Having visited Australia on a regular basis as both a DJ and as a part of his long-running UNKLE outfit, James Lavelle has developed a rather strong connection to the Australian scene and its mass of enthusiastic fans. Indeed, Lavelle believes there’s something special about UNKLE’s Australian fanbase, explaining to inthemix that we’re one of the stand-out regions to really ‘get’ UNKLE.

“Australia seems to really understand and appreciate alternative electronic music, and that’s great for our output because there’s just more and more people into it and more and more people getting it,” Lavelle said emphatically of UNKLE’s continued pull in Australia.

“I first came over there about 14 years ago to DJ in clubs and that was what you would do. There wasn’t really that big of a scene, it seemed. Now it’s a whole different ball game. In the last 10 years I think there are a few places that have really come alive for music around the world and I think Australia is one of them,” he explained.

“I think it’s changing in a really positive way. It seems as though there are some really interesting things going on and there’s more and more things happening with young people; you know, there’s more boutique labels, more music, there’s always something happening in cities and clubs and festivals, so I think it’s just really exciting.”

Returning to Australia for an April/May tour of the country that coincides with the Groovin’ The Moo festival trek, Lavelle was particularly excited about UNKLE’s sideshow at the Sydney Opera House where the group will perform ‘with strings’.

“We’re really psyched about doing that,” Lavelle began. “That’s the type of show that no matter how many things you’ve done before or how many places you’ve been you can’t imagine it ever happening to you. It’s really amazing and it takes you back to why you’re doing this in the first place.”

UNKLE 2011 sideshow dates:

29th April – Billboard, Melbourne
3rd May – Hi-Fi, Brisbane
9th May – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
11th May – The Bakery, Perth