayo’s Y4K in my box for almost 2 years. Right now I’ve been taking Rennie Pilgrem’s – Voodoo London to 2 of my 3 residencies every time for the past month. What a bomb for the arse shakers! Habersham & Numinous – Mr Cool comes to all 3 and beyond.
Dream gig?
Never really thought about it to be honest. Any place where people are up for whatever you dish out. Bringing the Skylounge sound to the dancefloor would be fucking rad.
Advice for DJs starting out?
Practice and keep true to yourself. Find your sound and go full steam ahead. Don’t let people get you down and focus on your goal!
You started two successful nights, Skylounge and Fresh Sessions. What can people expect at either night?
The Fresh Sessions started when my man Jitterbug and I would record shop all day and play the fresh shit all night. Over two years we’ve become much more relaxed and now play whatever we feel like at the time. It’s different every night I swear! E-55 is a cool place with up for it people who wanna chill and drink. Perrrfect.
The Skylounge was conceived when the deeper side of breakbeats and drum and bass wasn’t being represented that much. Stuff you put on at home when you’ve had a cainer of a night. Stuff that wanders your mind. The Blackcat is very chilled but can get pretty busy. I make an effort to play it deep and melodic, even to the point of background styles. Shit I really enjoy but can’t get many listeners for just playing at home. There really is some dope music out there.
You’ve recently started playing at Sunny, how has that been?
Brilliant! Sunny has the best crowd in Melbourne – extremely open minded and non-pretentious, plus they are always open to new things so you pretty much get to play whatever you like – just as long as it fits the atmosphere.
Word on the street is that you’ve also mixed a CD for Sunny partygoers, tell me about that?
Its going to be half what I’ve been playing at Sunny and half what I want to play…. Hopefully it’ll come out how I’ve got it in my head. Hard to explain!
What are your future plans? Are you thinking of producing anything?
I’ve already been working in the DMC / Zero Tolerance studios with Gab Oliver and Kristo, making music has always been a bit of struggle because I’m busy 7 nights a week + full time job so I’ve had to take days off work to write stuff. My main goal is to get DMC Beats (the record store I manage) rocking to full strength and continue to enjoy Dj’ing – hopefully I’ll be writing tunes with ease shortly.
You’re playing Outdoors in Malaysia this year, what’s that all about?
Outdoors is Mayalsia’s first government supported and approved outdoor festival ever. I’ve been invited to play alongside local boys NuBreed as well as Kid Kinobe, Soul of Man, Darkglobe, Krafty Kuts, Orbital, Audioslave, Queens of the Stone Age you name it. Think of it as a BDO in Mayalsia. I was going to be there on my way to London but SARS and all that shit spoilt it all… so August it is…!
You can catch him at:
Thursday – Skylounge @ Black Cat (Own night)
Friday – Fractured @ Seven Nightclub
Saturday – Fresh Sessions @ E-55 (Own night)
Monthly at Sunny @ The Nut House
Photo by K8tie
