Although he’s currently based in Melbourne and fiercely proud of his antipodean heritage, Derek {K} is fast becoming something of an international concern. Fresh from a grueling tour of Europe and Asia, he’s found himself getting major props for his production work (releasing as White Heat alongside Boycott) and DJing. Now back adjusting to life in Australia once again, he’s heading along to Billboard The Venue for this weekend’s massive Made In Melbourne event. ITM caught up for a chat.
In recent years, the Derek {K} star has continued to rise. Tell us, what kind of ride has it been over the last few years?
An enjoyable one. I’ve had the privilege of DJing and experiencing club and lifestyle cultures all over the world. Not to mention the amazing food and shopping that goes along with it! It has been a lot of hard work and then some. Extremely long hours that turn into days of gigging and now with production on the rise time is of the essence. It is very important you manage to get all your latest tracks, production and gigs in order with the minimal time and sleep available.
In the midst of a busy production and DJing schedule, you’ve secured a stack of big-name residencies during that time, I won’t ask which is your favourite, but I will ask, what have been some of the highlights over those years?
I was grateful to be able to be able to play with many of my peers that I looked up to when I was 17. I was underage DJing in overage clubs and playing to rooms of 2,500 plus people at events such as the infamous Glam parties at Forum. Respect is Burning was a great party, as was main stage at Summadayze and Kiss My Grass. Famous has given me the opportunity to take that next step in my DJ career, enabling me to play out to a massive audience every week. Flying all the way to DJ in Dubai was something I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to do. And recently playing at the close of Amsterdam Fashion week for 3,000 crazy ass fashionistas will go down in the books as a special night!
You’ve worked alongside some absolutely massive names. Jacques Lu Cont, Tiga, Roger Sanchez. Some exciting moments in there; ever feel like pinching yourself?
I was pinching myself when I was 17 working alongside guys like Sandy Rivera, Mateo & Matos, DJ Pierre and so on. Today it’s kind of different, I’m at a stage now were I’m also open to criticism for playing and making my own music. I think Oz DJs and artists are in a prime position to take on the world’s names. For many years we’ve produced rocking DJs that haven’t really ventured out of the country with the exception of a few. But the world is starting to take notice of our producers and DJs, which paves the way for everyone else to show the rest of the world what we’re made of. It’s a good feeling when people like Felix Da Housecat, Chris Lake, Stuart Price (JLC) and Carl Cox are supporting and playing your tracks out or sending you emails giving you praise. In that respect, I’m slapping myself!
Looking at the up and coming Made In Melbourne night this week; talk us through it. How’d it come about?
I’ve known Eric (Powell) for many years now. When two mates of mine and I were running a night called ‘Our House is Your House’ at the now defunct Salt nightclub – we aimed to put together the strongest line up in Melbourne. We did something different where we played ‘house music’ in the main room and brought it from what was usually a Friday ‘sound’ to a Saturday ‘sound’. Eric was an integral part of that and we stayed in touch, I even had a crack at making some tracks for his Bush label back then… What ever happened to those Eric? So he contacted me not long ago and explained the concept of having most of Melbourne’s finest DJs and artists under one roof hammering out their own individual style for the people of Melbourne. I think this particular type of event is important not only for Melbourne crew but the dance scene in general. I admire the hip hop scene in that they all stick together and lift each other up through the ranks. If you look at all the major recording artists you notice that up and comers are supported or feature an already established face and artist which gives them instant credibility. The same goes for Made in Melbourne. The event provides an opportunity for local DJs to support each other and to show off some of their skills, while having a rockin’ time doing it. It will definitely be worth checking out.
Looks like you’ll be the headline act for the event; and no doubt a lot of the others that get behind the decks will be looking up to you. How does it feel that you now have up and coming DJs that marvel at what you’ve already achieved?
They do? I dunno, that’s kind of a strange thought to get my head around. I guess it does make you feel like your helping them out in some way, like the messages I get on Facebook and Myspace. They ask me questions ranging from “how do I get to play where you are?”, “what mix of a certain track did you play?”, to “I’m having this problem with a xyz”... I guess I feel like Dr. Phil! But seriously, it does make you realise that people are paying attention and if I can help out any other young jock coming up I will… It’s very hard in Oz do so because the clique is rather small. Although I believe the dance scene has enough room for everyone.
Anyone from your fellow DJing brethren that you’ll be particularly looking to hear a few tunes from?
All of them! It’s rare to see so many local’s in one club event. Look at the success of the Kiss My Grass festival last year where DJed with Mark James. The backing and growth Kiss My Grass has had is amazing; clearly support for local DJs is shown on a day like that. So I will definitely be looking forward to what the other DJs have in store.
It has been said that your sound is big, loud and ever changing – and that is what makes for an energetic and dynamic DJ styles that captivates those who are present. Looking at those changes, what do you consider to be some of the biggest trends emerging?
Trends, fads whatever you call them… Music and fashion thrive on the notion of the latest and greatest “cool” trend. I think the biggest trend was new rave, or whatever term they coined it. It was fun for a bit although I feel it is not necessarily “emerging” anymore. I was calling it modern pop because although some of the tracks were playable in clubs, it would be very difficult to sustain a festival vibe in-front of 25, 000 people punching holes in the air with that style and sound of music. I really enjoy listening to new artists like Dragonette, Kissy Sell Out and Felix Cartal in my own time. In terms of club orientated music you still can’t go past someone like Eric Prydz. The guy just works miracles. On my tour across Europe I checked out a few clubs and also attended Global Gathering where a cross section of DJs were playing his tracks. But for the sake of a favourite sound and inspiration right this minute, I’d say that I’m loving the sexy techno that’s being produced and played at nights such as Cocoon. At one stage techno was very bland and industrial sounding with harsh ear grinding synths, now the groove and sexiness is back. It was largely supported overseas by the ex-progressive leading DJs as well as current techno, house, and electro DJs. It’s great to see music crossing genres again. Deadmau5 has produced some great records as of late too.
Where to from here for Derek {K}? What’s in store? One can’t help but suspect that it’s only a matter of time before you take on the international stage..?
There have been some great developments during my recent Europe and Asian tour adventures for projects which I cannot really disclose. But definitely some more overseas touring! My production partner Boycott and I just had our first single ‘Hot City’ promoed last month and it has been receiving great magazine, radio and dj support from all genres which has been fantastic. One of our other tracks that we produced 18 months ago has somehow surfaced again; we didn’t intend to have it released but it has created quite a stir in Europe so we’re looking into having it signed. Having recently returned from overseas Boycott and I just tidied up our already signed, second singled ‘Start’ release to get mastered. It’s not techno, it’s not minimal, it’s not progressive… But all of them rolled into one! We’ve also done two remixes for Ladytron due for release in the coming months. Another mix for American band Julien-K – who are currently on tour with Placebo, HIM, and Linkin Park. ‘90s chart toppers Blackbox were stoked with our mix of ‘Everybody, Everybody’ and have included it in their mix package alongside Fuzzy Hair and Benny Bennasi.
If you’re in Melbourne make sure you check out Derek {K} at Made In Melbourne this Friday August 31st. If you’re elsewhere around the country keep your eyes to ITM Whatson for his interstate gigs, including Famous in Sydney and Bedroom on the Gold Coast.
