In between sips of tea and generally ironic musings about current weather patterns, ITM managed to get a few moments in with the UK’s Hyper (DJ, producer and band member extraordinaire) on a not-so-sunny Thursday morning, ahead of his impending tour of Australia. Hyper is currently preparing for the release of his new DJ mix ‘Re-wired’. Fans in Australia can look forward to hearing a lot of material from this CD, including the recently completed Bass Kleph mix of ‘No Rockstars’ that has just been released on Hyper’s own label, Kilowatt Records.

So Hyper, how much are you looking forward to coming to Australia?

I can’t wait. This will be the fifth or sixth time in Australia and I’m still itching to get there cause it’s so much fun. I’m really looking forward to throwing down some solid breaks tunes there.

You’ve recently completed both artist albums and mix albums, which do you prefer?

I don’t think there’s a preference, just different styles of production at different times in my life. I was really focussed last year on my artist album, ‘We Control’, which involved lots of shorter tunes as opposed to more club oriented 12 inches. Now I’m getting back into the DJ style, so a DJ album fits.

You’ve also perform as part of a live band – how does the DJ experience differ from the band experience? Do you think the role of the DJ has changed over time?

I don’t think so. You’re there to entertain the crowd and play tunes people can dance to. You need to connect with the crowd and go from there. Playing in a band is different because the attention is very much on you, but you have other people around you as well, so it’s more communal. It’s definitely a different relationship when you DJ – you need to be inside the music, not just playing it.

Are you a t-shirt guy or a shirt-with-collar guy?

Haha. I have been known in the past to wear a shirt and tie, but not in the way you might think. Generally speaking though I am a t-shirt guy. Definitely.

When you’re not behind the decks, how would you describe your dancing style?

Very, very wayward! Definitely watch your drinks when I’m on the dancefloor! Nah, seriously… I’m a DJ so I don’t have to dance, eh?! I mean that’s why I started DJing! I’m probably the guy who spills your drink on you if you’re not careful…

You’re a pretty well travelled guy – what’s the most remote place you’ve ever partied?

Oh geez. Oh wait – Lama Island off Hong Kong. It’s not even a mile offshore but you can only get there in a boat, and a small one at that. I had been doing a gig on the mainland and somehow ended up back on this island at a small after party, no more than 30 or 40 people. But the island itself has this massive power station on it that supplied all the power to Hong Kong. I can’t remember how long the after party went on for, but it was pretty special. I’ve also been to some very remote areas in the United States, some places I never knew existed, right in the middle of the map.

I see you’re also heading to the snow whilst you’re here – what can we expect from that visit?

Yeah I’ve never been skiing before and let me tell you, Australia wasn’t the place I thought I’d first be going skiing! I’ll be taking a lot of party tunes to the snow, making sure I’ve got some stuff in there for a broader crowd. I’ve heard what goes on at the snow though down there – you guys seem to go harder off the slopes that you do on! Definitely looking forward to it.

Lastly – what, aside from the obvious, can be found in your pocket on a night out?

Hopefully my phone! (Laughs) I’m always losing that thing. And then I guess some cash, but that’s about it. I’m very much a guy who only takes out what he can fit in his pockets – no moisturiser bags or other such additions. I had someone the other day ask me if I could be described as a metrosexual, so I’ll answer that question as well if you’re gonna ask it – the answer is most definitely not! (Laughs)

Thanks very much for your time, sorry to interrupt the cup of tea

Not at all, thanks for the chance to talk to inthemix, say a big hi to everyone for me and I really look forward to seeing you all soon.

Hyper visits Australia in August and September for a national tour, don’t miss out!

Check this clip of Hyper performing in Russia recently. White gloves and face masks, rave on!