The memories of the last Transmission are still fresh in my mind and yet, a mere three and a half months later, the next awesome instalment is upon us. Transmission: Superstar DJ Battle Experience features the Tracid Traxxx Crew (Kai Tracid, A*S*Y*S, Hennes & Cold and Derb), as well as UK Hard House name Steve Hill. If one is game enough to venture out of the Main Arena with this line-up, three other rooms showcasing a range of music styles (breaks, electro, techno and all sub genres of trance) can be found. Within one of these rooms, the MegaMission arena, two of Canberra’s DJs will be spinning their stuff. ITM contributor Baby700 caught up with Hyperion and James Livingstone to get the low-down on the gig, battling and playing prog.
You played at Transmission: Love Evolution in February. What was the highlight of this experience for you?
H: Yeah the last Transmission was wicked as! Funnily enough I had never been to a Transmission before as a punter so it was good to get a fresh view of a party. Although this wasn’t my first interstate gig, I guess the highlight of the experience was mixing back to back with James who I have known for a long time. We have done a lot of work together in Canberra so it was great to be side to side with a good mate playing interstate
J: That would have to be playing with Hyperion as he is an old friend and it’s always cool playing together at big events as we feed off each other.
You’ve been invited back so obviously you did something right! How did this 2nd gig come about?
H: Just got the call one morning and it was all go for launch. Transmission are trying to push new names into the Sydney scene which is a really noble thing to do, so I guess that we owe these set solely to the generosity of the Transmission crew. There is some talk of a residency at the big Transmission gigs that is fairly exciting, especially because we are from Canberra.
J: I don’t know really! I think Nervous was impressed with Hyper and I when we played after him at Stonefest 2003.
Superstar DJ Battle features ‘tag team’ style set times. What is your opinion on this innovative new approach from the Transmission organisers?
H: Yeah this should be interesting, especially for the DJs! Its a great idea that will make the DJs mix more dynamically as just as you will be starting to warm up with the first DJ it will be time to swap over to the next, who will bring a new perspective to the mix.
J: I am very keen for this tag team thing cause I think that it will provide avery cool progression through the different styles of trance (from soft to hard and everything in-between). I am especially keen to see the Tracid Traxxx boys playing back to back.
What music styles can we expect to hear from you on the night?
H: I have been booked in to play a more Progressive Trance style this time around, which will be interesting for me, as I usually don’t delve into that too much.
J: Well I’ll be coming back from Brisvegas and I will also have a day in Sydney before the event so I’ll be spending up big on records while I have the chance. I’m not going to give away any secrets so I guess you will have to wait till Saturday night.
Also, Hyperion, you produce under the moniker HypaStyle. Will you be playing any of your own tracks during the evening?
H: I will most definitely be playing a tune or two of my own, “Wicked Pills” for sure, but my new tunes are not quite done yet. Hopefully they should be ready for Transmission.
Whilst the guys are preparing for their moment behind the decks, plenty of eager punters are counting down the number of sleeps until Saturday. There’s a tidy Canberra contingent winding their way up to Sydney for this event and I encourage you all to check out Hyperion and James Livingstone playing in the MegaMission arena. Hyperion plays 10.30pm-midnight. James can be seen from midnight-1.30am.
Transmission: Superstar DJ Battle Experience kicks off at 9pm on Saturday 29th May 2004 at the Sydney Olympic Park State Sports Centre. The theme is Camouflage and it’s an 18+ event. Check out ITM Whatson for more details!
