Perth breaks act Signal Drivers recently celebrated the signing of their first release through US label Fresh Produce Records. Furthermore they broke into the ITM50 poll this year, coming in at 5th place in the WA results. ITM’s Megs caught up with DJ Santa from the Signal Drivers recently to discuss their recent successes, their ongoing monthly night Destination? and his upcoming gigs in Melbourne.

So 2006, the year of the Drivers? It’s been huge for you guys!! What exactly does the signing mean for you guys and others like you in Perth?

Pete (Signal Drivers): It’ll be a dream come true to see our name written on a piece of vinyl! It’s gained us international recognition and we’ve since received all sorts of requests for tracks and remixes from around the globe. It’s nice to get recognition for the effort you put in. The breakbeat production scene is just about to explode here in Perth and we’d love nothing more than our success to be the launching pad for other producers here. Hopefully others like us will see that it’s not that far out of reach if you’re willing to work at it. This is just the beginning for us and West Coast breaks.

And cracking the top 5 in WA in inthemix 50?

Pete (Signal Drivers): It’s a humbling experience. To think that other people believe in what we’re doing is fantastic. Everyone in the industry and the scene have always been so supportive of us. We love playing out as we feel we’re always playing out to friends with the reception we get. We set ourselves high standards in everything we do and we’ll continue to try and raise the bar.

Whats on the cards for the trip east?

Pete (Signal Drivers): I’ll be playing shows and doing interviews to bring some awareness about our upcoming releases on Fresh Produce Records. We’ll be bringing with us a whole swag of local music and showcasing the production talent from the West Coast. I love Melbourne, the people are really genuine and there’s always a buzz going around. I’ve experienced Melbourne on both sides of the decks and it’s a thrill to be in a city of people who really care about music.

Destination? is going through the roof you must be pleased with the level of support it’s been receiving?

Pete (Signal Drivers): It’s exploded because it has a number of passionate people working in it and the crew that support it are just as passionate. Going to a club is not about the DJ. Every night we put on and every time we play we try to make people feel like it’s their own. We’re hoping to bring some of that vibe to Melbourne. Destination? will be touring there in the future so hopefully we can warm up the city for Destination?

You ventured beyond the norm with a roller disco this year which was and I quote myself “the best fun ever!!” anything else like that planned?

Pete (Signal Drivers): We’ve always tried to be innovative with our DJing and events and there is certainly some major fun times planned, but we’ll tell you about it all in good time… Right now I can’t wait to rock it out in Melbourne!

What does the rest of 06 and beyond have in store for you guys?

Pete (Signal Drivers): We’ll continue to push the boundaries with Destination? Along with touring Melbourne, we’ll be going into the South West of WA later in the year. Brisbane, Goldcoast and Sydney are on the cards early in the new year so look out! We’re spending some quality time in the studio as well and can’t wait to hit the dancefloors with it. Along with remixing a tune for a house label we’re doing a collaboration with Karlsav coming up soon. There will hopefully be more music released on the label early next year. Beyond that who knows!

Be sure the check out the Signal Drivers in the coming weeks at:
22/09/06 – Destination? @ Ambar, Perth
29/09/06 – Bughauz @ Z Lounge, Melbourne
06/10/06 – Move @ Kaleido, Melbourne

For full event details see ITM What’s On.