Over the years Steve Strangis has cemented himself as one of Melbourne’s stand out trance DJs.  His hard work and persistence with the sound his loves has seen him booked for every major event in this city, including Godskitchen, Summadayze and Slinky.  As Steve prepares to open the Godskitchen Arena at this year’s Two Tribes festival he took some time out to discuss his journey, the music he loves, and his favourite movie.

You have certainly seen much success in the Melbourne trance scene.  How did it all start?

I started DJing around 1998, but didn’t start playing club gigs until 2000. I played at the more rave orientated clubs where hard house was the big thing at the time. I found that a lot of DJs had changed there style to get gigs, but I still stuck with what I enjoyed, which had an advantage because no one was really playing trance. I started making trance promo mixed CDs, and gave copies away to punters each time I played. I soon found that everywhere I went or played I got some great feed back which got me noticed by promoters.  This in turn led to opportunities where I could prove my self. As years went past, more support for the trance scene and DJs developed, and both were starting to get some recognition and a constant loyal following. I ended up getting some great gigs that put myself on the map around the country. My first main stage gig was Godskitchen 2003. It really did push my profile to another level. I’ve had so much fun over the past years.

As a DJ what is your most prized possession?

I would say for most DJs it would have to be the records they have in their crate. But, for me personally I would have to say that my artist tags from all the Future Entertainment events I have played at would be my most prized possessions. Playing at huge events like that is a massive achievement that I am extremely proud of. I guess the artist tags are symbols of that.

What is it about trance that moves you?

Well, I like to describe my style as climatic, which has a big emotive vibe to it. What I love about trance is that not only it can make a punter dance but can make people think or feel in a very certain way. I especially love the more melodic sound, because it captures more of the emotion of the style. I love the big build ups in a track, especially at gigs when the crowd responds to it… gives me goose bumps every time.

If you had to use a character in a movie to describe yourself who would you be?

Probably Maverick from ‘Top Gun” played by Tom Cruise. Pretty corny, I know. I think the reason why I would say that it is because it’s more of a hero thing that I admire, about how a guy would be the best at something, yet somehow it was about getting himself into a lot of trouble and then later have big doubts about himself and his ability. He then would eventually get that one chance to prove himself beside the people that believed in him and, of course the sound track from the movie was pretty good.

You have played with many internationals.  Which gig was the most memorable?

Summadayze 2006 with Eddie Halliwell. One gig I will definitely not forget any time soon. I was playing before Eddie and he mentioned that the equipment that was set up wasn’t what he needed to play so he asked me if I wanted to go back to back with him. That was easily one of my most enjoyable gigs ever.  It’s not every day a local gets to play with an idol, a massive honour. Eddie was getting into it too and gave me some great feed back from the set we had played.  I ended up giving him one of my favorite records that he liked as a thank you for the opportunity to play with him. One thing I have noticed when I talk to the internationals that tour here, they still enjoy every gig as if its there very first one, and some of them have mentioned that Australia is one of the worlds best kept secrets for the party scene.

What is the track that is sure to be played many times this summer?

Touch Down by Mark Norman. And I still love S.O.S (Sander Van Doorne Remix).

What is the one track that should never be played again?

Silence by Delirium. I think I am to blame for that one.

You started the year of playing Summadayze and the official trance after party.  What is it you most hope to have achieved by the end of 2006?

Well looking back over the last few years, there’s been a lot of interesting and great experiences. In 2005 I became more comfortable to be versatile within the boundaries of my trance sound that I play. It was also a major learning curve from the people that were around me. By the end of 2006 I hope to learn more from the people that I look up to. I plan on concentrating more on production this year also. I hope I can still make a great impression from the gigs I play and achieve the same type of gigs I’ve been playing around town and hopefully more interstate appearances.  I hope we can all make trance and the local clubbing scene bigger and stronger in 2006.

Recently, the third installment of ‘Obsession’, a night which you run with friend and fellow DJ Scott Bateman, in conjunction with Room680 was a great success.  Where are you aiming to take the night from here?

The third Obsession was a great night. Scott, myself and the good people from Room680 had the idea to bring some of the other crews together for that night and it worked out well. We plan on working the same type of format in the near future. We also hope to support more of the new local talent that’s coming through the ranks.  Some international appearances are also on the cards.

If you could DJ at an party around the world with your choice of DJ. Where would you play and who with?

Well, playing with Eddie Halliwell at Summadayze was awesome, so I wouldn’t mind doing that again. Overseas, would have to be Sensation White with Armin Van Buuren. That would be a dream gig.

Steve Strangis plays Two Tribes in Melbourne on Saturday February 25th along with Armin Van Buuren, Markus Shultz and more. Tickets are available on ITM, to buy yours click HERE.