Sharm
How would you describe the dance scene in Sydney?
Rebellious. The powers that be have tried to stifle it, but it’s just resulted in a growth in the underground scene. There’s still a bunch of clubs going and new club nights cropping up. But it really does feel like a nanny state now. I went to Curveball the other week and there were so many security guards it was just so over the top. It felt like I was at a protest with police everywhere around! There were sniffer dogs too, which is pretty ridiculous in my opinion. Like being at the airport! And I got locked out the other week for arriving 15mins after lock out. I was pretty annoyed.
What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a DJ? As an attendee?
As an attendee… Printworks in London. I went right after I’d started learning how to DJ and suddenly for the first time I would stand still and analyze what the DJ was doing instead of dancing! It’s an amazing venue and the vibe was huge. Didn’t really notice security guards around either - haha!
What is your advice to emerging talent and how they can set aside any fears and pursue their dreams with courage?
Emerging talent - go for it. If you love something and are willing to work hard and learn the ropes, you can do anything. I think the best way to gain courage is to listen to the stories of artists who went before you, who overcame their own doubts and struggles. Hearing that getting to where you want can take time and that it’s not always a straight path to get there is really encouraging. We usually only see people’s success and their ‘end product’ rather than their journey, but there are plenty of podcasts and interviews available that tell of a bigger story. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to never compare your beginning with someone else’s middle. You’re not where they are, yet, and that’s fine. If someone else can get to where they want to be, why not you?
Name one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
If you could get eternally stuck in one year's music scene, which year would that be?
Woah, I think I’d like to go and live in 1989 in the era of acid house in Manchester. That must have been such a time!
Any parting thoughts for emerging artists?
If you work hard anything is possible.
__________________________________
www.soundcloud.com/karmeljager
80
www.AudationMagazine.com