Ashley Feraude doesn’t have much time to dawdle. You won’t see him sitting around at coffee shops, stroking his chin and complaining about the weather – and a quick glance at his hectic schedule shows why. Along with corporate work and freelance graphic design projects, Feraude is also busy DJing around town at refined hotspots such as Hippo, Knightsbridge Penthouse and Trinity; dabbling in producing music; and has recently taken up the position as a third member of thriving dance promoters, Friction. But, he reveals; “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I truly enjoy all those ventures and working with different people on various creative projects.”
Moving to Australia in 1985, Feraude grew up on a musical diet of bossa nova, classical and synth-pop. But it wasn’t until he discovered house music that his true obsession began to bloom. For those that aren’t aware, Feraude plays “soulful house with strong melody and vocals,” he explains. Evidently, vanguards such as such Miguel Migs, Masters at Work, Martin Solveig, Jon Cutler and Bob Sinclair have played a huge influence on his sound.
“I see house music as the fundamental basis of the dance music genre. Even historically speaking house music has always been there as a steady force in pushing dance music forward,” Feraude continues. “From its beginning in black gay clubs in Chicago, it continues to out survive other sub genres of dance music like big beat or breaks by constantly evolving and maintaining its dominance. House music also allows the focus to be placed on the composition, melody or vocals rather than the rhythmic component.”
Although house is undeniably his forte, disco, funk, soul and jazz will usually make an appearance in sets, especially at his various residencies in lounge bars around town. But this year, expect to see a lot more of Feraude in clubs and larger featured events seeing as he has recently signed up as a partner of highly regarded dance promotions business Friction. These promoters have delivered names such as Carl Cox, Deep Dish and Stanton to Warriors to Canberra and 2006 is shaping up to be something quite different, Feraude shares.
“I’ll share with you that Friction is about to begin an exciting venture with that supreme Canberra nightclub called Academy,” He explains. “I am really hoping to bring my advertising and marketing skills to the team. I have been dealing with Friction as their principle designer as well as the resident DJ for a few years so it’s great to step in and make more of a contribution behind the creative and production side of the business.”
And for someone who seems to have his proverbial fingers drenched in every creative pie at current, is the future so much of a concern? “Well, after I finish my corporate work, DJ gigs, freelance graphic design work and Friction responsibilities, perhaps I will have time to sit around in coffee shops, stroking my chin and complaining about the hot weather.”
