DJ can’t get enough down under

Popular queer DJ Tim McLoone can’t get enough of Australia.

Having first visited last Mardi Gras to DJ at Bear Essentials, the British DJ escaped the northern winter for the Aussie summer again in November, decamping to Sydney for an extended working holiday.

“Everything slows down in the UK in winter, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to investigate the Sydney scene,” the amiable Brit told the Star Observer.

McLoone arrived at his successful DJing career having dabbled in various other genres. As a child, he was a gifted piano player and had classical training in various instruments. His teen years saw him delve into the worlds of indie and heavy metal, moshing to Muse and Queens of the Stone Age.

But it was a move from country England to London in 2004 that saw him fall in love with clubbing, dance music, and the idea of being a DJ.

“Growing up with music as a kid gives you a good understanding of how music works and music theory,” he said.

“House music has a very basic pattern to it, and once you’ve figured it out, you feel like you can do anything. It’s really helped me to progress in my career.”

And progress he has — McLoone’s played in UK clubs including Crash, MegaWoof and Fire, and further afield in the USA and Denmark.

He’s delving into production and remix work now. Some of his new tracks might get an airing at one of his upcoming Australian DJ gigs, alongside his must-play song of the moment, Michael Woods’ Last Day on Earth.

While McLoone’s sets can change, depending on the venue and crowd, “in my heart the music I love has tribal beats. It’s vocal and uplifting, but progressive and driving”.

It’s also clear, looking at the litany of gigs he has coming up — Furry Fridays, Underbear and Bear New Zealand parties among them — that McLoone’s heart lies with the gay community’s furriest subsection.

“I’ve been involved in the Bear scene ever since I arrived in London at 18, so it seemed natural to play Bear events as a DJ,” he acknowledged.

“I love the scene — it’s very different from the ‘regular’ gay scene. Bears like their music underground, dirty and tough, and that’s where my heart is.”

INFO: McLoone’s upcoming gigs include Furry Fridays on February 17, Underbear at OAF on February 29 and Mega Furry Friday on March 2. www.djtimmcloone.com