Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Green Velvet, Adam Beyer, Sven Vath, CJ Bolland, Joel Mull...  some of the biggest names in Techno in the world right? Well what two lads from Perth, between them, have supported them all? None other than... Puff and JDubs!

What memories does the name “Puff” conjure?  Nights at the Infirmary? “Monday Madness” parties? Delirium? There is no doubt that Puff is a pioneer in the Perth scene. He has been mixing techno for the last 15 years in this town!

Puff debuted at the Infirmary and it was soon obvious that he was going to be a force to be reckoned with as he quickly established himself as a main player. He was always on the Delirium bill and played at the “Monday Madness” parties, which without fail, drew massive crowds.. YES.. on a Monday night! “Trancemit” was a Puff and MRW venture, which ran on a Wednesday night and yet again Puff proved he could draw a crowd with lines often forming, even on cold winter nights. He was not without recognition for his DJ’ing talent, winning Perth’s Best Techno and Tech-House DJ in 2000 at the Perth Dance Music Awards. It was almost bitter sweet that he took the title from his good friend and partner in crime, MRW.

JDubs grew up listening to hip hop but in 1990 found his calling with electronic music. Going to underage raves when he was 15 drew him to a sound that he has shown he is truly a master of.

He started buying records in 2000 and was lucky enough to be taught the art of mixing by his good friend Lee Wilson. Watching internationals such as Derrick Carter and Ben Sims gave JDubs further inspiration in the genres of house and techno, which is proven by his impressive record collection that spans the range.

Geisha Nightclub in the year 2000 was when JDubs made his Perth debut and he hasn’t looked back since. Along with Lee Wilson and James A, they held an awesome monthly party at Luxe called “Bumpin Underground”. Following that, “Digital Circus” was another pumping monthly party at Geisha that JDubs was involved in.

Both Puff and JDubs mention local DJ’s as their early influences, which gives an indication of what the scene was like when people embraced techno in Perth. Puff talks of names such as Ben Stinger, Rhys Evans, Mr Whippy, Dan The Man and Mario Tavelli and JDubs adds to that list with Dave Jackson, James A and Greg Packer. With almost a sense of the master and his apprentice, he also lists Puff as one of his early influences.

Puff is certainly going to be giving the punters a treat at Retek this month, as he plans on playing a collection of some of his favourite tech from over the years, from funky tech-house to more percussive driving techno. JDubs will be pushing the boundaries even further by pushing the wax on three decks! He’ll be playing a mix of older harder tribal beats, Chicago booty as well as some of the newer, tougher minimal techno sounds. 

It’s been a while since the unforgettable duo have graced the tech decks of Perth... however this month sees an end to this drought, with the boys headlining at  – Retek, the night of all things techno.

There’s no doubt that Puff and JDubs will show us all why techno will always be king.

Catch Puff and JDubs at Retek - Bar Open (downstairs), Friday 15th May. Supported by Dev!ance, Paul Devins and Lee.

Written by Liz Sheehan