Craig Obey is one of the mainstays in Sydney’s house scene, doing his thing behind the decks since the early days of our clubbing scene both as a DJ, as well as finding considerable success as a producer. His take on The Church’s classic Under The Milky Way broke through to considerable mainstream success, not to mention his recent artists album Elektrik Force. House has always been his thing, and it’s not looking like changing anytime soon because as he tells ITM, “I just can’t seem to escape the hold it has on me.”

For those wanting a taste of some Craig Obey action this NYE, he’ll be playing at Arrival 09 when it reaches Star City in the closing hours of 2008. He’ll be playing alongside his vocal sparring partner Lady Lauryn, along with DJ talent Tom Piper and Tenzin as well as a full view of the Harbour Bridge for all the fireworks and harbour festivities. ITM finds out what Craig Obey has been up to…

Your must consider your self-produced album Elektrik Force as one of your greatest achievements. What’s your favourite track on the album and why? And is there any possibility of completing another album?

It would have to be Eat My Beat. Love the title, love the rap style vocal, the clean raw piano keys and I especially love the fact it’s not house.

Your personal remake of the classic Church track Under The Milky Way was one of the biggest electro house tracks of 2007, and truly made an impact on the scene. How did it feel to you to produce a track that was so acclaimed?

To work on a track that I listened to over and over again as a young teenager on my clock radio next to my bed always creates a time portal for me. I re feel everything I did back when I first heard the tune, good times.

You’ve just released a new single on Hussle records called Tha Muzik, Tha Magik, how has the track been received so far?

Really well, everyone loves the nod to the old house classic it borrows from, but really it is more of a club record than radio. But you never know.

As a performer you have supported many of the top international artists in the world including Fatboy Slim, Deep Dish, Dimitri From Paris and many more. Which artist was the most exciting for you to support?

Roger Sanchez was pretty cool, because I went on an Aussie tour with him and supported him at all the events, so I got to know Roger a little bit and feel like I was part of the show/tour.

What do you do in your spare time away from producing tracks and playing out at events?

I love to cut/drop/pick and chase lines… Whether it’s on snow, in water, on my moto, or maybe my DH bike, whatever.

Over the years you’ve remixed a lot of tracks, including Marco Demark’s Tiny Dancer and Dirty Laundry’s Hate Me, which were all well received. Is this something you enjoy doing or do you prefer producing your own tracks?

I try to keep a balance. Working on your own stuff is always satisfying, but you can be really inspired by remixing others tracks as well. It’s hard to say which I like better.

One of my favourite tracks of yours is Gonna Have To Pay. Are there any plans on completing any other collaboration with any other singers in the near future?

Definitely. I’m working with Lady Lauryn a lot these days, Frologic and others as the tracks require.

You’ve been around in the dance music industry for some time now. What do you think about the progression of dance music in Australia; what do you think we will see in terms of emerging music styles and the Australian clubbing scene in the next couple of years?

House music is back baby!! We’ve just transitioned a stage of music that was all about the edge factor, so I think some sweet melodies, big synths and sexy vocals are going to dominate the floor this summer. Choppy synth lines and big room percussion as well are also so in right now.

Lately we’ve seen a growing success with Australian producers touring overseas, including Dirty South and Kid Kenobi. If you had your chance to perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Dubai, let’s face it there’s so much hype about the jewel in the sand.

Finally, with a successful album and multiple singles under your belt in the last couple of years, what can we expect from Craig Obey in 2009?

More house music I guess, I just can’t seem to escape the hold it has on me.

Catch Craig Obey playing alongside Lady Lauryn at Arrival 09 when it reaches Star City this NYE. Click here to buy tickets!