Meet the DJ: Kam Shafaati
Image: Kam Shafaati from Melbourne is one of Australia's well-known gay DJs. (Supplied photo)
Q: When did you start DJing and what or who were your early passions and influences?
A: I started DJing six years ago, but I’ve been passionate about music and clubbing culture for over a decade. One day I just decided to buy DJing equipment and started practicing at home. Within 12 months I was getting gigs at bars and clubs around Melbourne and Sydney.
[showads ad=MREC]Q: Aside from the club music you play, what would be your favourite music genre?
A: I have a broad taste in music, including lots of stuff I don’t play in clubs: RnB, jazz, chillout, and symphony. They still influence me and are incorporated in my club music.
Q: Looking over the past few decades, in your mind what was the best era for music?
A: 90s RnB, house in the early 2000s, deep house and techno in the 2010s.
Q: What makes a good song?
A: Depends on the person and the environment. Personally, I look for intricacy in production and a balance between catchy and unpredictable melodies, vocals, and baselines.
Q: With your work, you are well-travelled. In your opinion, which state in Australia has the best party crowds?
A: Melbourne, of course.
Q: What was it like to DJ in New York City for BRÜT?
A: Amazing! Performing in front 1000 people in New York City was mind blowing.
Q: How are the American crowds different to Australia?
A: Not a big difference overall but electronic dance music is a fairly new sound for the older generations in the US — so playing dance music with rock or pop influences helps win them over, usually.
Q: With marriage equality on the horizon, do you see yourself being asked or would you consider DJing at gay weddings?
A: Maybe not the wedding, but definitely the bachelor party [laughs].
Q: What’s your go-to song to fill the dance floor?
A: Cirez D vs Sneaky Sound System — Pictures On Off (Bootleg)
Q: Has there been a stand out moment in your career?
A: DJing in the Hordern Pavilion and the parade at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Also, DJing in Black Rock Desert at Burning Man in the US.
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**This article was first published in the November edition of the Star Observer, which is available to read in digital flip-book format. To obtain a physical copy, click here to find out where you can grab one in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and select regional/coastal areas.
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