Interview with DJ Equinox by buph.Upper Echelon or more recently known as Equinox has been collecting vinyl for over 7 years but has only recently started playing at the clubs we know and love in Adelaide. I managed to catch up with him after his set at Kryptonite for a quick chat.
So you have been collecting vinyl for over seven years but have only recently started playing when and where did it all start for you?
I started mixing about 2 years ago at house recoveries of friends, the usual places. The first club set I did was at Black cat night club in a vs. set back in December last year. Since then I have managed to play at some of the bigger hardcore nights, such as DJ Paul, Rob Gee and most recently Kryptonite.
Do you have a residency in Adelaide at the moment?
I used to play at Black Cat night club on hardcore nights, but unfortunately due to the hardcore movement being in a bit of a lull at the moment I have not yet got anything permanent.
There are so many different styles of music out there what style do you prefer playing, is their something else that you would like to try?
Obviously hardcore would be my style of choice, but I do enjoy delving deep into the depths of its many styles (faster and darker, bouncy energy style). At the moment I am mostly playing a lot of hard industrial Techno, from the likes of Radium, Lenny Dee and well there are so many to choose from. I particularly enjoy playing the style of music produced by labels such as Mokum records, and Pyycik Genocide by artists like Chosen Few, and Speed Freak. My heart would have to lie with the more traditional style of hardcore that was produced in the early to late nineties due to its raw edge. As far as different styles go I enjoy playing darkcore as it creates a more atmospheric and darker soundscape, even though it is slower. I think that covers them all (laughs as he catches his breathe).
We know that your first club set was at Black cat in a vs. set, how did that go?
Yeah it was in December last year when I played and I was up against a more established DJ, as for my personal opinion I think I demolished my opposition (laughs out loud). Nah, just kidding it was a great set that I thoroughly enjoyed I got great feedback from it from a lot of people who had been in the scene for a while now. Which I thought was very rewarding.
Where you nervous?
I was really nervous leading into it but once I stepped up on the decks the nerves just seemed to disappear, hmmmm come to think of it the drinking could have helped (laughs). That is not to say that I do not get nervous before any show, I think it is natural and creates adrenalin.
How did the crowd react?
The venue was pretty busy and there were more people than I expected on the floor, and I was a bit skeptical on the style that we were playing. Due to the fact that it was a bit faster than the previous sets, but we still managed to pack the dance floor. I was surprised after the set as I was approached by a number of different people who had watched the set and gave me praise on what a great set I played.
What style did you play?
I played a mixture of various speeds of hardcore starting somewhere around the 190bpm mark and progressively got harder and faster and ended up somewhere around the 230bpm mark. To my surprise we still had people dancing even at those speeds, I think it was purely for the fact that it was something different... style wise anyway.
What are the highlights in your career so far?
(Thinks for a second) Being one of the supports for the DJ Paul show and Rob Gee’s show would have to be it, as they are such pioneers in the hardcore scene and they have been so influential to me for quite some years. Most recently though I would have to say playing at Kryptonite is a highlight as I got to play with the likes of Evil Activities, Endymion, and one of my personal heroes Da Predator. I think just being able to play with one of my heroes is a highlight in my life, let alone my career.
Do you have a favorite venue that you played in?
I have not had the chance to play in many venues as of yet, but Black Cat nightclub would have to have a soft spot with me. Only due to the atmosphere that it brings with it and the overall general set up.
Other than DJing, what do you do in your spare time?
Apart from working a 9 to 5 job, I dabble from time to time in the producing side of things on my home PC. I also play a role in the organization and promotion of events.
Is their a particular DJ that inspired you to start mixing or was it something else?
Definitely a DJ I would have to say that I have two major influences on an international level, they would have to be ‘3 Steps Ahead’ and ‘Chosen Few’. Due to the fact that their producing style is amazing, and in my opinion they have ‘the Midas touch’ (laughs). There sets are also so versatile, unique but always at the forefront of what they do (R.I.P. Peter Paul Pigmans – 3 Steps Ahead).
If you had to choose a favourite track what would it be and why?
(Scratches his head) Ummmm... Hands down it would have to be ‘Paranoid Beauty’ by ‘Future Viper’ on ‘Rabbit City Records’. It would be very closely followed by ‘Name of the DJ’,‘Kold Dayz’ by ‘Chosen Few’ and ‘Drop IT’ by ‘3 Steps Ahead’.
Do you see yourself DJing in 5 years?
Definitely, I have loved hardcore for a good 13 years now, and I do not want to see it die anytime soon. So I will do what ever I can to help support the people who have the same passion for hardcore as I do.
You mentioned producing earlier, will you pursue that more?
I would like to see myself producing tracks of my own with in the next few years, but first I have to find the time to do that.
What would have to be the most embarrassing moment in your career so far?
(Laughs) I was at a recovery having a mix, and I was enjoying the vibe of the recovery and got a little too captivated by the music and started beat matching to an exhaust fan... it was the track I swear...(Laughs)
What do you think of the dance scene in Adelaide at the moment?
As far as parties go, there always seems to be good turnouts, and the crowds are always up for it. Although I do believe the weekly scene has lost its edge a little, it would be good to see it pick up again.
Overall how many records do you think you own?
At the moment I have been collecting vinyl for some years now, and I would have to say that my collection would be up around the 200 mark. It is mainly due to collecting the pivotal tracks that influenced me at the time before I started mixing, but I have been buying more consistently over the last year or two.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
In the future we can expect to see... basically I like to have the sounds that I play being unique and fresh but also distinctive at the same time, so that people will know that they will get a unique experience when they watch my sets. I suppose, introducing them to the different styles that hardcore has to offer but not necessarily your generic style that seems to be the trend (but at the same time I am not knocking that style). I personally would like people to experience the versatility of hardcore music, as there are so many different styles it has to offer.