Sydneysiders will know RifRaf from Deep as Fu*k, Lady Luxe and Earthdance. Melbournites will know him from Revolver, FFour and Wah Wah Lounge. RifRaf has toured with The Chemical Brothers, Loco Dice, Satoshi Tommei, Oliver Huntemann... and he's coming to Liquid for Frequency this Thursday night. He'll be bringing micro house and futuristic electronica with minimal, electrofunk, techno and bigbeat influences. If this makes no sense to you, listen to his mix. Also gracing the decks are Frequency regulars Si Clone and Skyz, so get your butt down to Liquid for some quality beats.
When he is not defending Byron Bay nightclubs from underage drinkers and trouble starters, doorman Josh Paish can be found slamming the drum kit for tech metal outfit In-Cyde. Along with fellow In-Cyde bassist Craig Irons, and ex-Cleavage guitarist Michael Curtis, Paish has developed The Bella Kiss Project.Tech metal is far from the standard Byron Bay live music diet of roots, reggae and funk. So with this in mind, BKP bring you acid-jazz-tech-rock fusion. Eh? “It sounds like Primus, slightly heavier,” explains Paish. “It’s more accessible than tech metal, but we’re not compromising ourselves as artists.” Listen to The Bella Kiss Project’s demo mp3, tentatively titled after something from the Family Guy, and you will hear what Paish means. “People would come up after a (tech metal) show and say we love the music - but can’t stand the screaming,” Paish says. “Mainstream music has pushed so much emphasis onto the lead singer that if you don’t like them, you won’t like the whole band - and there might be four or five other people there. We want to give people the opportunity to appreciate music, not just as a backing track to vocals, whether they sit back and listen or get up and dance. Our goal is to convey emotions through our music.” Plans to record an EP later this year are well under way. You’ll be able to hear a sample of it when The Bella Kiss Project competes in the Beach Hotel’s Vocal Locals competition.
Listen to Dave Basek's current favourite tunes. Hit play.
With origins that stem from classical piano and cello, Dave Basek has been a fixture on the Australian scene for well over a decade, and is one of our internationally recognised figures from within the Australian tech house scene. He co-runs Liquid, and you can catch him there when he’s not booked at festivals or clubs in other cities.
What are your 5 favourite songs right now and why? In no particular order... Ayo:: Down on my Knees – such an unassuming natural voice. Burial:: Distant Lights – Haunting and moving electronic. Fila Brazillia:: Bugs will bite – guaranteed to get my butt shaking every time. Bilal:: Fast Lane – Dre Beats that get your head nodding instantly. Ben Watt:: Guinea Pig – tech soul house at its best.
Which music genre do you prefer to play? Everything except speed metal, happy hardcore and gansta rap J
Do you make and play your own mixes? Mixes as in tracks? Yeah for sure, I have just released a new EP with Long Distance Recordings available now on vinyl and digital here. Also I run my own labels Junkbeats, East Point Sounds and Lobe Limbic Musique.
What can I expect from a Dave Basek set? When I’m DJing at Liquid I play a wide variety of deep house soulful and techy. DJing in general I play house between 110BPM through to 133BPM, I do play techier tunes when I’m on tour compared to what I play at Liquid but in general I try to start at a point and end up somewhere completely different.
What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay? Body Surfing at dawn over at dolphins beach, and in the evenings, drink Tequila!
Dave Basek has a residency at Liquid, you can see him there most Saturday nights.
Listen to Quality Control's current favourite tunes.
Cocomangas resident DJ Quality Control mixes party pleasing Pop, RnB and Electro to ensure you have a fun night out. You can catch him behind the decks for regular Cocomangas parties 'Booty Shakin Beats", "Ultra Funky Sounds" and in the main room every Saturday night.
Which 5 tunes would you say are 'so hot right now' and why? Bit of a hard one for me to answer really as a lot of the tunes I consider 'so hot right now' aren't played in my sets simply because they don't fit Byron Bay's style, and a lot of songs that really rock the crowd in my sets aren't tunes I'd consider 'so hot right now', but I'll do my best and give you a little from both sides :)
1. Guru Josh Project "Infinity 2008" [ Klaas Remix ] - Hottest dance track ATM for me, great electro feel, with a very interesting beat structure. This track is great to use as a backing to lay an upbeat RnB track over the top. 2. Pitbull "Krazy" - A lot of RnB artists are using dance style instrumentals lately and I think it’s really working, this track is no exception. It uses the "Cream" instrumental, which even by itself, is a rockin track. 3. September "Cry For You" - Easy to mix in to a lot of things, gets the crowd singin along, plus I enjoy it as well :) A winner in my book! 4. DJ Khaled "Out Here Grinding" - I love my RnB, and DJ Khaled is moving some great stuff with top artists lately. Gets me pumped anytime of the day or night. 5. Basshunter "All I Ever Wanted" - I've been feeling the high NRG lately... This track isn't as well known as Basshunter's "Now You’re Gone" but it still pumps the crowd when the tempo's right up there.
Which music genre do you prefer to play? Overall, I prefer to play current club style RnB, but as Byron is a tourism orientated town, it attracts a wide range of tastes in music, and as a result we cannot be limited to just one genre or style of music... I play a mix of top 40 RnB, commercial dance/house, top 40 pop and a selection of retro. I try to please the entire crowd as well as playing a personally satisfying set. I have a lot of respect for DJ's that can rock a crowd with a massive electro or dance set, but I think the real challenge is to be able to move between genres and keep it sounding good. There’s not a lot of club DJs out there that are prepared to mix pop with electro, but when you get it right the crowd loves it!
Do you make and play your own mixes? Yep :) I have a couple of remix tracks that I made back in the day that I use now and again in a set, but my most recent is a mixed compilation of RnB and Dance. It’s more of a demo really, but it’s been helpful in sets a few times lately. You can check it out on my Myspace page and also grab it as a free download.
What can I expect from a DJ Quality Control set? Expect to hear tunez you know and love, whether they be old or new, that cross a range of genres. I try to play for the crowd, so expect to hear something you like (hopefully haha). Expect a DJ who’s not afraid to play the most commercial music... if you digg Britney Spears chances are if you request it I'll play it :) Basically you can expect a professional set with tight mixes and blends whether I'm playing slow RnB, high NRG electro, retro or mixing even between them...
What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay? There are a lot of good times to be had in Byron, but as cheesy as it sounds, I'd have to say the most fun I have while in Byron is while I'm in the DJ booth at Coco's with a full floor on a Saturday night haha :)
Booty Shakin' Beats runs every Thursday, and Ultra Funky Sounds happens every Monday at Cocomangas. Each Saturday night has two floors of crowd pleasing tunes. For more of a bio on Quality Control (and more mixes) check his Myspace.
Listen to Vanessa's current favourite tunes while you read. Hit play.
Vanessa Baker is a solo performer who features with the Electric Eclectic, Greg Lyon’s Hip Replacement, CBD Dub Project and Liquid’s live funk / DnB party The Good Foot.
Which 5 tunes would you say are 'so hot right now' and why? I have to admit I don't at this point in time keep up with the latest releases and cool new artists, unless they come into my sphere naturally. Living in Byron does tend to be a little like existing in a beautiful bubble of paradise, so I am not in touch with certain things, like commercial radio/t.v etc.
So when I am sent new music tracks by artists people think I'll dig they may be 5 years old already, but for me it is a new and timeless discovery of musical inspiration. So, I like lotsa different music and genres of.... just has to have an element that grabs me, takes me somewhere inside or lifts me up out of my busy lil head.
1. Sex On Fire - Kings of Leon. 2. Everybody Here Wants You - Jeff Buckley 3. Anything by awesome Melbourne dub band, The Red Eyes. 4. It's Love – Jill Scott 5. Anything that a tech/house producer called 'Herbert' produces...he works with Roisin Murphy from Moloko.
Which music genre do you prefer to play? Like the colours of my wardrobe, I like a range of styles, depending on what and how I want to express myself. I love to dance, so I do love writing and singing dance music, from drum 'n' bass to deep and tech house. I love funk, new soul, and jazz also. But my soul heart stuff is expressed when I play piano and sing.
Do you make and play your own music? Yes I sure do. Have early memories sitting at a piano as a four year old, lightly caressing the keys and singing my lil hearts stories. But yes I do write and enjoy collaborating with the kindred kind when that comes about also. It's like a divine moment in time, when you meet and connect with another musically... truly. Feel pretty damn lucky to have this outlet of expression and connection to others.
What can I expect from a Vanessa Baker gig? Depending on the gig, whether it's a dance/club vibe, funky/soul gig or an intimate piano show... you can expect to be lifted, transported to another place where you forget your woes and sweat till you drop, or hopefully feel you've been shown a glimpse of emotions that you feel yourself and always an element of hope and light… I like to tap into those around me, to reflect what I feel in that moment, and to be the most truthful I can be at that time. It's not always easy, but is infinitely rewarding.
What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay? I have spent time equally in the city, outback and the divine place it is, Byron Bay... and definitely feel this is a home for me. No matter where I travel and what other sources of stimulation and inspiration I find, Byron’s beaches and exquisite night skies are where you'll find my lil gaze and time off are spent.
You can see Vanessa Baker at the Rails: January 9 (with the Electric Eclectic), Liquid: January 10, and Satori on Belongil: January 18.
Hit play to listen to Webber's current favourites.
Daniel Webber has a weekly residency at La La Land and a monthly Saturday residency at Elsewhere on the Gold Coast. He is also co-founder of 7 Whatevers productions, who organise parties at different venues around Byron, including secret outdoor gigs.
1. Which 5 tunes would you say are 'so hot right now' and why? Bag Raiders - "Turbo Love" - Spot on with the new club sound right now (personally) - this is disco heaven! ALANIS, Angel - "Cage Me In" (Sebastien Leger remix) - Sebastien is pulling out some epic tracks & remixes of late, this is a great example. Boy 8-Bit - "The Cricket Scores" - the breakdown always gets everybody movin. Digital Villains - "Jiffy Swing" (Kinky Movement) - great warm up track, so funky. Nok, DJ Fabio - "Airport" - prog/psy/house monster! Great for outdoor gigs.
2. Which music genre do you prefer to play? I couldn't pick a fave but certainly I get my goosebumps playing Funky/Disco or Prog House.
3. Do you make and play your own mixes? I'm very good at wasting time, I used to produce before I got serious DJing. At the moment everything is in the "works"
4. What can I expect from a Daniel Webber set? Fresh funky new tunes crossing many different genres, stuff that will make you want to dance. I try to keep it as interesting as possible.
5. What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay? Check the new talent.
Shelly Hughes is an established solo performer and co-frontwoman for CBD Dub Project.
1. Which 5 tunes would you say are 'so hot right now' and why? uno- 'Balance' Sara Tavares. She's a Portugese singer with a song that makes me happy every time. dos- 'Jolene' Ray laMontagne. I get the feeling he doesnt like people. he does music for himself. And he's beautiful. tres- 'Midnight Marauders' Fat Freddy's Drop. Sweet lord above I love this song. quatro- Things from the Island Vibes festival---- like Mr Laneous singing 'Searing Life' or 'Good thing mummah'.I saw him support Saritah and I couldnt understand a word he sang, but he has my heart in a jar around his neck for more time to come yet. cinco- 'Hate on Me' Jill Scott. Poets with balls.
2. Which music genre do you prefer to play? I like to sing funk music. I like gettin loud and funkin it up. But when people are really listening- I love to sit in a corner and play my guitar and sing sweet little love songs. And when other people want to join in- thats where the reggae and the dub comes out. Sweet harmonies all night long.
3. Do you write and play your own music? Yes. I teach singing at Hothouse. I head there early and sit down at the piano and let stuff fall out of me. Sometimes it's good and I cant stop singing and sometimes its just falling. But I love it. There are no rules. Then my songs translate to my guitar playing and then to band members, and evolution occurs. I hope to record some of my favourites again soon.
4. What can I expect from a CBD Dub Project gig? CBD is an organic, growing, changing landscape of musos and the songs are composed and arranged by Reuben (aka booby, Boobster, Boohooben). The band are beautiful, talented, fun lovin chicks and dudes. You can expect to see Sonia Leeson and I harmonizing and loving the joy of singing together. Expect unique, original dub. Horns, rappin, fat bass lines and things that sound like aliens have landed. You can expect to close your eyes and dance and have fun.
5. What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay? Drink coffee at the Blues Fest. Latte with chocolate on top in one hand, a ... in the other and someone like Raul Midon in front of me. That's a picture of me happy.
Shelly's album Azucar is out now. Have a listen on her Myspace.
1. Which 5 tunes would you say are 'so hot right now' and why? - Stanton Warriors “Get Wild” – anything the Stantons touch turns to gold, and this is no exception, easily one of my fave dance tracks of 08. - Skool of Thought & Ed Solo “We Play the Music” – I challenge you not to get your jiggle on to this punchy dancehall tune. - Diplo “Must Be A Devil” – a simple, funky and fun Baltimore track from one of my fave DJs. - MIA “Paperplanes” (DFA Remix) – the original was cool, DFA’s version just pushes the groove along that little bit more. - Cymande “Brothers on the Slide” – OK so I’m 30 years late on this one, nonetheless funk classics like this will always be ‘so hot right now’.
2. Which music genre do you prefer to play? Anything breakbeat; funk, big-beat, party hip-hop, breaks…
3. Do you make and play your own mixes? No, I’m musically retarded. I do make a mean pad thai though.
4. What can I expect from a DJ Ego set? Expect good tunes and good vibes. Expect to hear music you know and dig... but also some other stuff you mightn't know but are just as likely to get down to. Expect to have fun.
5. What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay? See live music – Byron Bay has got some sweet-as venues dishing up some killer line-ups, from the world class talent stopping through the Northern to the awesome homegrown acts jumping up at the Beachie and the Rails, Byron's live music scene is massive!
You’ve probably dropped a casual 'all good bro' or 'see ya brother' in conversation with mates, but what do you say to your brother? Do you call your brother bro? The Gold Coast’s Stafford Brothers started playing music together when they were kids. They ranked second in the latest Sonyinthemix50 (Australia’s best DJ listing), and their Ministry of Sound album, Electro House Sessions, went gold. The Stafford Brothers have graced festival stages and DJ booths from the Gold Coast to Dubai, La La Land in Byron Bay is pleased to have them back for a couple of sets this November and December. Stella Pretty caught up with Matt and Chris to see what happens when brothers get together to work and play.
How did each of you first start out? We always played instruments and got into dance music from going to big raves. What was the main reason to get together and DJ? Fun! How did your sound change or evolve from when you got together? Did you always have the same tastes? We have very similar tastes in music, so we generally like the same sounds, but we obviously have personal preferences and likes. We have always been very close, our whole family is. What was the key ingredient in the MoS Electro House Sessions? Good party rocking house music. What did you do to celebrate when Electro House Sessions went gold? A few high fives I guess. We should have done more, but every week is a party so there are plenty of good times. We didn't really think about it we just wanted it to do well. Did you ever think you would do well internationally? No, and we still want to take it further. Have you had one gig that stands out as the best gig ever? We get asked this a lot and I honestly can't say. Sometimes it’s hard even to pick a favorite gig of the week. We just love playing and as long as there is a crowd we are always having fun. If you were to write a recipe for your sound, what would the key ingredients be? Vodka, Red Bull, a bit of Jagermeister and sweat! Does the audience affect your night? The audience definitely does, but as long as there is a crowd in front of us its a good time. What is the crowd like in Byron? La La Land is cool and intimate. I love Byron, it's definitely magical and it has an up for it party crowd in the winter and the summer. I look forward to playing there all the time, and also going for a wave at Wategos! Do you prefer playing large festivals or more intimate settings? Both, they're both great fun and each has its pros and cons. Three emotions you experience while paying to a massive crowd? Well it is an amazing high, I definitely get tingles all over. Love, happiness and tingles Have you any sibling rivalry? No, we are just good mates. Nicknames for each other? Captain Disgusto and Yuck Yuck, don’t ask! Describe a usual night in Byron. Arrive in time to get into the surf, O’Sushi for a snack, Beach Hotel for beers, La La Land until they kick us off and everyone out! Describe a usual next day in Byron. Back in the water to clear out the head, and just enjoy the vibe. You have a clothing label '5:am'...What do you think of the fashion in the Bay? Have you noticed any particular style? We used to sell it at Byron Style actually. Yes there is a style in Byron, there is obviously a hippie influence, but there are also some cool boutiques popping. Should nightclubs have a dress code? Yes, you need to create an atmosphere and an environment. Biggest thing coming up for you next....? Our next single “Wherever” Stafford Brothers vs Hoxton Whores coming out mid November on Ministry of Sound, it has our cousin (Frank Stafford) singing lead vocals, and goes off!
Stafford Brothers play La La Land November 27, December 4, 23 & 30.
Byron Bay Entertainers
Information on Byron Bay DJ's, bands, artists and other entertainers.
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