As a DJ who travels the world over, Carl Kennedy chooses Sydney as his home, though Birmingham, Ibiza and New York have all had the pleasure in the past. The man you see behind the decks is the same powerhouse of vigour when he is away from the CDJs and turntables. There is no exaggeration to the charm and determination of Carl Kennedy – he simply is.

“Coming from where I’ve come from in Birmingham, I’m just like everybody else. People may see it as ego – it’s just confidence. I’m a salt of the earth man; I take it all in my stride. I’m grateful for everything in my life. I like to make people happy. I don’t think you should offend people. I’m only human.”

It was a trip to Ibiza in ‘97 that became a life changing experience for the youthful Kennedy. A performance by Roger Sanchez at Ibiza’s Privilege instilled a revolutionary streak, stirring him to pursue a life behind the decks and head to the bright lights of the Big Apple. Within a year, he became the resident DJ for GBH, setting the scene for one of New York’s biggest dance nights and laying the path to invigorate the city’s music. The turn of the century saw Carl change gears and move to the decks at Centro-Fly, New York’s dance hub where such names as The Chemical Brothers, Erick Morrillo, Dimitri from Paris and his idol Roger Sanchez were often found. It was in 2003 from this very club where Carl would make the leap to superstardom, as Pete Tong hosted his BBC radio show Essential Selection live, giving listeners across Europe and the States the chance to hear the rampant beats and strident melodies so easily associated with Carl Kennedy’s music. Declared by Pete Tong as “one of the world’s best undiscovered DJs”, Carl’s name was flashed around the world, cementing his popularity in the international DJ ranks as 2004’s “Best Breakthrough DJ” in Miami’s Dance Awards.

Returning to Australia, Carl scored residencies with onelove in Sydney and Melbourne, and also joined forces with Sydney’s Dirty South to form Wasted Youth – a label based on the philosophy: ‘by artists for artists’. With previous experiences having coloured his vision of the industry, Carl was determined to keep true to his music. “There are so many different things I am inspired by,” Carl notes. “It depends on how I’m feeling. Like at the moment, I’m feeling edgy and I think my new music is reflecting that. You see, my next record is for me.” With such names of his new tunes from his latest record like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and So Hairy Pussy, Carl admits “I’m having a bit of fun with my music this time. I’ve made records and given them out and haven’t considered them finished. Like Ride The Storm – it had a bit of controversy,” Carl points out. “I haven’t had the fun where I’ve been in complete control, where I’ve got the avenue to run with. This record is exactly how I want it to be and how I want them to be released. I’m not listening to anyone else – and it’s just great.”

Carl Kennedy’s heart remains in Sydney’s Bondi Beach for six months of the year. “Sydney is my home for the lifestyle – one of the best cities in the world to live,” he asserts. “New York is my other home – it feeds my soul.” Carl acknowledges that he has learnt a great deal while in Australia, so much so that he now feels he is in the right headspace, armed and prepared to secure Australia’s name on the world stage. “Australia is getting to the point where the talent is so good, it’s almost hurting the scene. Australia is too small – for the talent,” Carl points out. “New York will have all the resources and we’ll be able to use it to the full force of the industry.”

Candidly, Carl points out, “I won’t be the best producer or the best DJ. I’m about an artist as a whole. I live what I do. I’m not after one goal I’m after the whole lot. I want to put talent in the right spot, delivering people and their talent to the world. I haven’t finished as an artist myself but I want the label to work for many people.” Why does he feel compelled to do this? “I get a lot of satisfaction helping others through my own work,” Carl states. “Wasted Youth is slowly but surely making its way. It’s in its third year and everything is in its place with the right people behind me.”

With 2009 on the horizon, it seems Carl Kennedy indeed has a mighty quest ahead of him. With his last gig on New Year’s Eve for Pacha at Sydney’s Home, warming the decks for Erick Morillo, Carl Kennedy’s sights will be set on his New Year resolutions. “I won’t be back in Australia for a while,” Carl confesses. “I need to focus on overseas; need to get the focus on the label and what it can do. I want to take what I’ve got from Australia – the artists, contacts, the talent – and take it to New York. It’s just like GBH all over again and breaking it into the US market. I’ll be breaking out of Australia for a bigger better goal. It will be a good challenge.” While focusing on bringing Wasted Youth to New York and releasing his next album, Carl will continue to be the groundbreaking producer, superstar DJ and upfront man that he is. With his dreams and passion still ahead of him, Carl knows the world is his oyster. “I have believed that longevity is the way and each year has been bigger than the last,” Carl expresses “I hope to do more of what I’m doing. I’m really looking forward to 2009.”

Catch Carl Kennedy warming up for Erick Morillo at Pacha, Home Nightclub this NYE in Sydney.