Robbie, a huge first time welcome to DMCWORLD. You’re on tour at the moment right? Where on planet earth are you today?
Thank you! I sure am. Right now I’m at the airport in New York, about to fly to Quebec City to play a college party there. Living the dream if you will…
The best bit of new music you have heard since crawling out of bed?
Oh man! I just listened to Cee Lo Green’s latest album on the flight to New York. “Smells Like Fire” is epic.
Well young man, what a couple of years you are having – let’s kick off with the new smash ‘Money Maker’. Loads of disco, piano and big room influences – please talk us through the sound and history of the track…
Thank you! I actually started the track about a year ago. All I had was this groovy piano loop, and then I was having a James Brown session – as you do – and came across the “Shake Your Money Maker” sample. I wanted to make something that could be played anywhere from, say, an Ibiza pool party to a festival mainstage. It’s been supported by a huge variety of guys so far: From the tropical kings like Felix Jaen/Lost Frequencies to mainstage guys like Garrix/Heldens/Hardwell/Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. Big vibes!
Must have been great to play this out for the first time, where did you roadcheck it?
I actually tested it for the first time at a local club in Melbourne. Hardly anything ever gets a reaction there unless it is super pop orientated and it went down a treat so I knew I was on to something special!
The best and worst thing about living in Melbourne?
The breakfast is the best in the world, hands down! The only frustrating thing about living in Melbourne is the time zone issue. By the time I wake up, it’s already nearing the end of the day in LA – and everyone’s already left work in NYC. When I’m over in Murica things usually get done in a few hours but in Aus it’s a much different story unfortunately.
‘Money Maker’ – what were some of the ways you raised some extra pocket money as a kid?
Everyone in my family hated going through the process of listing stuff on e-Bay, so being Mr Technology I used to be the e-Bay guy, and I got commission on everything that was sold. Tough life!
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your life and how did you overcome it?
Giving up guitar for a while when I was younger. I lost interest when I started to get into DJing/production which was a huge mistake. Since I’ve gotten back into it, my production and workflow have improved out of m sight.
Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film?
Jim Carrey
Okay let’s rewind for a moment. How old where you when dance music first appeared n your radar?
11 or 12, It was towards the end of primary school. I first got into hard style tunes like Basshunter – ‘Now You’re Gone’ but then I discovered the Ministey of Sound/One Love compilations which were an absolute game changer. I would just sit in my room for hours listening to those CDs on repeat. Even back then I remember being amazed that the music never stopped and would seamlessly mix into the next song.
How many musical instruments can you play?
Just the guitar. And the triangle, so that’s 2.
When did you first consider a career in music, what did your family think?
That’s tough, I never really woke up and thought “I want to do music as my career”, it just happened gradually over time. When I was 13 I got interested in DJing and wanted to by my first midi controller. Naturally, my parents were hesitant because I had a bad habit of begging for things and then losing interest 6 months later. A new bike was one of those things! Anyway, dad and I put it down to a table tennis match, and if I won I was allowed to buy my first midi controller. I showed him how it’s done, bought the midi controller and here we are! But it took at least 18 months before I realised music was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Production has an insanely steep learning curve so it took several failed attempts before I realised what I was actually capable of.
Your first real music industry ‘break’?
Remixing Avicii’s ‘You Make Me’ and then supporting him on a few of his Australian shows.
Early influences?
Justin Timberlake is the man. He’s the first artist I ever saw live back in 2007 on his future sex love sounds tour. He had the full shebang; singing, dancing and an incredible full live band. He’s essentially the reason I got into music, and seeing that show is the reason I’m so keen to incorporate live elements in my music moving forward.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Choosing not to go to university. It’s also the best decision I’ve ever made.
The best DJ gig of your life so far…
The best so far has probably been Oliver Heldens day party in Miami. It was in this big open air courtyard and was literally an endless supply of vibes.
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Throttle.
Where are some of the big DJ dates in your diary you are looking forward to later this year?
EDC NY is a dream come true for me.
3 Disco records you adore…
Earth Wind and Fire – Song a Song
George duke – Reach Out
Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out
You set the world alight with your Oliver Heldens collab. Dead or alive, another dream studio collab?
JT.
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
A lot! The vocal version and music video for money maker come out early next month. I’m so fucking excited for that. Another solo track is nearly ready to go and I’m also currently finishing up a Collab with Niko The Kid.
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