From the old to the new, Goodwill proves that versatility is the key when playing to any audience. His professionalism has taken him from DJing to writing and producing his own material, playing alongside some of the world’s finest along the way. Having just mixed one disc on Ministry of Sound’s ‘Clubbers Guide to 2006’ CD along with Swedish house maestro Axwell, he’s been hard at work of late touring the country playing launch dates. ITM found out how it all started for Goodwill, and where he’s heading in the future.
AJ: Can you give us the low-down on how it all began for you?
I started DJing years ago with just mates really. It all sort of happened at once. I was being taught to DJ by mates like Nick Law and Phil Smart and other people that were around at the time who were kind of my idols when it came to DJing. At the same time I started DJing with Kid Kenobi, Ritchual and Q45. We were all without gigs. So I put on events so these guys could play and thought it was a good idea for me to DJ too. I was really lucky to have the skills. Then I was working at Reachin Records a couple of years after that. It all sort of happened at once!
AJ: Is there any specific era or genre that has influenced your present styles?
Oh mate… It always goes back to funk music to be honest. I’m a big boffin about old funk and rare groove. Any song I write I try to find good vocals and melodies.
AJ: You’re known for your own productions, remixes, bootlegs and mash-ups… You released your debut single on the Hussle label, cheekily titled “Happenis”, in 2004. What’s next?
I’ve released a new single “Go Away Baby” and I’ve been doing a lot of remixes. I plan to release as much music as I can this year. I’ve been pretty lazy with it over the last few years. There’s no reason to be. I’ve quite a lot ready to go. I’ve got this Ministry CD [done] and I’m hoping to start doing final preparation for my album. I’m writing songs already. I’ve got about five so I’ll start focusing on that.
AJ: When can we expect it to drop?
No idea mate. It’s up to the gods at the moment!
AJ: Tell us a little bit about your new mix album for Ministry Of Sound, Clubbers Guide 2006?
It’s called the Clubbers Guide, so I’ve just tried to stick to that. It’s hard with a mix CD. You want to go all over the shop. With Ministry you get the opportunity to do that. It’s pretty representative of what I play in a club in the sense that it changes genres a lot in the one CD. I’ve been know for that and criticised for it as well. I’m definitely not a purest. This CD is peachy fine. It represents things going on in all the different genres in club music – which is generally what I do anyway in my sets.
AJ: Are you looking forward to touring Australia and playing alongside Swedish #1 Axwell for Ministry Of Sound?
I’m really looking forward to that gig actually [Home, Sydney]. It’s my old stomping ground, I know that room pretty well and I didn’t get to go to the last Ministry party. I’m looking forward to getting to know Axwell, seeing what he’s like and watching him DJ. Hopefully scanning some new music.
AJ: What sort of a set can we expect?
The CD is pretty indicative of it! Generally I play a little bit minimal when I play in clubs on a big system. The CD is a good representation. Then I’ll throw in all the bootlegs and edits that I do plus some more minimal stuff!
AJ: Ever had an embarrassing moment whilst playing out?
Falling over drunk! It’s not as regular an occurrence as it use to be. But that was generally what use to happen to me on a regular weekend.
AJ: If you weren’t in the music industry what would you like to be doing?
A skydiving instructor probably… Because you get to jump out of planes all day. For me I reckon that would be pretty fun!
AJ: So what’s the future hold?
I’m just going to concentrate on writing music. I’ve sort of committed myself to that. Tackling that is a big task. Actually it’s is a massive task to learn to do those things well and committing myself to it!
AJ: Are you a born writer – is it second to nature to you or are you more the producer?
I come from a pretty musical background. The technical things have been the biggest learning curve for me as I think it is for everybody. If you’re a natural at that you must have been born a robot! The lyrics and melodies come naturally to me. I’m lucky in that way!
Ministry Of Sound’s “Clubbers Guide to 2006” mixed alongside Axwell is in stores now through Ministry Of Sound/EMI. Goodwill continues his tour of Australia throughout February, March and April:
Thu Feb 9th – Velvet Underground, Cairns – Axwell
Sat Feb 11th – Home, Sydney – Axwell & Goodwill
Sun Feb 12th – Syrup, Hobart – Axwell & Goodwill
Fri Feb 17th – TBC – Goodwill
Sat Feb 18th – Rolling Rock, Noosa – Goodwill
Fri Feb 24th – King Street Hotel, Newcastle – Goodwill
Sat Feb 25th – Discovery, Darwin – Goodwill
Fri Mar 3rd – Inferno, Traralgon – Goodwill
Sun Mar 5th – TBC – Goodwill
Fri Mar 10th – Bustin, Wollongong – Goodwill
Sat Mar 11th – MS Fest, Launceston – Goodwill
Fri Mar 17th – Academy, Canberra – Goodwill
Sat Mar 18th – The Roxy, Parramatta – Goodwill
Fri Mar 24th – 21st Century, Frankston – Goodwill
Sat Mar 25th – Plantation Hotel, Coffs Harbour – Goodwill
Fri Mar 31st – TBC – Goodwill
Sat Apr 1st – Family, Brisbane – Goodwill
