introduction q and a

[mcbrowntrout]

Greetings from the S-bend.

So how did it all begin? My mate's basement, black lights, strobe lights, underground mixed-tapes (yes... cassettes!!!), oh yeah... and LSD. Loads of it.

Where did the name come from? What name?

What gave you that initial push? Illegal warehouse raves - fell in love with the music and the free, friendly atmosphere.

Which came first: DJ'ing, Production or Promoting? Actually, dancing first, then DJ'ing

Who's throwing the best parties at the moment? Me.... in my head.

Which other countries have you played/put parties on? Oz, Scotland, Canada

What was the first event you ever played at/put on? Probably the basement of Ego, Edinburgh

What’s the best event you've played at/put on?The last night at the International Palace of Pleasure, Morningside, Edinburgh. Absolutely massive - the culmination of 2+ years of hard work and partying and went off like nobody's business. The night of nights for all involved.

What was your first record you bought? Michael Jackson - Thriller

What was the first CD you bought? Can't recall

Out of all the tunes you have, which one 'never fails'? Dunno really, there are so many

What's your favourite tune of all time? I'm partial to Revolt's "Moonlit Room" because it reminds me of a defining time in my life in general

When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out? Head to the pub for pints and breaky / lunch / dinner (depending on when the party ended)

So how is the Australian scene in your eyes at the moment? As an immigrant - pretty "electro" sounding and commercialised. I'm optimistic that there is good stuff going on, but haven't seen it yet.

How old are you? I feel 86

Where do you live? El Capital

What can you remember of playing/being at your first live set? Playing alongside my mate Gaz as we went back-to-back. First time we were able to vent our bedroom skills at a real live venue, and it worked out well!

How big is your vinyl collection? Limited to 3 milk crates at the moment - but I left two six-foot stacks with my mates back in Scotland.

What do you think of CDJ's? Like 'em. Own 'em.

or

How big is your CD collection? Far too big. Needs organising badly!

What do you think of Turntables? They will always have my love and respect as will the people who play on them. They're where it all began for me, but alas cd's are my medium now.

Funniest thing that ever happened at an event? Me passing out at the decks - face down onto the mixer knobs. Yep. Real cool, McBrowntrout..... real cool.

Other DJ's you rate? Gary Barnes, U.K.

What are your feelings on the MC's? Not a fan at all. F*cking hate it.

What do you do outside of the music scene? work / sit on my arse in front of the cricket / drink

What advice would you give to up and coming DJ's/Promoters? Don't worry about what medium or gear you use. Digital, vinyl, Ableton... whatever. Use whatever you like to use and f*ck whoever tells you you're wrong. We do this because we love it - no other reason. And it's what comes out of the speakers that's important, not how it goes in.

When you play is it mostly pre-planned or on the fly? Bit of both. Usually have the start planned, but go on-the-fly when things hot up.

If you could put yourself as the res DJ in any scene, where would you choose? Edinburgh, Scotland. No question. The punters there are a very educated and discerning lot (they know what they like), so if you get it right they go mental.

Mind you, I was at a good ol' country ho-down in Yass the other weekend that went off like a rocket ship. So maybe......