While the drawcards for The Likes Of You tour this winter are undoubtedly Stephan Bodzin and Hugo (not to mention Robert Hood for the Melbourne heads), each stop also boasts a fine selection of local stars. Ahead of this weekend’s kick-off, we threw some questions in the direction of Dave Pham, Aarin F and Murat Kilic.

DAVE PHAM – MELBOURNE

Having been so engrained in Melbourne’s techno scene for several years, how would say things are at the moment?
It’s an unusual time for techno. Without any dedicated techno clubs, the events have moved into overdrive and we are seeing multiple international guests on the one show and multiple shows in a weekend.

There seems to be a very tight-knit group of DJ/producers who often play together in Melbourne, perhaps moreso than in other Australian cities. Do you feel that’s a strong point of Melbourne’s scene?
Melbourne is a unique city and the artists here live in kind of a micro-climate for electronic music. We are connected globally to the scene but tend to go in our own directions. Because of the bad weather in Melbourne, I think we have more producers than most cities and quite a few Australian labels are having an impact on the global scene, with plenty of Melbourne guys touring internationally on a regular basis.

Do you have a criteria for choosing records to play out? Are there certain qualities a track has to have?
Music selection is paramount. You can’t play what you don’t take with you and loads of tracks get lost on the CD format, so if it’s on wax it gets priority. Tracks are chosen on an event-to-event basis, but at the end of the day, good music is good music.

You’re a regular at The Likes Of You; what have been some of the standout parties for you?
Warming up for Robert Babicz was a highlight, but there have been so many amazing shows it’s hard to choose one. This weekend I’m playing before one of the pioneers of techno and co-founder of Underground Resistance, Robert Hood, so I’m guessing this will soon be the highlight of The Likes Of You events.

Anything in particular you’re looking forward to trying out at The Likes Of You this weekend?
Let’s just say there will be something special in the top floor this Friday. It’ll be techno-flavoured but expect something from the outer limits.

AARIN F – PERTH

From a DJ’s perspective, how do things feel in the Perth club scene at the moment?
In the circles I move in and the music I follow, things are going good. I feel like the real promoters are becoming more prominent and are really pushing the scene in the right direction. We might not always get the turnout that this sound deserves but it can easily sway at any point. With some of the bigger brands and some huge names coming our way, I don’t think the punters can ignore the magnitude or the hype surrounding some of these events.

Is there a tight community of like-minded DJs and promoters in Perth trying to do something a little different?
Now more than ever, there is a small crew of us who are trying to make a few things happen in Perth and really support each other and bounce ideas off one another. We have a few different projects planned for later in the year. One will be unveiled at this year’s Earthdance Festival, an idea that that was created by the small crew that I am referring too.

Are there any DJs you’ve taken inspiration from over the years in the art of building a set?
Yes, definitely. Sven Vath springs to mind as he knows what to play and when to play it. He is one of the very few DJs who has it all; the complete package. The other inspiration is Audion. That guy nearly lifted the roof off Geisha last year for Democracy’s birthday. His set was flawless and it just kept building tension the whole way through; truly amazing. These two guys will take you on a proper journey in their sets, and that is the way I like to go about my bigger gigs.

MURAT KILIC – SYDNEY

Some of your releases have come out on BEEF Records; do you wish there were more independent house/techno labels like it in Australia?
Yes, I do wish that, and that is why we are establishing our own label called Reckless Republic. The label will feature original releases from Australian producers, mostly but not limited to electronic artists, with remixes from overseas artists with bigger profiles. Our first three releases are prepared and we are just working out our distribution and PR strategy at the moment. We already have some remixes commissioned from some high profile artists, so watch this space.

With Spice a weekly destination, how strong do you feel the after-hours scene is in Sydney now?
I am very happy to report that Spice has continued as a little juggernaut this year with its move to Home Terrace. The move away from King’s Cross has ensured we do not get an influx of undesirables at the door and the people that come are really just music lovers that seek out a good dancefloor.

Would you say there’s an after-hours ‘sound’ that is different from what you might play in other situations?
I think every gig requires a particular sound that suits the situation. A combination of the place, the people and the time creates a particular vibe in a room and a good DJ will naturally play to that vibe. I am a strong believer that the best DJs will always play different styles that are suited to a particular room.

You’re playing The Likes Of You with Stephan Bodzin and Hugo. Anything in particular you’re looking forward to trying out on the night?
I am looking forward to playing some of the unreleased bombs I collected on my travels in Europe recently. I also have a few new releases which are due to be out in a few weeks that I am looking forward to hearing on a big sound system.

The Likes Of You tour makes the following stops, proudly presented by inthemix. Stay up-to-date at ITM’s Likes Of You hub, inthemix.com.au/thelikesofyou.

Fri July 2 – Melbourne, Brown Alley
Sat July 3 – Sydney, Arthouse
Fri July 9 – Canberra, Transit Bar
Sat July 10 – Perth, Villa