In the countdown to Creamfields on the Gold Coast, we had a quick catch-up with Dragan — aka Dirty South.
Are you excited to be gearing up to finish off the season at Creamfields on the Gold Coast?
Yes of course! Gold Coast is always fun — you guys know how to have an extra good time up there.
What can crowds expect from your set this year?
Lots of new music coming from my label Phazing — some of my own stuff, and some new tracks I’ve signed from new and exciting artists. I also have a bunch of edits, mashups and bootlegs of my older stuff that people still love to hear.
We know you’ve been busy this summer — what has been your highlight so far?
Every show I do seems to be very exciting for me, but if I had to pick something recent, that would be playing at the Playboy Mansion a few weeks back. That’s another world over there!
A cliché question — what are your essential must-have items at a set, and on the road?
My messenger bag that has my laptop, music and passports. I need it all the time — and that’s basically all I ever need if I had to minimise to bare essentials.
Back in September 2011 you told Inthemix you were in the middle of building a studio in Melbourne — is it finished now? Have you had a chance to use it?
Yes, the studio is completed now and it’s the most amazing place for me right now. I’ve been in there for two to three weeks already and I seem to spend most of my time in there. It’s such an amazing and inspiring place.
The music industry here in Australia is fast changing — what do you think of the direction it’s heading in?
I think music in Australia and everywhere else equally is getting more energetic. Kids want more and more energy in music, I think — especially in electronic music. As far as other types of music go, it’s great to see Adele, Bon Iver and similar artists break through with some amazing music in the mainstream. I think there is room for great music out there.
What do you think is the next step needed to take Australian music to the next level?
Australian music is doing well already, so it’s just a matter of keeping up the quality.
With all this touring, you must have a favourite venue to play?
It’s impossible to pick a favourite — there are too many!
And your favourite city?
To visit, I’m loving New York City and LA right now. Melbourne is still my main home and will always be my favourite city.
