Slinky Interview with Dave Lea

Anyone that was at Slinky last year would undoubtedly remember Dave Lea's stand-out set. I myself arrived just as he started to play, and watched in awe as the main stage in the tennis arena went from empty to rammed with clubbers climbing over one another to get to the front in the space of a few minutes. A DJ that can transform a dance arena of that size in such a short space of time is truly gifted individual.

As a DJ, his sets are full of surprises and cross many musical boundaries, including elements of trance, techno and the harder stuff, without relying too heavily on anthems or classics.

Dave Lea is not only a legendary DJ, but is the man behind Slinky, a phenomenally successful global dance-party that originated in Bournemouth in the UK. In the time Dave Lea has been involved, Slinky has risen to become Bournemouth's biggest club and a heavyweight in the international dance scene that ranks alongside Gatecrasher and Cream.

Dave Lea is currently touring Australia with Slinky and returns to once again rock Melbourne on the 13th of June. We took the opportunity to quiz him on the upcoming Melbourne party and the global success of Slinky.

TranZfusion (TF): You have managed to achieve so much in your career thus far, but how did it all start out for you-

Dave Lea (DL): Whilst I was at University, I got into clubbing and dance music.

TF: We're recently seen the demise of several large promotions outfits. Why is it, do you think, that Slinky is still going strong whereas the others have fallen-

DL: We are totally in touch with the kids and what they want to hear, were not up our own arses and not afraid to try new things.

TF: Of the parties are sadly no longer with us, which do wish you'd have been able to play at-

DL: I've been lucky to play for Cream, Gatecrasher and Renaissance around the world. Hmmm, maybe the Hacienda would have been the one...

TF: Are there any current promotions you haven't played for yet that you'd still like to play for-

DL: Not really, I've been lucky to do most of the gigs I've wanted to.

TF: In your own words your musical style is "Anything from trance to techno, through to the harder stuff, so long as it has a good groove". What distinguishes the records that make it into your record bag from the ones that stay on the shelf-

DL: Quality production and a timeless groove, I tend to stay away from the obvious floor fillers.

TF: Do you plan your sets, or do you make it up as you go along-

DL: I know what's in my bag, that's about it.

TF: You play to a lot of international crowds in a lot of different countries. What has been the best crowd you've ever played for to date- What was it about that crowd that made it so special-

DL: I love playing in Melbourne, Two Tribes, Gatecrasher at The Docks, and Slinky at Rod Laver were all great gigs for me.

TF: What's the smallest crowd you've ever played to-

DL: 100 people - scary as hell... small gigs are the worst as you can see everyone's faces! If they don't like your music, you can really tell...

TF: What can we expect from your appearance at Slinky in Melbourne-

DL: Loads of new music, my own new productions, a great night out.

TF: 10 quick questions -

1 - What's your favourite dance tune of all time-

DL: Age Of Love

2 - Favourite producer-

DL: Tony De Vit

3 - Favourite drink-

DL: Malibu

4 - Favourite city in the world-

DL: Hmmm, Singapore

5 - Famous person you'd most like to meet-

DL: Angelina Jolie

6 - Famous person you'd most like to strangle-

DL: Victoria Beckham

7 - Famous person you'd most like to shag-

DL: Angelina Jolie!!

8 - Should marijuana be legalised-

DL: Yes

9 - Should marijuana be compulsory-

DL: No

10 - Should marijuana be sold in schools-

DL: Sh Tags

• Slinky
• Dave Lea