On Saturday April 29th, Melbourne plays host to the 2nd Annual Beat Fest that is Melbourne Breaks Unite. Last years event was somewhat of a legendary happening with 8 crews banding together for a night that showcased all styles of breakbeat.

This year’s event sees the styles open up from breaks to drum’n’bass, funk, hip hop and dancehall; basically, breaks in all of its forms. To make matters even better, all 11 crews and people involved this year have donated their time for FREE in hopes of raising as much money as humanly possible for the Starlight Foundation, a group who’s goal is to provide sick and needy children with a bright spark when needed the most. I had a chance to sit down with 3 of the blokes behind the event to see what they have to say about all things broken in this town.

First up is 3 questions with Dan Finna, the man behind Broken Beat Assault, one of Melbourne’s largest drum’n’bass crews; the crew that just brought Pendulum back home to our shores.

Why have you donated your time to this event?

“Because it’s a great cause; why not if I can.”

A nice, honest answer. But a little short, so let’s try another for something more edgy.

In your opinion, what sets a good DJ apart from a bad one?

“Effort, dedication, tune selection and reading the vibe of the crowd.”

Getting better, but obviously, this boy don’t like to talk.

For a point of reference, please describe the perfect Melbourne night out.

“D’N’B on a big system, lots of friendly people and some Mountain Goat.”

Mountain Goat? Dan’s quick responses forced me to think about the art of DJing for the first time. I’d always thought it was just putting records on that people liked, but after talking with him, I’m beginning to think otherwise. Time to ask someone else. I turn to the largest person in the room, Obliveus, the man behind the event itself. He’s been one the boys behind Melbourne’s longest running breaks parties, Beats Working, who are currently into their 5th year of existence.

So in your opinion, what sets a good DJ apart from a bad one?

“Tune selection, without a doubt. I mean, it’s not rocket science with what we’re doing behind the decks.

It’s not?

“Well, maybe what Dexter or Craze is on about fits that category, but 99% of the DJ’s in Melbourne aren’t on that level. That doesn’t mean they’re not good, but their skill lies in other areas, i.e. reading the crowd and knowing when to play what. If you can’t do that correctly, then I’m sorry, you’re shit!

So not all DJ’s can do this properly?

“Definitely not! I’d rather see a DJ who can’t mix play great tunes then a skilled DJ play crap tunes. Maybe it’s just me.”

Hmmm, maybe we’re getting somewhere. Let’s try another question.

Do you feel a DJ has to produce to be fully respected?

“Good question. Even though they are two different things, I do love seeing producers who can mix. For instance, I played with Fort Knox Five a while back, who’s music and remixes I totally connect with at the moment; real funky, latin beats. That dude came out and ripped a DJ set that was perfect and without flaw. I respect that. I’ve also seen producers who I love come out and completely clear the dancefloor, because they couldn’t mix a beat if their life depended on it. I didn’t respect that. So my long-winded answer to that question is no, I think a DJ can be respected without producing, but only as a club DJ.

But isn’t that what most DJ’s want to be respected for?

“A club DJ, yeah! But that will be the extent of their influence and if you don’t happen upon the club they’re playing in the city they live in, then you’ll never hear of them. So if you’re looking for international recognition, then you have to produce. Ahhh, I’m confusing myself.”

Slightly confused myself, I ask the man why he’s donated his time to this event.

“Because Starlight Foundation is a worthy cause and the breaks scene needs events like this to bring all the crews together. Nobody is the superstar here but the breaks scene itself; breakbeat, drum’n’bass, funk, hip hop AND dancehall. It’s all breaks to me. I’ve wanted to do a charity event of this magnitude for some time now. I think everyone should stop and take a look around every once in a while and see where help is needed. Starlight does great things for the community and needs the help financially. Getting to play funk records to a packed house is just the icing on the cake.”

So my opinion of DJ’s as decadent dealers in the nightlife trade has been shattered by this response. Apparently, DJ’s actually pay attention to the crowd dancing in front of them and also have a soft spot for the wider community of which they are a part. Sounds like someone to bring home to the parents. But I might as well try to have this image shattered by speaking to the last in my group of three, Scott Feigan. This man’s been behind about every major beat night in Melbourne over the past 5 years, including Volume, Relax, Fractured and Quality Control. He seems nice enough, so I don’t know if any image shattering is going to happen or not, but we’ll try.

In your opinion, what sets a good DJ apart from a bad one?

“Enthusiasm for what they do, reading a crowd and interacting and the ability to drink large amounts of beer and remaining vertical.”

Ah, finally some tasty tidbits to ruin my image of the DJ.

Do you feel a DJ has to produce to be fully respected and why?

“Not at all, if the DJ loves what they do for the right reasons, which I believe is providing a good time with musical education, then no, a DJ doesn’t have to be a producer to be fully respected.”

Apparently, this is a view shared by many a DJ. If you love what you’re doing, why do you need to change it?

Describe the perfect Melbourne night out.

“Food, then beer, then some good music, then some more beer, and some more music then a souva – and good weather!”

Souva? Another honest answer to bring me to the opinion that all DJs are A-OK in my book. Especially those involved with Melbourne Breaks Unite, a 100% charity event for the Starlight Foundation.

Melbourne Breaks Unite is on this Saturday April 29th @ Mercat Cross Hotel. Check ITM whatson for details.