Breakbeat-electro-tech genius Danny Bonnici talks to ITM’s Meester (James Tannock) about musical influences, traveling, the future for electronic performance, and about progressing as a performer and producer in one of the world’s toughest industries. Danny is best known as a member of Nubreed as well as his co-production of the massive tune “Ride” with Luke Chable, but is currently branching out to work on a solo live tour – during which he will be demonstrating the power and proficiency of Ableton Live.
Firstly, let me thank you for everything you and the rest of the Melbourne crew (Phil K, Andy Page, Luke Chable, Dan Mangan etc) have done for the scene. Australia now has a recognisable, unique and internationally admired sound! How did you get started in the music industry? Has music always taken centre stage in your life?
I started my music career when I was 16, playing keyboards in a hard rock band. Music has always been a priority in my life whether it be producing, writing or playing.
And who or what have been your major influences?
I tend to take bits and pieces from everything, Anyone who is doing things a little differently. I admire producers who don’t limit themselves in their production… for example Tipper, Si Begg, James Holden, Andy Page and Luke Chable.
Tell me about some of your favourite parties you’ve played at recently.
Most recently I played a gig at Soho in Cairns which was nuts… the vibe was right up there with some of the best party’s I’ve been to. I also recently played at Quality Control, a monthly gig put on by a group of guys in Melbourne whose “anything goes” policy allowed me the freedom to play anything and everything I wanted.
Traveling the globe has its positives (obviously), but is it good to be back playing to your home audiences in the land of Oz? Is there some sort of connection between you, and the music you play, and an “Aussie” audience?
I think being Aussie has its pros and cons. Some people are totally supportive of the Aussie movement and others like to chop you down. Overall the vibe in Oz is rocking and we have a great time in most states and regional areas. The connection occurs when everyone is feeling the same vibe and you know what you’re doing is having an effect on the whole room.
Nubreed is known as one of Australia’s finest live electronic exports, making headlines the world over. What are you planning to achieve with your solo career?
It’s just an outlet for me to play other styles of music and something I can do in-between Nubreed stuff. I may do a few mix CDs and see how things go!
Will we be seeing any more of Nubreed?
Nubreed has a Y4K compilation coming out in February and we will be touring during March and April in Australia and Asia. We also have a heap of tracks we need to finish and put out. Maybe in the form of an album?
There’s been recent discussion regarding the art of DJing. There are arguments that vinyl is dying and that CDJs and programs such as Ableton, which you are using now for your sets, will be taking over the scene. What are your thoughts on this issue?
Don’t fight the movement. You can’t stop technology and people will find creative ways to use it. As long as they’re playing mad tunes and you’re having fun, that’s what matters. I’m over all the chinstrokers in the back of the room…
Do you think being “stuck behind a screen with a mouse” is kind of cheating? Or is it the next step?
I agree being behind a screen isn’t as visual as performing live, but you need to be more creative and use USB toys to keep the performance side of it fun. Also playing tracks over other tracks and accapellas over tracks, sometimes all three at once, can make it an exciting thing to watch. It’s an evolving process and I think you need to go with it. I’m far from being a purist. I remember when drum machines came out and drummers started complaining about it. Get over it!
“Ride” with Luke was a massive hit, and others such as “Return to Saturn” also made waves, especially amongst progressive crowds, as well as numerous remixes. Is there anything exciting production-wise on the horizon?
I am trying new things at the moment and have completed some new tracks. ‘Return to Saturn’ will finally come out on vinyl early this year and some other tunes are ready to drop also. Stay tuned!
We have been seeing a major swing towards electro and minimal over the past year or so – Luke Chable I know has certainly made the move – but gritty, dirty breaks has always been a bit of given with your music in the past. What sort of sights and sounds can we expect to hear from your live shows?
More grit, more dirt and lots of weird sounds. This electro sound has been a bit of an influence in some new productions so you will here it spill over into my sets.
You’re playing at my favourite Sydney venue, The Chinese Laundry, for Break Inn on the 3rd of Feb – have you played there before? Does the venue dictate the type of set you deliver?
I have played there before as Nubreed but not on my own. It’s a breaks night so I will be playing breaks mixed in with a bit of house. I don’t really take on board what is happening on the night, I just do what I do. If the DJ before me is banging it I don’t follow on with the same vibe. I’d rather have a minute of silence and start a new vibe whether it’s playing at 128bpm or 135bpm.
If you’re in Sydney be sure to check out Danny playing at Break Inn at Chinese Laundry this Friday February 3rd, otherwise keep your eye to local guides for further solo dates around the country. Also stay tuned for Nubreed’s Y4K, released on Distinctive this month, followed up with a live national tour by Nubreed throughout March and April.
