Q&A: The Bloody Beetroots

You've done Big Day Out in the past; is there anything about this tour that you particularly enjoy?

"I am very excited, everything is new: the logo, the mask has new technology, stage design, music, sound pressure, musicians on rotation....lots of new changes and just for Australia!"

Is there anything else about Australia that you're looking forward to on this visit?

"I am very intrigued to see the Killers show at Big Day Out."

Last time you had some surprises for us – including an appearance by Denis Lyxzén – is there anything specifically you're working on for these shows that will top the last visit?

"Well there is going to be at least 5 songs from the new album and my first performance as a singer...it's going to be fun."

Your sets this time around are going to be late at night as you close the Boiler Room; how do you tailor your show for the kind of environment you'll perform in?

"This year the lights will be an incredible part of the show, we've added so many new elements that will change the environment. This time the show will feel much more organic and a lot more fun."

Australian crowds always go nuts at your shows; are there any audiences around the world that your music has really connected with that has surprised you?

"Korea has surprised me a lot, they really connect with the music."

You gave us a couple of singles this year; is there any plan for a new album soon?

"Yes, the new album will be released, fingers crossed, in April 2013. There are so many unexpected collaborations on it, even for me. I feel very lucky to have worked with some of these artists."

Do you feel there is still value in making albums in dance music these days?

"I think that the artist's task is to create work which has value. I use dance music as a bridge between the past and the future of contemporary music so younger audiences can understand more about other genres as well as dance. I think releasing an album is essential for this as it allows me to open a very wide palette of musical colours and influences and present them in a body of work."

I know you travel a lot, but is the Italian club scene still strong? Anyone we should be looking out for?

"Unfortunately, the Italian system is heavily compromised and the result is a massive drought in culture. The Italian people have fought hard to preserve their history but the electronic scene has been used for the sole purpose of making money at the expense of fans and artists. The result is a lot of artists are avoiding the scene, it feels like we're up against a brick wall locally and it's a shame because there is a huge fan base in Italy for electronic music."

The past couple of years seem to have seen you remix other artists a little less; do you grow tired of remixing or just preferring to be more selective?

"I'm more interested in focusing on working on my own music. Before I started the new album project I decided to take a few steps back from production and look at studying music. I wanted to create a new musical conscience for the album which was full of substance so that everyone could listen to it and understand my evolution which meant not focusing or remixing other artists and just focusing on my own music."

Where do you see The Bloody Beetroots in the future; do you want it to continue to evolve, as it has over the past several years?

"As long as I live there will always be an evolution to the Bloody Beetroots, it is part of who I am. To settle down and live on royalties' isn't in my blood, I want to fight to continue to create something contemporary."

What else have you got planned for 2013 besides the Australian shows?

"After Australia I am coming back to Europe to present to them the new chapter of the Bloody Beetroots. I also feel the need to release this new album and to be able to really start talking about it. I am also interested in creating a film, but that's further down the line."

Anything else you'd like to mention?

"Keep calm, but be ready for some major changes."

The Bloody Beetroots will be playing the following dates:

Friday 18 January - Big Day Out, Sydney NSW
Sunday 20 January - Big Day Out, Gold Coast QLD
Friday 25 January - Big Day Out, Adelaide SA
Saturday 26 January - Big Day Out, Melbourne VIC
Monday 28 January - Big Day Out, Claremont WA