| How did you start DJing? When did
you start? |
I first started collecting records
and deejaying many years ago. I found the whole concept of
deejaying fascinating, I couldn't just watch other people do it.
I had to get involved. It was always something I was content to
keep just a hobby until more recently. |
| How did you get your first gig and
where was it? |
My first real gig was in about 98
at a party held at the Rhino bar (now The World) along side old
time Sydney legends Dave Kirkpatrick & Malcom Russel. A friend
of a friend booked me because he heard me play at a private
party previously & I guess he liked my stuff. I did more gigs
here & there but it wasn't until I was offered a weekly spot at
the Burdekin in 2003 I decided to really pursue things for real. |
| What makes a good DJ? |
Deejays that have technical
ability along with the ability to read the crowd and connect
with them. I think you need all of these elements together with
a great track selection to be on a winner. |
| What makes you a good DJ? |
I like to think I play the right
tracks at the right time and keep a constant groove in motion.
Some people may say otherwise though, ha ha! |
| Who inspires you in the local
industry and why? |
This is a hard one because I can
be inspired different aspects from so many people I meet in the
Industry in Sydney, but as for inspiring... Jackster's quick
rise to success in Sydney is very inspiring along with Kid
Kenobi cracking the international market. I think Illya has to
get a mention here too for outstanding mixing ability, he's like
a machine.
On a promoting aspect Scott
Robertson takes the cake for wha he has done since being in
Sydney. Any promoter that yells out for 10 more tunes at his own
night at 7am gets my vote! lol |
| Who is the best DJ/artist in the
world and why? |
I don't have a
favourite DJ or artist, there are so many people doing brilliant
things. Jaques Lu Cont has probably been one of the more
interesting artists over the last few years though. Rodger
Sanchez is super creative on the CDJ's too. |
| What makes you different from other
DJs? |
I don't seem to be able to drink
as much as most of the deejays I have worked with over the
years, I'm working on it though! ha ha. |
| Why do you DJ? |
I'm so passionate about music. I
can't just sit back and watch it go on around me, I have to be
involved in one way or another. I never get bored of deejaying
because I find that I'm constantly learning new things &
challenging myself. |
| What is your DJing goal? |
To keep it real & not lose sight
of why we all do it. At the moment I'm having more fun than
ever. |
| What are your regular gigs at the
moment? |
Currently I hold a residency at
Sumo Sonic & on rotation at The World on Wednesdays. I can be
heard here and there at monthly club nights around Sydney & more
regularly at Peppermint Lounge, Cruise Bar, Kikkon & I have a
couple of new regular spots being confirmed this month. |
| Do you have an Internet site /
Homepage? |
No but I can be contacted at
djbenkelly@hotmail.com |
| What is the best venue that you've
played at and what made it a good venue? |
I really enjoy playing at Candy's
Apartment, I love having the dancefloor right in your face and
the punters that go there really know how to party! The booth at
The World is great fun to work in, it's like a party in there
every week and the sound is fantastic!!! |
| What is the worst DJing moment that
you've had? |
one time I played a set on Bondi
FM and mid show somehow I got my headphone cable tangled and it
ripped the jack out of the mixer leaving half the jack snapped
off inside. I managed to get it fixed eventually but the show
went on. I thought it was going to be a talkback show for a few
minutes there.. |
| What is best venue you've been to
as a patron and what made it great? |
Fabric in London blew me away but
back in Sydney, Home Nightclub wins hands down. I'm off to Ibiza
this season so Hopefully this will change. |
| How do you find new music? |
A mixture of online & retail
stores. I'll listen to everything I can every week. I'm always
looking for new music, I think it's become a problem. I like the
occasional rummage through second hand record stores to find a
classic record nobody wants any more. |
| What are your fave tracks at the
moment? (top 5) |
I can't answer
this because I'll have a new top 5 tomorrow. |
| What do you do when you're not
Djing? |
I love to cook. I find it's a
great creative outlet. I also riding my motorcycle to the beach
& still enjoy going to a club for a boogie from time to time. I
love spending time with my girl & friends. |
| What is the most important thing
that you've ever done? |
Travelled. It made me the person I
am today & made me respect what I have & where I have come from. |
| What does 'funky' mean to you? |
It means a lot to my music. |
