Melbourne locals Dennis and Tristan together form Phat Kontrollerz, a self described blend of techno and trance. They’ve been making music together for the past five years and are playing at Earthdance 2005 this Saturday September 17th at Federation Square. ITM caught up with Dennis Tristan for a quick chat.
Tell us about Phat Kontrollerz. How did you get started?We were both into electronic music and met through a friend about 5 years ago. We started playing around with some sounds on the computer and then started putting together a few tracks.
How do you describe the Phat Kontrollerz style? How has it developed since you first started playing with sound?
Before Phat Kontrollerz, I was into techno (which I still like very much). Tristan’s tastes were more trance, so Phat Kontrollerz is a sort of blend of the two.
How do you find the Melbourne scene in terms of supporting local acts and helping you go places?
People are generally quite open and friendly towards new local artists. There are a lot of artists out there so it can be difficult trying to make a name for yourselves. The best thing to do is just get out there and meet people!
Do you (and/or Tristan) have any other projects on the go? Tell us about these.
Tristan writes trance and has had a few releases under his own name on labels like Green Ant and Tribeadelic. I a write a little bit myself, but spend most of my time DJing and collecting techno records.
Over the next year, we would like to spend a lot more time writing music as we don’t get a lot of time at the moment due other commitments. Next five years – who knows!
Who are your biggest influences?
Many Jazz artists, Infected Mushroom, Cari Lekebusch, Laurent Garnier, Simon Posford, Richie Hawtin, there are many great Melbourne trance artists.
What do you like to listen to in your spare time?
Anything and everything. I don’t like to limit myself to electronic music only. There’s a whole world of other stuff out there. Plus I admit to liking a bit of cheesy 80’s pop! (Tristan does not!).
Tell us a bit about your production set up at home. What equipment do you use?
We each have a bedroom studio. We use Cubase mainly and have also used FL Studio now and again. Also make good use of Access Virus C and many software synths.
How do you make your ideas come to life?
We listen to other people’s music very carefully and try to work out what they have done. We try to work on and refine these ideas. We don’t try too hard – the song will write itself if you allow it to.
Tell us about your involvement with Earthdance. How did this happen?
The organisers saw us play at parties previously and asked us to play at Earthdance this year. We think it’s a great festival and it will be very rewarding for all involved.
What does Earthdance mean to you?
Party time!!!!!!!! We think its wonderful to have a festival for peace especially in today’s uncertain times.
Finally, what treats do you have lined up for your gig at Earthdance on 17/09?
We are playing at the Electric Earth stage at the Federation Square, 4:15pm. We will be playing a couple of fresh tracks and mixing up the mood a fair bit.
Phat Kontrollerz plays Earthdance 2005 this weekend: Saturday September 17th at Federation Square, 11am-8pm, FREE! Give peace a dance.
