Ben Korbel’s been a reasonably busy chap since he left Ministry of Sound in Sydney. We catch up for a quick Q&A session before his support gig for Nick Warren this Friday.
What’s been going on for Ben since you left MOS?
I first took a week off and spent 7 days on a beach at the Central Coast with my girlfriend. Since then I’ve been working with Jono Fernandez from Melbourne / Zero Tolerance, learning the ropes in Trent (Anthony) and my new studio. Trent has been on a grapes only diet for two weeks so concentration at times has been limited! Try sitting in front of a computer for 10hrs when you are on the 40 Hour Famine. Most recently I’ve been working our Sixtyfour event at Gas, featuring Nick Warren.
Can you tell us a little bit about the promotional side of your work?
I’m one of a team of three promoters for Sounds, who promote Sounds On Sunday, Afterhours @ YU as well as events such as Sixtyfour, Oakenfold, Sasha etc.
You’ve spent a bit of time overseas over the last few years, what did you get up to?
Checking out youth culture in Europe / UK and USA (i.e. Seeing every DJ under the sun play), larging it with friends, playing a gig in Ibiza for Dave Seaman and working on my four seasons tan.
How do you feel about supporting Nick Warren, are you a fan of his work?
I am a fan of Nick’s work. As an artist, his Way Out West track “Ajare” is one of my all time favourite tunes and as a DJ, he’s rock solid and always plays to the crowd – yet isn’t predictable. At the moment he is hammering out amazing tech house and breakbeat.
Is progressive still where it’s at for you?
Not really. I still love some progressive records though find it a little uninteresting to sit through a night of the stuff. With new technology, everything from house to breaks to electro to techno is all so well produced in 2003 that you hear the grandiose “wet” elements, once trademarked by progressive, but now with more diversity, funk and flavour.
What’s in your record box in 2003 that will surprise people?
I have recently been packing We Are The World, to play at underground peace rallies at certain undisclosed clubs and parks.
Any plans to get into the studio to produce your own tunes?
Yep, I’m in the studio every week now, absorbing as much as I can, with the intent to record when the skills are up to scratch.
Who’s really doing it for you at the moment (besides your girlfriend)?
Kascade on OM Records, Alex Neri and a host of Italian house producers – eg. Presslab Recordings, anything dirty and punk-like, eg. Audio Bullies. French house – so many good independent labels doing deep, tech and housey stuff there, it’s amazing!
Complete the phrase, “Behind every good DJ there’s a….”
secret government conspiracy to breed Gremlins.
Catch Ben playing back to back supporting Nick Warren this Friday the 21st at Gas Nightclub. Check our what’s on for full details.
