Interview: Kid's Table
DJ Name: Malakai
Label: Bossman Records
Residencies: Mobius, Hobart
Years in the industry: 7
Soundcloud: [click here]
KT: For everyone out there looking to get into deejayin'; how did you first start and what was your 'big break'?
Malakai: I started out with some mates using household cd player that we borrowed from our parents hi fi systems and an old Gemini mixer. We couldn't beat match but getting the hang of eq'ing and fist pumps was pretty sick. Eventually we hired turntables from music workshop in Geelong. Every weekend we would be up all night in the loft practicing with the vinyl we bought that day from Hardware Records in Prahran.
Still waiting on my big break!! Haha. I had some good exposure when we started holding our own parties at the wool exchange in Geelong called Kaos as well as Sins On Sunday (KT: yewww!). We booked a few big name DJ/Producers from Melbourne so they returned the favour and I was playing raves like Welcome 2003 at Rod Laver and Every Picture Tells A Story at West Gate All Sports center. I've come to the conclusion there are too many DJ's out there so I wanna better my studio skills and creativity in production.
KT: What advice can you give to aspiring deejays out there that want to make their hobby into a career?
Malakai: Practice!! Using turntables is a great way to become a good DJ. Try not to use beat counters and train your ears to do the guess work. Equipment these days are starting to do all the work. Locking tracks on beat for you, that's not dj'ing. That's playing video games! Hard work and don't loose sight. I'm still a fair way from achieving my goals but if you stick to what you love and believe in it'll pay off in the end. Just have fun!!
KT: What had been your favourite gig/venue to play at and why?
Malakai: The Nash and Eurotrash have been huge favourites but Mobius in Hobart is my favourite. Really wicked sound! The owner Ben, is very particular about his sound system.
KT: Who has been the biggest influence in your career so far?
Malakai: Definitely couldn't break it down to one person. My friends Mat Cant and 1 Fish, Two Fish that I DJ with regularly, have been my main influence and support over the years. All time favourite DJ is Mr Oizo, just all time rad dude. He always puts together a solid show every time! Loves necking a bottle of Champagne too!
Favourite Producer at the moment would be Dark Sky. Totally amazing production!
KT: What projects are you working on at the moment?
Malakai: I'm working on my debut EP release. I have all the final remixes in and I'm now waiting on some label deals to come into play. It will be released in September on Bossman Records out of Melbourne. I have a bunch of originals I intend to give out on my soundcloud over the coming weeks too.
KT: What's the first song that pops into your head when you think 'Getting Tropical' and why?
Malakai: Batida - Alegria // First heard it in The Count and Sindens essential mix a while back and was at the time playing a lot of tropical, Cumbia sounds. Solid tune for early morning good feeling vibz!
Gig Dates:
Weekly - Mobius - Hobart, Tasmania
13.08.11 - Ivory Lounge Bar w/ 1 Fish, Two Fish - Hobart, Tasmania
19.08.11 - Ivory Lounge Bar - Hobart, Tasmania
19.10.11 - Sinden @ PlanB - Hobart, Tasmania
05.11.11 - Evil Nine @PlanB - Hobart, Tasmania
19.10.11 - Sinden @ PlanB - Hobart, Tasmania
05.11.11 - Evil Nine @PlanB - Hobart, Tasmania
Track List
1. Alegri (Orignal Mix) - Batida
2. Paris Tropical (Pharoah Zap Edit) - Warako Musica
3. Kid Conga feat. MC Miltinho (Dubbel Dutch Remix) - Daniel Haaksman
4. Ganja (Orignal Mix) - DVA
5. Nobody Canna Cross It (Sabbo Beat-Up) - DJ Powa
6. If You Buck (Orignal Mix) - Kingdom
7. Neon (Orignal Mix) - Dark Sky
8. Hands Up (Swick & Tranter Dub Remix) - 1928
9. Wut (Claude Vonstroke Remix) [Undressed Mix] - Girl Unit
10. The Way You Move (Orignal Mix) - Outkast
11. Me Gusta (Orignal Mix) - Louie Kaboom
12. The Man With The Red Face (Orignal Mix) - Laurent Garnier
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