Talking Musik With Simon Digby
Author: Paddles McGerk
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
After countless offers WetMusik Live returns for the first time in over 12 months! Spawning many a copycat outfit the dynamic partnership of Will e tell, Simon Digby, BK and Rhythm Boy over 4 decks, 2 mixers, effex and live percussion delivers a party atmosphere second to none!
WetMusik, the face of Australian techno, is back after a six-month hiatus with the second instalment of their All Stars label party. Tranzfusion caught up with an elder statesman of the scene, Simon Digby, to talk techno.
It's been a while since the last WetMusik parties and releases. What have you been up to during WetMusik's hibernation-
We have been quite busy actually. We have been really focusing on touring artists and the label in last 6-12 months. Artists such as Dave Clarke, Aril Brika, The Advent, Luke Soloman, Ladida, Kevin Saunderson… the list goes on and yes that is techno and house artists. We have also been working on the label, many long sessions in the studio working on new material as well as A&R for Wetmusik. The last 6 months l have released a track on Prime Evil, as well as some stuff with local producer linas on Bush, Advanced, Pornographic.
What prompted the move towards members only WetMusik nights-
Based on the original clubs such as Paradise Garage and the Loft in NYC, where they where only word of mouth and you had to know someone to get in. This were where DJ's like Frankie Knuckles, David Morales etc… used to go as young kids to hear DJ David Mancuso play underground music, that you didn't hear on radio.. The venue information was released on the day, and it took phone calls to spread the word. Even the early rave scene in Melbourne like Global Village events etc… had this mystique about them, more recently its become just a marketing tool, which has sometimes increased numbers but not necessarily the vibe. l think Melbourne events especially techno, have lost the vibe. They have been mass marketing way too much, hence attracting people that are not really into good techno. More of an undeniable crowd, and you can tell this when you play! The Wetmusik member's nights are aimed to re-capture the true vibe of a techno party, where it's not about the big production or 1000's of people, it's more about quality not quantity. By only promoting word of mouth, we aim to get the right people taking about it and let the word spread by word of mouth… So it ends up being like a family of like-minded people. So when you come to a wetmusik party its like going to a house party (as in lounge room - not music policy) where you know everyone, and you can catch up and here quality music.
Having been absent from the last couple of label parties, what motivated you and partner Will e Tell to bring back the WetMusik live show-
Just to have some fun!! When l play with Willie, its all about having fun. Also the demand to get back the Drummers Rhythm Boy and BK has been huge, so we thought lets do it - why not!! I have been really apposed lately to playing with other dj's… no disrespect to them, but l don't have the option to do what l want for that set. Your really limited and have to work with another DJ, l am enjoying mixing my styles a bit more these days, mixing house / techno etc… its all about changing the mood a bit but keep the groove… l don't want to play just techno anymore in a set, my aim is to play for longer and play a variety of good music, not just loops.
What can punters expect from the upcoming party-
They can expect the vibe of every Wetmusik party to date… Electric is the vibe we try and create. Every gig we have done, to Storey Hall, to empty car parks we try and get that real party vibe. Production will be of normal Wetmusik standard including visuals. With the second room, we have got some DJ's you wouldn't normally expect to see at a techno party. Once again we try and think outside the square. These DJ's have been hand picked as we feel they can e Tags