When the words “Canberra” and “dance music” appear together, it’s often in connection with the name Chris Fraser. And understandably so. Chris can comfortably lay claim to being the city’s most established and respected DJ, and a pre-eminent figure on the national clubbing landscape, having built a solid reputation as a DJ, producer, promoter and broadcaster over the last decade.
I have to ask you, coming from a small city like Canberra, what’s it like compared to other cities you have played at around Australia?
Well you know what they say…’there’s no place like home’. Canberra’s got a really great scene, and it’s really never been much better than it is right now. There are a lot of fresh new enthusiastic people coming out, and it makes for plenty of good club nights. It probably isn’t as jaded as some of the bigger cities, so the cynicism factor isn’t quite so high. Since we started Academy a few years ago, it finally feels like it’s getting to the point where clubbing is becoming a serious pursuit. People are excited about going out to regular nights, which means that going out to see a guest DJ or act is even better. It’s a good thing to be a part of right now.
Who are your main influences?
You know that’s not really a question I’ve ever been able to answer properly. I’ve never really followed anyone in particular in any serious way. I get influenced by whatever’s around at the time that inspires me. Right now that’s anything from Martin Eyerer, to Chris Lake to Jacques LuCont or Tocadisco. I’ve always been influenced by a wide range of artists.
You have had many success with some of your production work internationally, are there any new projects you are working on at the moment?
I’ve had a bit of an extended break from the studio for a while, been focusing on my marketing role with Academy. Lately I’ve been making serious efforts to get back in front of the computer, and you should finally be seeing some new work surface this year. I’m also working on a bunch of remixes, including getting onto something for fellow Canberra trouble makers Nash T & Jeff Drake real soon. They’ve come up with a stormer of a tune and I’m dead keen to give it a good going over.
What do you think makes a good DJ? And who is your favourite DJ?
Someone who knows how to surprise a crowd (in a good way). Obviously you’ve gotta be able to do all the basics, but it’s the extra stuff that makes someone great. These days you’ve got to have music that no one’s going to hear anywhere other than in your set. You’ve got to really try harder to stand out, and making a crowd really take notice takes a lot of work. I’ve never had a favourite DJ. Locally there’s plenty of guys who I respect and who do excellent work like Ivan Gough, John Course, Ajax & Grant Smillie. I’ve never been a DJ groupie though. I’ve been doing it too long to take it that seriously.
What are your thoughts on the dance scene today in Australia?
That’s a pretty broad question. Umm, it’s big! Dance music’s everywhere, in some cities you just can’t escape it, and I think that’s a good thing.
How is your new daily show ‘Freshcuts’ going
Really well, it’s great to have a platform to do whatever I want every day. Actually the response has been really pleasantly surprising, with plenty of feedback about tunes. The basic idea of the show is for me to play as many new tunes and mashups as I possibly can, and given the short program length that can be a real challenge.
What do you enjoy doing that does not involve music?
There probably isn’t much that I do that doesn’t involve it in some way. Whether it’s radio, clubs or producing, it doesn’t leave much time for anything else! Possibly the only thing would be cooking. That’s my one real ‘hobby’.
Congatulations on reaching #2 in the ACT top 5 in the Technics inthemix top 50 DJ poll, so what would I hear from you in a set on this very second?
Thanks. Right now, at this very second? I’m quite bloated and tired after a massive Valentines Day dinner, so I’d probably play you something pretty chilled and slow and bed time like. If it was 3am and I’d had a bit of a nap and was ready to rock again, then it’d be likely to be Delon & Dalcan’s ‘La Migale’, Starkillers ‘Diskoteka’ or Chris Lake’s newie ‘Fantasy’.
You travel regularly I gathered, where have you had your most memorable experiences in the world?
Playing NYE in Auckland a while back at the St James theatre was quite interesting, fantastic old venue with a really into it crowd. Seeing Deep Dish & Tenaglia at Space in Miami a few years back was a good moment, but one of the best would have to be the set I just played at Room 680 in Melbourne. Excellent crowd, great club.
What music production software/hardware do you use? Anything new that your interested in?
I’ve mostly been using Cubase SX for the last few years, but I’m looking to move to Nuendo soon. There’s always so many new plugins coming out to get your head around that you never really stop learning. I’m looking forward to getting to grips with side chains sometime as soon as someone explains it to me.
What advice do you have for those that would like to put their production work out there and to be played by the big jocks?
The same advice that’s always been given to me…listen to what the main DJs are playing, get a feel for what’s doing it for them at the moment, then try and write something that they’ll like in a year’s time. If you hit on the formula for getting this right let me know!
Chris Fraser plays Laundry in Sydney on Saturday February 25th, check local guides for further dates around the country.
