Two times WAMI award winning Dan the Man started his DJ career in 1991, playing records in a number of clubs around Perth. He now owns his own record label, manages productions at RTRfm and hosts the Full Frequency radio program.  How could we resist and opportunity to interview an amazing DJ, producer and veteran to the Perth scene? Here’s what he had to say to Liz Sheehan…

Chocolate or Vanilla?
I like both, preferably together in one cup. How beautiful.

You've been in the Perth dance music scene since 1991 - how has it changed from then until now?
Accessing and learning about music is so much easier, it used to be an absolute shit fight at the record stores when the imports arrived. We all know what the effect the internet has had on all areas of culture and the music industry, it's been massive in regards to change especially in a isolated city like ours.

In the early nineties the scene was much more locally focused, If you look back at a lot of the big rave billings it was all local names. The good parties were mainly illegal and in general a pretty bloody good vibe as well, not like the rubbish commercial ass festivals you get now with shirtless wankers everywhere loving themselves sick. There are still some smaller crews pushing great cutting edge music and props to 'em!

Do you think the young people coming into the dance music scene now are more influenced by commercial dance music than they would have been 10 years ago?
It really depends on the person, It's getting harder to escape commercialism but it's a fucking good idea if you can. I think in general there is less resistance to commercialism now than before it's such a part of life it just depends if you choose to consume it or not.

Your focus seems to be mainly hip hop, is this what you first started mixing?
I first started DJing in my bedroom with one junk turny and a tape player. It was Hip Hop. I grew up in the graffiti scene in the eighties and I was commissioned to paint the walls of a mad club, the home of Acid house called Limbos. I started working there and my mates showed me how to mix with the in house wax collection. I didn't really start calling myself a DJ for a couple years later when I got residency at a club called the Firm. There I played from about 10 to 6 am every night, everything from early Jungle to Techno and indi stuff like the Mondays, Stone Roses Etc but at home it was Hip Hop.

How's things going with your Cardboard City Record label?
Great I have always wanted to contribute to the scene buy putting out records and now it's happening. All the people on the label are firstly my close friends and also bloody musical geniuses, i'm really proud of it.

Have you got any new releases coming out?
Our latest release is from local lads Assembly Line it's a four track E.P on wax, it's out in Aus and about to be released internationally. Next up I'm scheduled to do a 12" under Dan Dare, it's some pretty spacey low slung action. Then it's Squid Ink a new project made up of one of the pioneers of the Perth indi dance scene- Jack Lucas of Yummy Fur and Ku Ling brothers fame, Steve the drummer from the Bloods and me.

You've been doing the Full Frequency show on RTRfm for a while now - what do you enjoy about it?
I love trying to deliver something different each week, blending musical styles and trying to put them all in context. It's great fun hanging out and bantering with Rok Riley and having interaction with listeners. I have also been really honoured to interview some of my all time musical heroes. It's a fantastic experience and a true honor. I love it.

Have you got any words of wisdom for bedroom DJ's that want to move up to playing out?
Put on your own nights anywhere that will have you. Promote the fuck out of it with posters all over the city. If you can get some heads to your show you're home free.

Full Frequency gigs are so much fun, it's like a license to throw down. Me and Rok Riley will be in party mode. Everything from old-school hip hop to next level dubstep or deep disco to 90's jungle. look out man!

Finish this sentence -  Fluro is ....
Mad trippy.

Catch Dan The Man as well as other RTRfm Full Frequency DJ’s plus special guests at Shape, Friday March 20th.