Jeremy K is definitely one of the key figures in today’s hard trance/progressive scenes. This content musical being has come along way since his first gig at the Mansion around 11 years ago and its about time he get to go through a bit of Q&A with ITM. Pasky gets the lowdown.

Jeremy exactly how long have you been playing for now and what were your earliest influences to become a DJ?
I’ve Been Djing for 11 years and first became interested in the electronic dance sound towards the end of high school – particularly the tune ‘Stakker’ by Humanoid.

Would you say your sound has progressed/changed from what you started out playing to what you play now?
Pretty much when I started in 1992, I was playing the old skool clubby/ravey sound that was popular for that era, then I gradually moved on to progressive house, trance and then as the music generally got harder as time when on, so did my style.

You seem to have a harder style of playing and a softer style – how would you describe your style and what will we see you playing at Prophecy this weekend?
My style mainly is pumping progressive trance to hard trance. My set at Prophecy is going to reflect the harder edge of my sound.

What is it like being one of the “in demand” DJs in Melbourne?
Keeps me busy, keeps me paid and keeps me Smiling!!

How did you build up the reputation that you now have? Was it difficult/frustrating?
It takes a while to build up a reputation as a DJ in Melbourne. Especially now, there are a shit load more young guys/girls out there to compete with. A lot more competition than 10 years ago. You’ve got to be good and committed, it’s not completely necessary to suck up, but some still do it. I haven’t done it, ever, I never used that approach in my 11 years of djing.

Have you done any gigs interstate and if so is there a difference in the audience that come to see you?
2003 was a pretty good year for me, with a number of interstate gigs in Queensland, Tasmania and Sydney. It’s great to play to a different audience for a change, see what makes them rock, see how far you can push them.

Are you happy within yourself at how far you’ve come? How do you stay inspired and keep on rockin’?
I’m pretty content with everything at the moment – making enough money not to join the 9-5 rat race!!! I’ll stay here as long as the money ( & my ears ) hold up!!
I remain passionate as long as the new tunes keep rolling in, and the sound/scene doesn’t stagnate.

What sort of plans do you have for the future? More production? More classes at the DJ school?
As fas as the future goes I’m quite happy to keep doing what I’m doing. As long as music is involved – I’m there! J Next year should be a good year for my production – some tracks to be released. Gotta sort out this bloody sound card problem first!!!
I write like I play….......... The DJ school ( run @ Altitude ) is going very strong. I teach beginners and advance. The next 2 courses for the new year are already booked up and I haven’t even advertised yet!!!

Now with all the gigs you play in a weekend – you definitely have a following. How do you cope with the girls that follow you from gig to gig and the guys that start wearing what you do? ( ie, trucker hats ) Do you have a particular way of dealing with the attention?
Are you asking me how I deal with groupies? Depends on how good looking they are!! (laughs ) Who knows? Maybe the trucker cap is a trade mark…....... ( laughs again )

Lastly – when did you buy your first record, and what was it?
(sigh ) Yes, I remember my first record, my olds bought it for me, but I’m not gonna tell you that! I will tell you the first one I saved my pennies for, it was $8.99 and it was 1982, lets go “come on Eilleen” ( laughs )

Catch Jeremy K at Prophecy this Friday 19th December at ROOM 680. Check ITM whatson fore more details