Chicane’s onshore for Mardi Gras

Electronic-dance enthusiasts rejoice, this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras Party will feature the seaside Ibiza-inspired techno beats of Chicane.

While the British act — headed by composer, producer, songwriter and musician Nicholas Bracegirdle — is best known for its techno anthems, this Mardi Gras Chicane will have a few surprises in store for fans.

“I am always trying out something new, or a tweak of one of the classics,” Bracegirdle said. “The live shows are constantly evolving. There is a very good chance I will be trying out something never heard before.”

Known by many as the Godfather of Trance, in the past year Chicane has released a new album, Thousand Mile Stare, and toured Ibiza, Manila, Croatia and Sri Lanka.
Bracegirdle says he really enjoys coming Down Under.

“I always love coming to Oz. [I] have always had a great reaction to every show,” he told the Star Observer.

“The last time I was in Australia was 2009 for the Stereosonic festivals. We had a great time.”

Fans can expect a serving of their favourite Chicane singles booming out of the Hordern Pavilion including Offshore, Saltwater and the UK dance chart’s number one hit, Don’t Give Up.

“They are the backbone of who we are and very important. That’s not to say they will be in their normal guise,” Bracegirdle said.

“Plus, I might well have a new version of Don’t Give Up to play too. But that’s a secret … oops.”

Followers and critics alike will recognise the heavy Ibiza influence in Chicane’s euphoric techno sound. And while he spent childhood holidays at the European music mecca, Bracegirdle said his influences are more diverse than that.

“Ibiza was an inspiration and a springboard for a lot of people,” he said. “Inspiration, however, can come from anything really, not just exceptional events or experiences. There’s no predicting when an idea will pop into your head.”

Flying down to perform at one of the world’s largest LGBTI festivals, Bracegirdle is also a supporter in the fight for equal rights.

“When you look at what is going on in the world, just supporting is a big thing, especially in some countries right now,” he said. “There are so many courageous people, it’s humbling.”

INFO: Thousand Mile Stare is available from www.chicanemusic.com For more on Mardi Gras, visit www.mardigras.org.au