He charmed a continent. He rose to the occasion. Now he is poised for action. The Found @ Thirst DJ competition, an initiative by Heineken, culminated this year with the inaugural Asia Found @ Thirst Regional DJ Competition, which showcased 19 cutting edge DJs across the region introducing new sounds and demonstrating that music can unite the world.

Above all, it revealed that the electronic music, which took the world by storm, has certainly brewed talented and dynamic musicians, talents that may have remained obscure if not for Found @ Thirst’s initiative to uncover these vinyl experts. The process to claim a spot in the regional finals is a feat in itself, first having to convince a nation to crown them champion – then playing pipe piper with no more than an hour in the semifinals on foreign soil.

One befitting the finals is Australia’s ambassador Andrew Padula, a ten year veteran who was into music as far as he can remember. Hailing from Melbourne, many will know him from his sizzling sets at ZOS’ Blue room, Room 680 and Family – not forgetting his recent closing performances at Two Tribes, Melbourne. The lively, charming Brendan Fraser look-alike (a credit to Brendan), a producer DJ with his own label MUSIQUE, first tapped into the mesmerizing world of music at an early age of five. “I’ve always been fascinated by music, being exposed via the piano at such an early age. By 18, I was DJing regularly at dance parties and other social functions,” said Padula told Inthemix.com.au in an interview. “It wasn’t long before I hit the club scene.”  He conceded.

It too was not long till he was on the charts with his remix of Black Opera’s track – Young Driver: What Ladies Want, which soared to the top of the ARIA charts and remained there for 18 weeks. Padula’s success is based on the philosophy, which has raised him to new heights, centers on balancing two ideals – ‘being true to yourself’ and being ‘crowd centric’. His energetic style and looks do much to draw the clubbers to the dance floor, but it is really his vision that makes them stay there. “There isn’t a fool proof formula for this, which makes the job interesting,” he quips.

“I’ve always supported the mentality that you should come prepared. Every country, every city has its own clubbing culture, its own routine. So it’s understandable that when you may have to change your approach slightly, but never to the extent where you’re not playing true to yourself. Some cats go to clubs to hear music that they know and can sing along to and then there are others whose music tastes is more refined and go out to hear new music, innovative music, some may say educated music. As a DJ, you need to cater for both, be versatile and satisfy yourself.”

It comes as no surprise that this cutting edge DJ has impressed Dutch trance superstar Tiesto as well as veteran British DJ Pete Tong, who touted Padula in a separate inthemix.com interview as one of the ‘most promising DJ’ witnessed during his tour. And what has Padula to say about Tong’s praise? “It is exciting to receive such praise from the pinnacle of DJs. Very flattering and definitely an inspiration.” He is not short of praise and gratitude either, thanking all, especially loyal Melbourne shufflers who have placed their faith and supported him throughout his Found @ Thirst journey. “I will never leave and neglect you. Ever.” he punctuates.

Though the Found @ Thirst circuit has kept Padula busy on the decks, Padula has begun work on an album with studio partner and friend, Kris Beyrouthy and expects that to be completed soon. Look out also for Padula’s set during Summerdayze 2005, Melbourne, where he will charm you alongside Armin Van Buuren, Adam Freeland, Darren Emerson, Tim Deluxe and De La Soul.