Spinning around

Sydney Star Observer Where did the Vinyl Pusher record label originate?

Darren Glen It runs in conjunction with a record shop in Melbourne – it’s dirty house music.

Andy J Our relationship started with our song Sex Shooter and has continued with the new album Pure.

SSO Why should people buy Pure?

DG The songs are fantastic because of their uniqueness.

AJ Because the key is, if you’re doing a cover you have to pick a song people remember but don’t know the artist. We’ve done it on this album.

SSO Is the beat important?

DG It’s the most important thing and many DJs miss this. We spend lots of time getting the beat nailed.

AJ If the kick isn’t there, no-one’s going to play it.

SSO Why the DJ job?

DG I’ve been a DJ for 12 years and producing for just as long. I’ve always been determined to do production.

AJ I started when I was 15, doing dodgy clubs and 21st birthday parties. Mother cracked the shits when I bought two $3,000 turntables. It wasn’t a cheap thing.

SSO Is there a secret?

DG Anyone can be a DJ – my dogs can DJ. If you go and get a piece of paper which says you’re a DJ – it’s useless. It’s all about profile.

AJ A passion for music. You have to take it to the next level.

SSO What’s it like playing for thousands of people?

DG A bit stressful. You have 10 people yelling in your ear at once. You get bad foldback, records skipping, and it’s boiling hot. Sometimes you’re doing the lighting as well. It’s a concentrated effort.

AJ It’s pretty euphoric. Especially if you can play your own stuff and get a good reaction.

SSO Is it annoying when pretty people talk to you?

DG When a girl does, it’s not such a problem.

AJ I used to take it personally. Sometimes people’s enthusiasm gets the better of them. I try not to be rude.

SSO What’s the baddest thing you’ve done in a DJ booth?

DG We are both clean-living guys from a drug perspective. There has been more than one person in a DJ booth at a time – let’s leave it at that.

AJ Most of them aren’t fit to print. Occupational health and safety always comes up and you get advances from girls too – just a part of the trade.

SSO Any inside information?

DG You hear stories on the internet of all sorts of things in band back rooms. It’s the old rock’n’roll cliché.

AJ I have heard stories of certain activities taking place under the DJ console [laughing]. DJs are the new rock star, so for that reason we need a bit more attention from the opposite sex, or same sex – whatever you’re into.

SSO What’s your favourite club in Sydney?

DG Home nightclub

AJ Chinese Laundry.

SSO Have you performed at any gay clubs?

DG I played at one on Oxford Street recently.

AJ I have but can’t remember any names. It’s a lot more open and carefree. I would love to play at Mardi Gras.

The new Vinyl Pusher album Pure is released now through Shock Records.