Well how you all got to meet I will never know. Angus (Black Angus) growing up in Brisbane, Daimon (MC Double D) born in South Africa, Connie born in New Zealand, drummer Shaun living in Perth – wow. How the hell did this amazing ensemble all come together?
“Dan, you’ve done your research haven’t you? We’ve all been living in Sydney for at least 15 years each, so it is Sydney that brought us all together. These days it’s Connie and I that tour together but we also work a lot with Donnie Sloan.”
Why did Daimon decide to leave Sneaky Sound System this month?
“That was a bit of a surprise. Apparently he was over the constant travel and wanted to stand still for a while. He’s a painter and wants to focus more on that. We’re still best mates and we wish him well.”
Who from the band, is the most sneakiest – who for instance, steals the drinks from the mini bar and doesn’t tell hotel reception when checking out?
“You can’t get anything past a hotel anymore, we gave up years ago pretending we could.”
Well, your album ‘2’ has gone through the roof in Australia – following up the massive success of your debut album which has now gone triple-Platinum charting four hit singles including ‘I Love It’ which is the longest running chart run in Australian history – 73 weeks. For people who haven’t heard the album, talk us through it, what are the tunes that stand out for you…?
Well the album that’s out in the UK is a combination of both those records . I guess it’s one part pop and two parts dance. It’s largely a party record with a few moments of melancholy. My favourite tunes of the moment are ‘Don’t Get You’ and ‘I Just Don’t Wanna Be Loved’. Although ‘I Love It’ will always have a special place in my heart.”
You have played at some cool venues recently including Scala and Proud Gallery in London, how were they – how did London party with you?
“We’ve had a great run here in London. All the shows have sold out and the energy has been amazing, so I guess you could say London partied with us – big time.”
What musical influences as a collective do you all think helped you get where you are today – what artists were you all rocking around to your bedroom to growing up?
“Both Connie and I have a long lasting love affair with English bands from the 80s – The Cure, New Order, Depeche Mode, Kate Bush, Simple Minds, Duran Duran. That stuff runs through our veins and will be with us forever.”
What are the big tunes on the tour bus this Summer (well, European Summer!) 2009?
Cirez D – ‘On Off’
Bag Raiders – ‘Shooting Stars’ (Siriusmo Remix)
Lullabies in the Dark – ‘Iridium’
Talking Heads – ‘Girlfriend is Better’
Beni – ‘Maximus’
In 2004 Angus and Daimon kick started your own record label – Whack Recordings based on Bondi Beach. Is this the most overrated beach in the entire world?
“When you live across the road it’s not too bad, trust me. It’s not exactly secluded, but I’m a fan.”
Australia is renowned for it’s dance music festivals – what has been your best Aussie festivals you have played at?
“Splendour In The Grass in Byron Bay is a dope festival – Bloc Party blew my mind there. We’ve played Good Vibrations four times and that has always been rocking – Snoop Dog was on fire, very cool.
Sneaky was obviously born out of your club night ‘Sneaky Sundays’ – some amazing guests you have had on, who have been your best guests you have had on?
“Ooh…there are lots to choose from. In no particular order James Murphy, DJ AM (RIP), Pilooski, Breakbot, Aeroplane and Riton.”
Who do you think are the best DJs in the world at the moment?
“I like Ricardo Villalobos, Sven Vath, Erol Alkon, 2ManyDJs, Beni and the whole Sneaky Sundays gang.”
What is the best story that came about from Connie working with Snoop Dogg and Kanye West?
“That Connie didn’t have a clue who either of them were – she is not a hip hop girl – of course, she knows who they are now. Can you believe it?”
So you have to pick a worldwide artist to work with that you haven’t so far in the studio – who?
“Connie would choose Phil Collins and I’d go with Dr. Dre – we should be able to come up with something between us.”
What is the best – and worst thing about living in Australia?
“The best: Family, Friends, Summer. The worst: having to leave.”
You have been bombing out Pacha in Ibiza this Summer, what have been the highlights?
“The closing party was crazy, the whole place was heaving. That place is off the scale – I don’t know how they get away with it and I can’t wait to go back next year.”
Danni or Kylie?
“Kylie”
You are headlining the second ‘Tabloid’ party on October 17th, your final gig of 2009 with Connie singing all the massive hits – looking forward to it?
“Of course we are. Its gonna be a big one and we plan to go out in style.”
Best country you have ever played in – who really gets your music?
“Australia and the UK.”
Next studio wise from the Sneaky Sound System?
“We’re writing tonnes of new stuff at the moment and re-working our back catalogue – giving it a little more grunt. We’re also in collaboration mode so we’ll see what that brings…”
‘Tabloid’, October 17th @ Fire, South Lambert Road, SW8 – 11pm-8am. Sneaky Sound System, Jon Byrne, The Sharp Boys, Nick Tcherniak and Hi Fi Sean.
