A longstanding figurehead on the Sydney hip-hop scene since he moved to Australia in 1995, Nick Toth’s journey to find himself down under is an interesting one. The son of an Austrian diplomat, Toth spent his childhood in various countries around the world, along the way picking up an interest in DJing. After watching DJ Cash Money in the DMC Championships in the late 80s, Toth set about making his name as a DJ. Toth is a man who has his fingers in quite a few pies, including promoting, helping run one of Sydney’s best weekly hip-hop nights – Boogie Down. Gearing up to celebrate their 1st birthday this June, ITM caught up with Toth for a quick chat.
What was the name of the Austrian hip hop crew you worked with and how did your involvement with them influence you in your career to date?
The Vienna-based crew I worked with was ‘Yoo-Baa Trieb’, we put out a record in 1994 and they continued to release a couple of albums after I moved to Australia; it was definitely fun and a great learning experience although I haven’t heard from the guys in a while…
How did your experiences in the Military and Art School in Austria play a role in your movements towards music education and DJing, and what is your advice to people who would like to follow in your footsteps?
I was lucky enough to enjoy an inspiring year of art history and theory training at Lorenzo De Medici, an international fine arts collage in Florence, Italy; my time there and the guidance of some outstanding teachers opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of cultural contexts and meanings of all forms of art and expression.
What style of music would you say had the biggest influence and inspiration on you in your music career so far?
Growing up in Europe, kids of my generation (born in 1973) were exposed to a wide range of genres: from German New Wave (Falco, DAF, etc) and electro (Kraftwerk) to soul and reggae. But when I first heard the sound of Melle Mel’s voice and GM Flash’s cratch, I was hooked on hip-hop; fascinated by the raw energy and youthful exuberance of this young culture.
In your exposure and especially your experience with the DMC and ITF music comps, what do you think makes an exceptional DJ?
A deep collection, experience in programming, timing, skills and personality.
Who were your biggest musical influences in the past? And why?
When I saw Cash Money at the 1988 DMC world finals, his skills and flair blew me away and I thought to myself: “I’m gonna learn to do THAT with my turntables!” Just had to get proper ones first!
Who inspires you in the music industry at the moment?
Anyone doing their thing, is passionate about music and is contributing to the larger community.
Where do you see your career taking you in the future and where would you like to be?
Hopefully I will able to keep traveling and visit places and cultures I haven’t seen yet… And hopefully I will build my music production skills and gear collection.
What was it like being a support DJ to Jazzy Jeff, De La Soul and Grand Master Flash and who were your favourite acts who you helped support?
It’s an honor to share the stage with some of hip hop’s pioneers and some of my personal role models. Jazzy Jeff still has to be my favorite hip hop DJ, the magnificent, enough said! It was also dope to support Run DMC and getting to chat with DMC and JamMasterJay (RIP), as a kid, I used to have these guys’ poster in my bedroom!
Out of radio, DJing and the other work that you do, what satisfies you most as an artist?
Working with inspiring artists, MCs, singers, producers, and playing new or unheard records to an open-minded audience and teaching would have to be my favorite activities…
How far have you seen the Australian hip hop scene progress since your involvement and time in Australia?
The acceptance of Australian hip hop and hip hop culture in general has spread so much since I moved here in the mid-nineties, with mostly positive effects; I’m very curious to see where it’s going from here.
What is your favourite record at the moment?
Straight Down The Line – RUCL (Invada/Universal) – check this guy for some of the freshest vibes to come out of Oz in a while!
What are your favourite equipment items to DJ with?
1200s of course, RANE TTM-56 mixer, Ortofon OM-pro cartridges on Technics headshells, Sennheiser HD-25s.
How do you think that technology is having an influence on the music scenes around the world at this stage?
Absolutely; throughout history, technology has always been a crucial element of musical innovation – the gramophone, electric guitar, hard disk recording, etc
What would you like to say to your supporters and fans?
Keep and open eye and ear and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t follow your dreams!
Nick Toth plays Boogie Down at Candy’s Apartment every Friday. Be sure to check him out this week, June 10th, as Boogie Down celebrate their 1st birthday with Peanut Butter Wolf (BUY TICKETS).
