As one third of Melbourne’s breakbeat powerhouse Nubreed, Danny Bonnici is no stranger to adoring club crowds the world over. Of late, however, he’s been focusing on his career as a solo artist, carving out a name for himself with a long list of productions and collaborations, as well as much hyped ‘Abelton Live’ DJ sets. Selected as one of Australia’s ambassadors for the audio system that’s changing the face of dance music, ITM caught up with Danny for an update on what he’s been busy with of late.
Melbourne is often viewed as the home of Aussie breaks, and lately of a distinctive Oz-electro sound. Is the shift from proggy breaks to a grittier, more electro sound a natural progression – pardon the pun! – or a way to keep abreast of the times?
It can’t stay the same forever so I guess you could say “the times they are a changing”!
You’ve been involved in the Australian music scene for over fifteen years now. With the benefit of hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently?
Yeah, I would have been a bit more business savvy, as I have had my fair share of being ripped off. It’s a tough industry and it’s not easy to get ahead.
In some circles you’re considered the master of the new sound of glitchin’, phat-ass beats. Do you see yourself championing a particular sound or movement?
Really!? Nice to see some appreciation out there. I wouldn’t say I’m pushing a certain sound. I guess my programming skills need to be pushed from time to time and I like to create new things and new experiences for people.
Hidenform 01 and Electric_02 both received lots of positive press. Did you set out to do anything different with them?
Well you could say that we tried to push a lot more in the techy department and left the standard breaks out. So it was a good opportunity to push a different sound and move into a new direction.
Do you feel Australia’s isolation has a negative impact on international profile building?
Definitely. If I was overseas in Europe there would be many more opportunities to play out and hit a wider market. It’s hard from here because it costs so much to get over there. In saying that I have gained a lot of respect from major players and the releases still do good because of that fact. You gotta be in everyones chart to make a noise.
Ableton Live has chosen you as one of their main Aussie supporters. What attracted you to the Live system in the first place?
I have being using Ableton for years now with Nubreed, and it was only a natural progression for me to use it for my solo shows.
Have you noticed an increase in interest in switching over to a digital way of playing music and an acceptance by punters that it’s really all just about the music?
Slowly, slowly catchy monkey!
Recently you’ve spent some time overseas. How was that? Any plans for more international gigs? Anywhere you’d really love to play?
I love going overseas and experiencing new cultures and scenes. It’s fun and tiring at the same time. I’m off to Shanghai in May and also Dubai. I’m going to peak my head in Berlin and do a few gigs in Italy as well. I will be back in August. I would really love to do a South American tour. Hopefully that will be next on the cards.
You’ve been busy with producing, gigs and your Ableton classes. How are you finding the Ableton teaching sessions?
They are going really well. I have 4 classes a week and the students are enthusiastic. It’s great to give back to such hungry producers.
What does Danny Bonnici do to unwind?
Ride my mountain bike in the bush. Fun, fun, fun. But of course I’m listening to tunes all the way.
Have you got any other music projects on the go?
Always things in the pipeline. Dan Mangan and I have a release coming out on Audio Therapy April 13 called ‘Fuck Dude’. Look out for it.
Are you sitting on any juicy productions we can expect over the next few months? Any more Velvet Blunderground styled tunes?
I like to mix it up a lot so expect everything and nothing!
Danny Bonnici plays Subservice at the Civic Theatre in Sydney on April 13 and also April 21 at Empire in Brisbane. Check guides for additional dates around the country.
