Australia has emerged as one of the biggest markets for dance music in recent years, with artists like Knife Party, Flume, Tommy Trash, NERVO and many others hailing from the Down Under. As the dance music scene in Australia continues to grow, more and more producers continue making their name across the world, and Dave Winnel is certainly one of them. Hailing from Sydney, Winnel is making quite the name for himself, with two releases on SIZE Records last year, as well as remixes for Armin van Buuren, Axwell /\ Ingrosso, Hardwell and many more. We caught up with the DJ and producer to chat about his inspirations, his beginnings as an artist and much more.
Read on.
TBB: You’ve had 2 releases on SIZE Records in 2015, as well as a number of fantastic remixes. How would you describe your journey in 2015?
Dave: One of my goals for 2014 was to release on SIZE. I didn’t quite make it for 2014 but I definitely made up for it in 2015 with the 2 releases! Last year went way too fast. I’m still pinching myself over the amount of quality remixes that came in. I’m not sure how I’m meant to top it this year.
TBB: How did your journey in the music industry start? Did you always know you wanted to be a musician or were there other plans as well?
Dave: My whole family grew up playing musical instruments (trumpet, piano, clarinet, etc). I was the only one that didn’t play anything. When I was 13-ish, my friend and I found an old record player at his mums house and we would hang out in their shed and spin records all weekend (off one deck). I saved up all my money I earned from working at McDonald’s to buy some belt drive decks & finally upgraded to some higher quality direct drive decks later on. All my other money went on Vinyl. There were no vinyl stores where I lived so I’d have to travel 3 hours to Melbourne to get them. A lot has changed since those days but they are still some of the most memorable for me.
TBB: What lies in store for you in 2016? Any new singles or EPs we should be looking forward to?
Dave: A lot more singles and less remixes. I have a single dropping in February on Armada & the next few are already lined up. A lot more touring outside of Australia also, so I’ll be seeing everyone real soon.
TBB: How would you describe Dave Winnel’s sound?
Dave: “Boots n Cats n Boots n Cats n Boots n Cats n Woombbb”
TBB: Australia has been a booming region for dance music of late. Do you reckon that has been a major factor or has played its part in your rise as an artist?
Dave: I think Australia is a very lucky country. We are not too big, so I feel it’s easy to get heard in Australia. Also all the producers, DJs and labels here are very supportive of each other. I really think this helps with the quality of music that is coming out of here.
TBB: Which artists, according to you, have had a big influence on your development as an artist and expanding your taste in music?
Dave: There are so many, but my top 5 would be, Kryder, Axwell, Chocolate Puma, Hans Zimmer, and this may shock people but Tiesto (back from his Trance days).
TBB: Talking about your creative process in the studio, how do you go about your productions? Is there a particular sound that you go for or do you let it build and then tinker with it?
Dave: Well the goal is to always make something that I can play in my DJ sets. If I come out with something that I won’t play, then I think I’ve failed. As for sounds and direction I usually just see what happens and go with the flow as cliche as that sounds.
TBB: Other than electronic music, what others genres and artists do you prefer listening to? Any particular favourites?
Dave: Classical – I actually have Beethoven’s best hits CD in my car at the moment. I’m also a sucker for sad music, don’t ask me why.
TBB: Given the chance to collaborate with any one artist, who would you collaborate with?
Dave: David Bowie. R.I.P
TBB: What are your Top 3 #Bangin tracks at the moment?
Dave:
- Mike Snow – Genghis Khan (CID Remix)
- Joey Suki – Funk Is Back (Original Mix)
- Twenty One Pilots – Stressed Out (Dave Winnel Remix)
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