He’s referred to as “Breakbeat’s Global Nomad” and it’s no wonder. This year alone Dave Tipper (generally billed as Tipper) has been spotted in more countries and cities than George Bush, Osama Bin Laden and Elvis put together. First there was Hong Kong and China, then Tokyo and Miami, followed by Budapest, London, Canada, New York and many more. Now, to finish a year of travel that would put most Aussie backpackers to shame, he’s on his way to the Land Down Under for an extensive tour and and a special appearance at “Earthcore”.

It’s no surprise that Tipper wants to top off his year by appearing at “Earthcore”, after all it’s his type of event. “Outdoor events are definitely my favorite.” He says. “Music, when treated properly, definitely sounds better in an outdoor environment. There is something different about a large speaker stack when it’s on grass, connected with the earth, with very little reflection from walls etc. The sound is sharper and more psychedelic.”

Classically trained in music, Dave Tipper first got his start in the dance music scene due to an interest in early rave culture and his brother’s record collection. He’s quickly become recognised of one of the most influential and innovative producers to come out of Britain.

Innovation is a word which could be used ad nauseum when describing a Tipper production. Nothing demonstrates that fact more than his recent release “Surrounded”. Developed primarily on a laptop whilst on tour, the album takes a vastly different approach to most dance music productions.

“Surrounded is my first project specifically tailored to, and recorded in, 5.1 surround sound.” Tipper explains. “It took two years to write and record and was concieved mainly while touring around in an RV.”

Working in 5.1 surround sound is no easy feat. It requires a different level of thinking (and skill) than is needed when producing your standard stereo track. “It’s as hard and as detailed as you want it to be. As with any aspect of music, you can continue to develop and sculpt it on an infinite level,” he tells me. “Obviously the main adaptation was having to write with six channels in mind. So the density and eventual placing of sounds has to be carefully considered.”

If you’ve listened to “Surrounded” you won’t be shocked to hear that one of Dave Tipper’s ultimate goals is to move into producing film scores. It’s a goal that he’s already pursuing, though admittedly finding the necessary time in his extremely busy schedule may prove a touch tricky.

”[Producing film scores] has and always will interest me. It’s a hugely competitive industry, more of a “family” of musicians.” He explains. “I’ve met a couple of Hollywood movie score musicians and seen what months of intensive work on a film can do to a person. It’s definitely a lot of hard work.”

I have no doubt that in a few years we’ll all be hearing film scores composed and produced by Dave Tipper. With such a tireless work ethic it’s hard to imagine him not being successful at anything he attempts.

Before he can move onto film scores however, he has to complete his tour of Australia. Make sure you go and check him out. If you’ve never been on the dance floor for a Dave Tipper set then this is what the man himself says you can expect: “It’s the chance of hearing something that may make you shit yourself, confuse you and cause you to move sporadically.”

Sounds like my type of fun.

Tipper plays Earthcore this weekend, check ITM whatson for more details.