One of Australia’s finest dance music prodigies, Luke Chable has been an underground household name over the years. His tracks have been on rotation for many years with heavyweights like Sasha, Digweed, Deep Dish and Danny Howells, and he’s also collaborated with the likes of Ivan Gough, Phil K and Nubreed, as well as having his remixes commissioned by labels like Ministry of Sound, Positiva, Bedrock, Yoshitoshi and more. He’s also taken his music in different directions and has recently formed a band, showing the ever evolving musician that is Luke Chable is alive and well. ITM catches up before his gig this weekend in Melbourne.

Are there any plans in the near future to work with Ivan Gough again, as Traveller and Quest?

I already have.. the tracks are sitting there collecting dust! Well OK, not as Traveller and Quest, that would be a waste of time – no one knows who the heck they are. Just as I.G. & L.C.

Do you prefer to go out and see live bands, or DJs in a club?

Live bands definitely. I dont remember one time i’ve gone to see specifically a DJ. oh wait a minute, maybe a few times early on in the piece, and then i only went to see producers who DJ.

Who are your favourite artists at the moment?

I’ve been doing so much rock’n’roll i’ve barely had time to look at whats coming out. Prydz is always a favourite, and im getting into Saiz too at the moment. I’ve also heard some great tracks from melbourne guys like Lewie Day and Bonnici recently too.

Do you use hardware, software or both in your production? If you use both, what percentage of each do you use?
For dance music its 100 per cent software. Logic Audio.

Do you have any upcoming releases on the horizon?

Just completed a Bertie Blackman remix as well as a new track vs Tin Alley, Out of Control. Should be hearing them both soon.

How is your band going? Do you see yourself focusing on this more than djing in the coming years?

The band – called Empire is definitely a major focus for me at the moment, and will be in the future. I’ve realised that i can actually write songs so im having a lot of fun. DJing comes secondary for me after producing too BTW!

Do you prefer to produce in the studio or play to the crowds?

Both are two very different worlds. Producing in the studio is my life.. playing out to crowds is a weekend thing. I love a good crowd, but i dislike a boring crowd. I always love producing, except when my brain isnt ticking over.

Who have been your biggest influences?

Early on it was the likes of Timo Maas & James Holden. More recently its been Prydz, more for the point of letting me do progressive again.

There is a bit of a history between you and Phil K, where and why did you get together to form Lostep?

I’ve known Phil for yonks, and we just started making tunes together cos we saw eye to eye and had a lot of fun in the studio on the old Dark Alley project. Dont think the chapter has closed though..

What sort of studio set up do you have?
A beastly Core i7 975 overclocked, and made into a Hackintosh running Leopard, and Logic 9, and 2 x KRK RP8’s. I love them and have since 2005 even if i had the money i dont know that i would upgrade them! Also recently added Pro-Tools 8 to the rig.

How do you approach the writing process?

Usually starts with an idea then its just machine gunning all the steps out. Because of this dont f#ck around attitude I can knock a track out in three hours, even two if I’m really on a roll. However there are times when i get half way and just cant think up the perfect way to finish the record. The worst ever time like this is Antarctica which _ started in 2004, and pull it up every year but still haven’t finished. It’s a massive slice of super epic progressive house.

How do you think the direction of local producers has changed?

Has it? I just think they move with the times. There are people who change what they do to pay the bills after all “Underground music doesn’t pay the bills” – Armand Van Helden.

What can we expect from your show on Friday and other upcoming shows?

Big tunes (I tend not to play fillers, it’s my downfall) and good times. Old classics at Brown Alley on the 12th, and big room house at Good Vibes on the 23rd.

Luke Chable dates:

Fri 12th Feb – Brown Alley, Melbourne
Sat 21st Feb – Good Vibrations Melbourne