Mike Callander is a popular figure with both punters and his peers in the Melbourne dance music community. His flawless blends of house, techno and electro have seen him appear at almost every major music festival including Sunshine People, Earthcore and Two Tribes, and secure residencies at respected clubs such as Sunny and Honkytonks. This made him the perfect choice for Tickled Pinks Flavour of the Month in June.

Here is the low down on the Tickled Pink girls next man in the middle.

You certainly have a strong following, appearing on the top of many Melbourne partygoers favourite lists. How long has it taken you to get here and how did you get started?

It’s been about six years since I started getting paid to play records, and though it has been hard work to get those first initial gigs and even harder work to satisfy my own expectations of the kind of DJ I could be, I have enjoyed nearly every moment of it. For those few moments that I haven’t enjoyed I’ve learned something valuable, even if only a lesson in humility, so I’m grateful for that too.

I think I’m just getting to a point now, after all that time, where I really believe that I’m a good DJ. I know I’ve had that thought before, but the yardstick keeps moving, and I guess that’s important if I’m to stay interested in what I’m doing and to be dynamic as a DJ. The actual DJing part in the club is the easiest because you get instant gratification for your performance, whereas it’s all the behind the scenes stuff that requires motivation, and so you need to be looking ahead to a goal to get through all that.

There has been talk of you launching a label. Has this project been realised? What sound will you be focusing on?

No, I’m afraid I’ve put the label idea on the backburner for now. I spent about a year researching the business of running a label and decided that it’s not where my head is at right now. Instead I’ve chosen to be a little more selfish and focus on my own production rather than trying to propel other people’s music into the marketplace. Maybe I’ll take up the idea again later.

You have toured across the country and also in Asia. What sort of events did you play and what was the reaction to your music?

I’ve played a range of large and small events, but honestly I am happiest playing at home in Melbourne at clubs like Honkytonks and nights like Sunny. The Melbourne crowds are most appreciative of their own, and we’re very fortunate to have that support and interest on a weekly basis. It’s nice to play to new crowds and different venues, but really what I get out of that is more of an appreciation for DJing at home.

In your opinion what could the Melbourne dance scene have more and less of?

That’s easy! More patience from the punters in following the DJ on a musical journey across a whole night, and less interest in hearing the ‘hits’ one after another.

Your name appears on the flyer for many of Melbournes most respected parties and events. Where are you currently playing regular gigs?

I’m at Honkytonks every Saturday night with Aram Chapers, Emily Clark and guests, and it really is like my second home down there. Otherwise I’m at Sunny once a month and at Lucky Coq every Wednesday with Dave Pham.

Last year you supported Mathew Jonson at his Melbourne show. You commented that his set was the best you had heard to date. Has anybody managed to change your opinion on this yet? Where are your current influences coming from?

Nope, hands down he’s still the best live artist I’ve ever heard. I am so inspired by his music that I almost feel bad playing his records. I think that the magic of his music should be heard in the live context with him at the controls. He almost transcends the DJing aesthetic. As for other influences, it changes each week, but the bulk of what I play is coming out of Cologne and Berlin.

You have been selected as the June Flavour of the Month at Tickled Pink, a night that is about showcasing female DJ talent in Melbourne. How do you feel about the level of ability and skill coming from your female peers? Any particular favourites?

While I don’t think that favourite DJs should be categorised by gender, my favourite female DJ is Emily Clark. But she’d easily appear in my list of favourites of DJs from either gender anyway. She has an uncanny knack for perfect programming and excellent taste in music, and I always enjoy her sets, especially during the late slot at Honkytonks on a Saturday.

If you were indeed a flavour, what flavour would you be?

I’d probably say that I’m a grapefruit flavour. At first taste it can appear a bit sour but if you stick with it the acquired tasted is something you might savor (I hope).

Mike Callander plays is the special guest this Friday 30th June. Check ITM whatson for more details.