Lemon & Lime prides itself on doing things a little differently. The grassroots Brisbane party bucks the dominant musical trends around town, choosing instead to focus on progressive and trance, with guests like Dash Berlin, Martin Roth and Richard Durand. It’s also not bound to the confines of a club, with gatherings in the Botanic Gardens, on rooftops and anywhere else that suits the mood. We spoke to Lemon & Lime’s main man Dan Burke for this edition of Looking Local.

What was it that inspired you to start Lemon & Lime two years ago?
The main thing that inspired me to start Lemon & Lime was the decline of ‘proper’ trance being played in Brisbane. Hardstyle and hard trance really took over, and we really started to miss out. I saw so many amazing acts touring Australia and never doing Brisbane shows, not to mention the amazing talent that existed in Brisbane.

Is there a strong following for smaller-scale trance events in Brisbane, or did it take a while to build up that loyalty?
At the beginning, things were going really well numbers-wise as I was just doing local nights. But no one really knew what Lemon & Lime was and it did take time to build up the reputation of the club night. The biggest challenge I faced was consistency. Making sure I was constant in the music and acts I was booking, so the brand of ‘Lemon & Lime’ would become known as the trance and progressive night of Brisbane.

I’ve seen so many club nights fail because they don’t stick their guns. Things don’t just happen overnight, you need to give something different to the people, make them feel like it’s a totally different night out. 2010 was a real struggle for the brand, as it was most of the clubbing world in general. I’m hoping that 2011 is the year for trance and progressive.

Lemon & Lime has never stayed settled in one spot for too long. Is one of the missions of the party to always seek out new locations?
I try to do something different each event, whether that’s extra lighting or lasers in the club, or doing it in a random location. Not all dance music needs to be in the confines of a dark nightclub. Trance music is so amazing it can be played anywhere, and people who love their music can appreciate it anywhere. I want people to have a good time and present an experience that people walk away from and talk about for ages.

Of all the guests you’ve hosted – international or otherwise – who has gone down best with the Lemon & Lime crowd?
That’s a bit of a two part answer. I would have to say Dash Berlin and Emma Hewitt for the club show, and Richard Durand for the rooftop party. When Dash Berlin played I’ve never seen a packed club on a Tuesday night and everyone singing every single word to all his songs. Even the owner of the club was blown away and he didn’t even know who Dash Berlin was.

The rooftop party with Richard Durand was one of those ‘once in a life, had to be there’ moments. It was 2 January 2010 on the rooftop of an apartment building in the Valley. Was about 100 or so people, they bought eskies, blankets, someone even bought a couch! And Richard just played this amazing set. At first he had no idea what was going on, but by the end he’d taken off his shoes and was jumping into the crowd.

A two-part question to finish: what do you think is the strongest thing about the Brisbane club scene, and what would you like to see get better?
I think loyalty is one of the biggest advantages of the Brisbane club scene, I would say I know 90-percent of people who attend Lemon & Lime events, and every time I meet someone new it’s because one of the regulars had introduced them or brought them along to the club night. Many usual clubbers come and go throughout the night; however I see many of the Lemon & Lime patrons come and the beginning of the night and only leave once the house lights have been turned on.

In terms of things getting better, I would like to see clubs more willing to take on nights like Lemon & Lime and not just conform to the usual commercial bullshit. The numbers are there, however many of the clubs are not game enough to be different. In the end it all comes down to music knowledge and education. How can any club do anything different unless they begin to create an interest in something that is different?

DJ PROFILE – TRANCEDUCER

While Brisbane native Tranceducer has been DJing since the ‘90s, it looks like 2010 might’ve been his watershed year. Rocketing to #26 in the national inthemix50 list, the high ranking proved he’s struck a chord with a wide spectrum of Queensland clubbers. 2010 was also the year Tranceducer turned his attention to the studio, so the next 12 months should see him capitalising on the momentum. He’s also a long-time ally of Lemon & Lime, so we bailed him up for a quick chat.

You’ve been with Lemon & Lime right from the start. What do you think the party brings to the Brisbane scene?
Lemon & Lime has become a staple in Queensland’s trance and progressive scene. All Lemon & Lime events cater for like minded people who prefer this harder edged sound. It’s definitely filled a much-needed void in the Queensland dance industry and I feel so lucky to be a part of it!

You moved up an incredible 63 spots in the inthemix50 2010. Why do you think voters really rallied behind you this time?
Moving into the ITM50 in 2010 was a nice surprise indeed. I think the reason behind this is possibly because I’ve had the opportunity to play at such a diversity of events and to really varied audiences over the last 10 years. I’m lucky that I often get to play different club nights, outdoor festivals as well as a lot of forest parties across a range of genres.

Hopefully people can really see and hear my passion for dance music and DJing in every set I play and they appreciate that. Again, I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received from friends, family and fans and I hope you guys stick with me for greater success in 2011.

2010 was certainly full of activity for you. What’s in the pipeline for 2011?
2010 was a really great year for me in my pursuits as a DJ. I have a lot of drive and enthusiasm for sharing good dance music with people and I hope that in 2011 I get the opportunity to spread my wings a little further and play more gigs, more festivals and interstate while continuing to pump out monthly mixes for my ‘Public Tranceport Podcast’.

How do you feel Australian producers are faring at the moment in trance? Are we in an inspiring period?
We’re definitely in an inspiring period for trance and progressive producers. I’m hearing of new up-and-coming artists being signed to different labels every week as well as solid Australian artists topping charts, breaking records and making just damn good music! It’s exciting.

What do you think is the strongest thing about the Brisbane club scene, and what would you like to see get better?
The strongest thing for me is the music and the way listening and dancing together connects us all – the sense of unity it brings. If I had to pinpoint something to strengthen the club scene my personal opinion is that clubs should consider relaxing their dress codes a little and be less discriminating. Really to just remember what the word ‘hospitality’ means. Everyone just wants to have a good time, right?