Australia again has the opportunity to be delighted by the wonder and talent that is Dizzee Rascal. Being more or less a frequent visitor here, those who were at Big Day Out in 2008 got to move it to Dizzee’s rhymes in the sweat-pit… I mean er mosh-pit of the Boiler Room. At the time Flex was at it’s peak, and only a mere 8 months later we got to soak up more of him when Dance Wiv Me was huge during the time of Parklife.

When asked if it was his choice to come back here, the answer was a definite yes. “Oh I love coming here man, the Big Day Out, it’s a brilliant tour.” So Dizzee, much like us, is here to soak up the best of a great tour and to see other artists, particularly after last time – getting to party and experience Rage Against The Machine. But for those who felt like they were going to literally cook in the Boiler Room last time he was here whilst dancing to his lyrical wonders, fear not. He gave a pretty clear statement: “There’s no way I’m in that f*cken Boiler Room Man! It will be main stage definitely!”

So in 2010, its ‘slip slop slap’ whilst we ’flex like that’ with Dizzy. But what else are we to expect? Dizzee has always been famous for playing the song of the second, so when asked what he thought the song would be this time round, his response was Bonkers or Holiday. As for who’s going to be sharing the spotlight on the stage, he says it’s just him and his DJ. Don’t be content with that just yet though… there is a possibility Calvin Harris will join him! When suggesting that Dizzee would have many happy fans if that were the case he cheekily replied with a “a’hh… right right right!” Let’s hope that this is his way of keeping the ‘rabbit in the hat’ so to speak and we get a extra treat on the day!

It seems like he’s happy to give it all to us Aussies, especially when asking just how our parties fare against those in UK. “Australia and UK vibes are quite similar in following and response. That’s why I’m surprised; even so far away it’s quite awesome. The vibe of the show, the people are beautiful they just move like mad, and that’s kind of what I’m going for.” You would almost expect the man with a hot attitude and stage presence to really have a big head, but that’s certainly not how he comes across. Dizzee is so appreciative of the fan service – “I just loved that my music’s reached Australia, it’s something that I never even fathomed. I’m happy man.” When I told him that Bonkers was played at least 6 times during Adelaide’s Parklife this year, he was definitely taken aback.

Dizzee made a point that the driving force behind the album’s lyrics “is partying and having a good time and that,” which seems to be the driving force behind his life as well. He certainly creates that for himself and his fans. He loves writing the words, but he also loves working on the arrangements of his pieces. “Even when working with other artists, I’m always very involved.”

Dizzee seems to be the hottest thing to collaborate with this year, especially with players like Calvin previously mentioned, as well as Armand Van Helden. This collaboration was his biggest surprise: “He just came from no where, he just sent the track and now you have what you’ve got today, Bonkers!”

Speaking of non-collaborative artist influences, he mentions that “*Snoop Dogg* was the first rapper I was into, but I was inspired by him again listening to his Doggy Style album. I heard something that I wanted my album to be like, but didn’t want to sound like that.” Beyond the tour and album Tongue in Cheek, Dizzee is also working on new music. There are no surprise collaborations to be announced as yet, just lots of time using Logic, Protools, samples and instruments played by artists.

Needing to know what – other than good times- he was providing, he describes his mission as “making music that moves people, physically as well as emotionally.” As for his music, Dizzee doesn’t think his style has changed over the years; he still thinks he’s doing the same thing. “The emphasis is still on the rapping. I’m just trying to get people to dance and have a good time, especially on this album. I have some social issues, but the main reason is to make people have a good time.”

So it looks like his Aussie fans are in for some more good times. In his words, “the Australian vibe is wicked man!” We have every reason to look forward to his Big Day Out appearances – hope you’ve got your ticket, sunscreen, and mosh-pit moves ready!

Dizzee Rascal tour dates:

Sun Jan 17 – Big Day Out, Gold Coast
Tues 19th Jan – River Stage, Brisbane (with Calvin Harris + Lily Alen)
Fri Jan 22 – Big Day Out, Sydney
Sun 24th Jan – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Tue Jan 26 – Big Day Out, Melbourne
Wed 27th Jan – The Palace, Melbourne
Thur 28th Jan – The Forum, Melbourne
Fri Jan 29 – Big Day Out, Adelaide
Sun Jan 31 – Big Day Out, Perth