Q 45: Mix And Match.

Q45 plays Fresh and Funky at the Moonbar, Empire Hotel this Saturday Night.

Sydney based DJ Q45 has finally made is way to Brisbane, playing the Moonbar this Saturday night. Tom (as his Mum calls him) has been a solid fixture of the Sydney breaks and D&B scene he supported DJ Rap back In 1995, holding residencies at Home and Fuzzy Breaks, and supporting acts such as Plump DJs, Stanton Warriors and Krafty Kuts in that time.

How long have you been playing now?

“About 10 years, the first decks I ever bought didn't even have pitch control. I didn’t realize how important it was. In fact, if I am really showing off (or incredibly drunk) and I need that little extra speed out of the record, I'll push it along whilst I'm mixing. However it’s much easier to use the pitch control when you can.”

What is your sound?

“I'm labelled ‘breaks’, but since the first gig I ever did 'til today I'll play anything that I would dance too.”

Who inspired you to become a DJ?

“Most of the late 80's hip hop really got me into beats, and DJing just followed on that, in the same way that my production has followed on from my DJing. Going to a lot of Sydney raves in the early nineties also had a huge influence, especially Happy Valley 2. I also had a lot of encouragement from seminal Sydney DJ Biz E In the early days, who was one of the very few industry people who showed me any respect when I was trying to buy decent records whilst being 15 years old.”

Top three tracks rocking those dancefloors?

“Weekends - BEP (Q45's weekend rush bootleg), Soundbwoy – Aquasky, Bozak – Trialblazers”

Are breaks dying? The Plump DJ's have been ripped off by pretty much everyone now, do you think there is anywhere new left to take the style?

“I don't think anyone is slightly close to the Plumps' yet. However breaks has been around in one form or another for over 40 years now (think funk, hip hop, British hardcore, drum & bass, now breaks & 2 step). The tempo may change but the spirit doesn't. I think the reason breaks is popular in Australia now is due to the dominance of house over the last 10 years, It is something fresh. As far as the future goes, there is a lot of good (and new) sounding styles being created every day from the merging of 2 step and breaks. There're still a lot of breaks to be heard in the clubs yet.”

Why don't people dance to electro?

“They do when I play it, it’s about placement really.”

What do you think of the Aussie electronic scene? Who's the big names for you?

“EK from Melbourne is producing some great shit. So is Bassclef in Sydney. I've being saying all year that by mid-2003, you will see a lot of Aussie breaks doing the business In the UK. On the whole it's very healthy with a lot of talented producers and DJs. As soon as we have loads of local product, it will really kick off overseas.”

Are you working on production?

“Yes I have a 12" coming out late this year through Floating Point Records and I'll be playing some of my stuff In Brisbane.”

What can the Brisbane crowds expect this weekend?

“A few surprises on the bootleg tip as I have a running competition with Kid Kenobi on producing new bootlegs. Some new, some old and somethings you won't expect.”

What's the dumbest thing a punter has said to you at a gig?

“’Got anything by the Plump DJ's?’, whilst I was playing Scram by the Plump DJ's at the time. Nick Toth however has the best one, ‘Have you got anything funky?’ whilst he was playing a James Brown record! My personal favourite is ‘Have you got anything good?’ From which I always reply, ‘No sorry mate, I only play shit records’.”