This DJ veteran can’t wait to play at two of his favourite events: Sleaze Ball and Earthdance, writes Garrett Bithell.

Mark Murphy, a Sydney-based electro/tech DJ who has been working the decks around the world since 1996, is primed to play at two big events in the coming weeks – Earthdance and Sleaze.

“I have been playing at Earthdance for the past few years,” he tells SX. “I played at the first and second ones at Sydney Park, and they are still two of my favourite gigs. The crowd was amazing, and I remember at the second one I played just as the sun was going down in front of thousands of people, which was quite special.

“It’s such a good gig and a worthwhile party. There aren’t many free festivals in town and it highlights a good cause. There’s going to be a hell of a lot of people down there – I think there was around 30,000 at the last one. I’m playing at the Disco Bounce Castle this year – we’ve got a bouncing castle and there’s a sway of talented DJs playing all day from 9am.”

Murphy, who is also one of the driving forces behind Spank Records, will also play a set at this year’s Sleaze Ball. “I haven’t played Sleaze since 2000,” he says.

“It’s really good that they have diversified this year, putting on people like Deepchild. It’s great for the gay community to be given the opportunity to hear some different styles of music that they’re not accustomed to. I’ll be playing some nu disco with a touch of electro – I hope people will enjoy it.

“I am contemplating wearing something devilish, but my normal attire scares people so I think that will be sufficient. I have very special memories of the Hordern Pavilion – it was like my second home in the late ’80s and early ’90s.”

Murphy’s sound has changed a lot in the past few years, something he relishes. “I love the fact that dance music changes, which makes it constantly fresh and exciting – and I love the fact that my tastes change as well,” he muses.

“I used to play techno very fast, and to see what I play now is quite funny. I’ve slowed down at least 10 beats per minute, and have embraced the new disco stuff that is coming out of Europe and the US, which is a far cry from what I played 10 years ago. The sounds of the 70s are making a big comeback – electro has been around for 10 years and I think people are waiting for the next big thing.”

Earthdance 2008 is on Saturday, September 13, 9am-6pm at Prince Alfred Park, Surry Hills. Entry is free (with gold coin donation). For more info, go to earthdance.org.au

Sleaze Ball 2008: The Villains’ Lair is on Saturday, October 4, 9pm-8am, Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park. Tickets $99 NMG members/$119 non-members from Evolution Shop. CLICK HERE

Photograph for SX by Myles Formby

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Title
Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Email
Website
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.
	Add Comment