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Searching for the perfect wave with Martin McHale

Reported by kafalicious / Submitted 28-04-03 19:33

If you went to SOUTH on the weekend you would have witnessed one of South Africa's greatest contributors to the dance music scene DJ Martin McHale in action! A love for all music (bar country!) has taken him on an odyssey: from time at Capital Radio, starting up and running 3-30 to DJing around the globe alongside some of the biggest names...

And all this from a man who was only 3 when he started?!



kaf: You are well established in the South African dance music industry with contributions ranging from radio presenting to promoting and djing. Care to give us a bit of a history?

Martin McHale: My first residency was in 1983…(shit that’s 20 years ago – Is it alright if I make something up? Like, I was 3 at the time). Anyway, it was great fun then, and it’s been a real journey. With SA being a relatively small but vibrant scene, there were probably more opportunities for someone like me. I worked for Capital Radio for 5 years in the early nineties, hosted some of the world’s top performers (From Matt Bianco to Carl Cox), DJ’ed around the globe, and opened 3-30, which is still kicking ass.

kaf: You are co-founder and resident dj of the well-established Durban club 3-30. What lead to you starting it up? What styles of music are played there?

MM: I’m very proud of our home in the small town of Durban. After 15 years it’s still doing the business. In a recent readers poll 3-30 was voted the top club in SA (again). We started it out of desperation; there was just nowhere playing decent tunes. (In retrospect, in 1988 nobody could have been playing good tunes, ‘cos the stuff out then was pretty shyte to begin with). Today we play a variety of styles throughout the night, starting with a tech house set from Warren Rhodes (Red Ant Records), and then I play, followed by Sam Boylan who bangs it out. A musical journey progressing through the night. We have a second dance floor that plays funky house, Allistair Lundall and Roddy Rogan are the residents there.

kaf: You are no stranger to playing amongst a big-name lineup with appearances alongside greats such as Tony de Vit, Andy Farley, Phil Reynolds, Paul Oakenfold, Carl Cox, Tiesto, Sasha and Digweed. Any gigs stand out?

MM:I think it was David Bowie who said “ I don’t remember 1971” He was referring to the wicked time he had had. I have had a remarkable decade, and although some evening are a bit fuzzy, and I’m pretty sure I had a great time, there are some events that really stand out – Frantic at Camden Palace (Sept 2000) will always be special, and the opening of 3-30 London (June 2001) makes me look back with a huge smile. In spite of all of this, I still feel like the best is yet to come, like a surfer in search of the perfect wave, and I’m motivated by the promise “tonight is the night!”.

kaf: You’ve been described as unleashing a mix of eclectic and uplifting tracks to take the party people to the next level. One reviewer said “McHale was able to whip a crowd into a frenzy that nearly ignited more than just a sizeable bonfire or a gigantic cartoon lighter”!!

How do you describe your style?

MM: Yep, I’ve had to whip the crowd a few times…but I’m not wearing leathers again. I think that my style is that I have no boundaries. I’m not bound by any genre of music. I do love music, all kinds…. Welllll maybe all kinds - except country.

kaf: Production-wise I see that you’ve released a few compilation CD’s. Have you produced any of your own tunes?

MM: Oh yes…this is the new frontier for me. I’m fortunate enough to have around me some very talented people, who know their way around a studio. They are showing me the ropes. I’m not a great student, but I’m learning. I think being able to engineer, produce and write your own material, is an exciting challenge. I’ve have released a few tracks in SA, including some remix work of local artists Busi Mhlongo and Dave Burch.

kaf: You’re set to play in London again, this time for Frantic’s SOUTH. ‘Going to South will be like having a little bit of home right here in London Town as the most enthusiastic Aussie, Kiwi and Saffa clubbers converge on The Empire for some fierce Tri-Nations rivalry!’

Sounds fun! What have you got in store for us?!

MM: Steve, Tara and I get on really well. I reckon we’ll be ganging up on Lisa. After all it’s a South party, and we southerners stick together.

kaf: I see you performed at Awesome Africa alongside percussionist Mabi Thobejane and the Bushmen of the Kalahari. What was that experience like? Do you often perform in such collaborations?

MM: Mabi is just awesome; I’ve had the pleasure of performing on three occasions with him. He is probably best known for his work on Junior Reactor. And sharing the stage with him is an experience. He dresses like a Zulu Warrior and has such energy. I have collaborated with other musicians, but Mabi and I found a connection. In his words “the drums and the music must talk to each other.” They did more than talk…they screamed.

kaf: Career highlights?

MM: Everyday

kaf: Any lows?

MM: Naw! – No worries mate

kaf: How do the South African and London rave / club scenes compare?

MM: The London scene is more specialized. The bigger market allows promoters and DJ’s to concentrate on one aspect of the scene, whether it is Soul or Hard Trance it’s full on. And that takes the scene to the edge. Although in saying that, I think SA clubs fair quiet well.

kaf: Current residences? Where can people catch you play?

MM: 3-30 Durban – Every Saturday, although I’m traveling a bit at the moment. First week June in Australia and New Zealand, and first week July in Japan. And tonight The Empire in Shepard’s Bush for SOUTH…see ya there

kaf: What top 5 tunes are you spinning at the mo’?

MM: DMF – Palpitation (Recharge Promo)
Barry Diston – Spacequake (Fridget)
Frantic Residents EP2 – James Lawson (Nukleuz)
Ilogik & Paul Janes – Focus your eyes (Elasticman)
Steve Hill – My Lovin’ 2003 (Y2K promo)

kaf: What do you feel makes a dj ‘great’?

MM: I have no idea…but when I find out I’ll let you know.

kaf: To MC or not MC, what’s your stance?! How prevalent are MC’s in SA?

MM: Nope, don’t get many MC’s in our neck of the woods. And my feeling towards MC’s, is the same when it comes to musicians collaborating. (or DJ’s for that matter). If the contribution adds to the party, I’m all for it. And generally the same rule applies; If the MC / DJ / Muso is good enough, they will add to the evening. If it’s good quality, we can all appreciate that…..

kaf: Final words for the HarderFaster readers?!

MM: Yes, I’d like to wish everyone Peace…. except on Saturdaze, ‘cos that’s when we make a noise. Harder – Faster – Frantic……C.ya on the floor

Thanks for your time Martin, loved your responses! Blush


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Other Features By kafalicious:
Interview with Ingo
Lab4: always keeping it real
Hardhouse Anthems 4 Launch - Interview with Rob Tissera
Interview with Danny Gilligan
Logic: Second Contact - Review
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
Comments:

From: Stevi D on 30th Apr 2003 16:41.56
Go Marty, big it up for the S.A boyz in London

From: Richard Launch on 30th Apr 2003 17:28.11
He just loves his bootlegs doesn't he....???? Thumbs up

From: BassDreamer on 16th May 2003 13:39.58
330 Point Blank Clubbing !!! SA Rocks !

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