A resident at some of Melbourne’s finest clubs, including Famous, OneSixOne and Two Floors Up, Chardy is known around town for pushing his own signature style of twisted techy beats. Whether it’s the mainroom sounds that get a run at Famous, or the upfront and underground style he’s pushing at Two Floors Up, there’s no denying that Chardy is one of Melbourne’s finest. It’s no surprise then that he’d find himself booked to play at the upcoming Made In Melbourne party, where the city’s best will be assembling for one massive night. ITM caught up to find out what makes Chardy tick.
You’ve played at festivals and clubs throughout Australia, what is one of your favourite venues to play, and why?
That’s a hard question! Melbourne has so many good clubs at the moment, and my favourite gigs are all for different styles of music. Famous is a crazy buzz playing big sounds with a full room of around 2,500 people every week. 0nesixone I love because I get to play some deep techy dub stuff, and 2floors I can play anything long as it’s big and twisted.
What’s your current favourite track to drop when the crowd is already peaking?
My favourite track at the moment, and one that always works, would have to be ‘Untitled’ (Deadmau5 Mix) – it’s such a good tune! It’s an underground tune that pushes the boundaries in crossover styles… it’s so good to see people opening up and getting into some new sounds.
Describe the first time you played with a big name?
Excited, pumped, shitting myself, and all that again! You never know what to expect, especially when warming up, because tune selection has to be spot on or you could take hype away from the main act, which in return is not good for the overall night.
What’s your signature move that you use to impress big international acts when you’re supporting?
It would have to be dropping old bombs when least expected, and playing some of my own unreleased mixes. Really trying to tell a story with programming the right tunes. At the moment I am really trying to mix really tight.
Which celebrity would you love to play for and what are 3 songs you’d play?
I’m a sucker for Paris Hilton. ‘Do You Wanna Funk?’, ‘Nightfalls’ and ‘All I Want Is Disco’ would definitely be a load of fun.
Are there any tracks that you still love to drop from when you first started DJing?
Funny enough one of my biggest tunes at the moment, ‘It’s Like That’ (by Run DMC) rocks anywhere I play at the moment. It’s good for the young and old. There’s nothing like a bit of old school!
How did you celebrate making it into the club charts?
With lots and lots of Agwa! I was really surprised with this result. I am working on an original at the moment and hoping it is going to do well. With so much good music coming out of Australia now, we are definitely making waves overseas now and it’s so good to see.
What are some important tips that you’ve picked up from other DJs?
To really watch the crowd and work on the energy, don’t always sell out and play the usual shit that everyone is playing, and also enjoy every second that you have playing tunes because there is a thousand other kids that would kill for your spot!
Have you ever experienced a blackout during one of your sets?
No! But I have had someone unplug the generator at a festival once and everyone just clapped!
You’ve been noted to be able to read a crowd, how do you determine the vibe of the crowd?
It’s actually not easy to do, trying to please everyone is impossible. Basically I try and push it a little at the start and if that works it should be good vibes throughout the set. If it doesn’t, I better look for some big tunes, quick.
You’ve played with some huge names, like Mark Farina, Sasha & Digweed, and more recently remixed with TV Rock. Are there any other dance floor legends you’d like to cross off your list?
I would love to play along side Eric Prydz and Carl Cox! Especially Carl Cox, at his old school days playing techno. I love those old days.
What’s a song that you’re constantly asked to play, but never do?
‘Mr Brightside’. I cannot stand it ! Please, please, please don’t ask me again!
How do you keep your energy up through a 7 hour set?
A 7 hour set would be based around mixing in key, going up and down the scale to build and wind down, maybe going through some different styles and also giving everyone a breakbeat or two to chill on.
If you were asked to compile your own compilation CD, what would the theme be?
Old school disco! Where it all began, I honestly love the disco scene.
Chardy plays Made In Melbourne at Billboard The Venue this Friday August 31st, alongside the cream of the Melbourne dance scene. Check out ITM Whatson for more info.
ambersav6 says...
We have been busting that floor for Chardy, ever since he started down in Frankston. He has come along way