With all the homecoming spirits of a long lost hero, Central Battle returns to Brisbane with shining blade held aloft. The glitter of the crown Central Battle bears has always been bright – it is a beacon to the bedroom spinner; a glittering prize of epic proportions in a DJ Competition responsible for launching the career of many a triumphant DJ hopeful. From tyDi to Tim Plunkett, from Bert Brown to Jeremy Illiev, the Central Battle victor continues to reap the benefits of such success.

As with every tale, there is a beginning. And so with Central Battle, all roads lead back to Central Station Records, where the local record store has always been the mainstay of Brisbane’s dance community. When Central Station sadly closed its doors, Central Battle was left to lie in repose – but only for a while. While many a DJ competition has come and gone, none have filled the gaping hole that only Central Battle could fill. Central Battle has always upheld a dazzling reputation, successfully uniting the professional industry with the emerging butterflies, showcasing the industry’s emerging artists.

And at the helm of Central Battle has been Murray Brown, a lone warrior destined to follow his own path. While Murray has hovered on the peripherals of the scene, like Central Station Records, he remains the stronghold of the new generation in today’s DJ scene. Found each week on the main stage of The Met, Murray is a multifaceted DJ who can take his dance floors through hard, tech, house, electro, trance or progressive – wherever the bass line takes him – or he, the bass line. With the same fingers that summon the throbbing beats from the CDJs, Murray will interrupt the slumber of a sleeping giant. For two years, this DJ competition has been a sleeping king, waiting for the perfect moment to reappear in all its glory. And in 2010, it will be Murray Brown who brings Central Battle to Electric Playground.

What changes have you seen come to the local industry since Central Battle 2008?

Obviously the internet changed everything for everybody, bricks and mortar stores suffered but the end user was flooded with a mass of diversification which flowed onto the streets and clubs in a big way. There are now more musically diverse parties happening every weekend than ever before. I guess the next step for Brisbane would be to have a radio station follow suit that we could really push our sounds through. Bring on digital radio I say.

Going back in Central Battle history: Previously, popular genres saturating the scene have been especially noticed in Central Battle. What years saw what genres really flooding competitions?

Central Station the store in the beginning was always a hard dance platform for djs and in the beginning that was a real reflection of the central battle. As house started working its way into the store via Matt Nugent the internet came on the scene in 2004 and this saw a shift from hard dance to US House, progressive house and prog trance and the year after that we saw the majority playing house music which took all of us by surprise – pleasantly.

How do you think Central Battle will add to building the scene up again?

Central Battle is just a complementary bi product of an already healthy scene. There is a wealth of talent out there that has yet to be discovered and Central Battle’s primary objective has always been to bring that talent to the surface and provide opportunity to go forward.

Why do you think DJ Competitions in general motivate the scene?

DJ comps are a great stepping stone from the bedroom to the venue and getting your mates out to support, have a few drinks. A great time is good for everyone.

Why does Central Battle particularly have such a stellar reputation compared to many other DJ competitions? Is it in the way its run? Is it the prizes? Where do you think this reputation comes from?

It was a competition created by music lovers for music lovers. Both sides sharing a passion for music and creating some good times while in the meant time, Central could hopefully give back to a community of Bedroom DJs that had shown so much loyalty toward the store. The flip side was the central station brand to people not familiar with the staff and store held incredible weight and they could then champion their contestant, finalist or winner with even more pride knowing they were dealing with the cream of the crop.

What finally prompted you to make the decision to bring Central Battle back?

I made a promise with myself when I closed the store that I would keep the battle going, as I knew how hard it was in the beginning for me to get a gig. I felt I had an obligation to give back to a community that has provided me with such enjoyment and fulfillment, combined with relentless hounding from previous winners, contestants and judges. I was also not in the position to hold the comp in the last 2 years due to the birth of my baby girl – but she can fend for herself now, so on with the battle!

What has always been the aim of Central Battle for each year?

The aim has always been to discover new talent within the community. I put my own personal twist on the comp in 2004 by creating an environment at the grand final that djs could really use as a networking opportunity and pushing for promoters to give entrants over the 4 weeks a go in their venue. We also helped entrants after the competition with keeping up in contact with associated venues.

What can we expect from Central Battle 2010?

Anything and everything I hope! The last battle really saw the tricks on the CDJ1000 and DJM800s come into play and I am hoping this year that some of the contestants really bring it in the way of creativity and tricks whilst maintaining the fluidity of a club style set. I want to see channel faders and CDJ platters smoulding by the end of 20 minutes followed by a big hands in the air DJ move only to discover their hands are on fire while punters on the dance floor are crumbling to their knees in tears and nightclub managers rushing to back offices to call 000.

All Bedroom DJs are welcome to send their EP through for Central Battle 2010. The first heat for Central Battle 2010 starts Thursday August 19. Don’t miss out on the ultimate decks challenge – enter now!