DJ Dan Murphy interview
Posted:
22 Jun 2009
It’s not often DJs get their start in a place as big as Heaven, West London’s gay clubbing mecca. We’re impressed. Did Dan Murphy hold a residency there or something? Sydney’s disc jockey darling giggles down the phone, hesitates, and admits, “No, I was working at the T-shirt shop, actually, selling glow sticks and Chupa-Chups, listening to all these DJs from around the world play, and kind of thinking, ‘I’d like to do that as well’.”
Fast forward eight years and Murphy has just returned from a long weekend spreading his über commercial greatness across Australia. He’s done a loop of Melbourne, Hobart, and Sydney within 24 hours and is audibly struggling. But, with six years DJing experience, four Gay Mardi Gras, and positions at some of Sydney’s hottest gay nightclubs under his belt, Murphy knows it’s all in a weekend’s work. And he’s excited to headline for this fortnight’s Royal Magenta Ball at Volume. “I can’t wait,” the DJ says, perking up, “I got a purple top last week in preparation, so we’re all lined up and ready to go.”
Madonna and Kylie come up more than once during our chat. And Murphy is thoroughly unashamed. “I know handbag music is often seen as a bit daggy and not so cool,” he admits, “but once people have a couple of drinks in them, they always get on the dance floor.” Hang on, handbag music? “I think it came from years and years ago, when girls in clubs would go ‘oh my god I love this song’, throw their handbags on the floor and go and dance,” the DJ muses, “These days it’s anything cheesy and fun.”
Just how cheesy is revealed as we delve deeper into Murphy’s musical proclivities. He and fellow DJ Luke Fry share their favourite tunes with each other on (dubiously named) once-a-month podcast Rock Your Box. The tune that’s rocking Murphy’s box at the moment is David Guetta’s remix of a new Kelly Rowland song, When Love Takes Over. But it’s surely the remix he’s got in the works for the Ball that will raise smiles and hands across the party’s dance floor. It’s a dance version of the theme song from Australia’s Next Top Model (and many other versions of Top Model) You Wanna Be On Top, by Tyra Banks.
Obviously, Murphy is a fan of the hit reality TV show. “I catch it when I can,” he offers, “but we don’t have cable in our building so I don’t get to see it that much.” There follows an enthusiastic conversation about how crazy Tyra Banks has become of late (“I like to take on more serious issues,” Murphy quips). So, what else does he do for fun? “Movies, beach, and I love skiing,” Australia’s greatest handbag DJ replies airily. He pauses. “And I guess clubbing. It’d be rude not to.”
Samantha Leese
Dan Murphy plays Volume’s Royal Magenta Ball, Tue 30.
3 Comments Add your comment
OMG!! I heard him at many Mardi Gras and Sleaeball parties- he;s the GREATEST! And he's coming to Hong Kong??? I am shitting glitter!! I won't miss this one! THANKS VOLUME FOR BRINGING HIM TO HK!!!
Time Out! You have given me salvation from your interview with DJ Dan Murphy for his HK debut at Volume's Magenta Ball. He's a Sydney institution- like Kylie, only twinkier! Last year's Ball was INSANE and this one will be better with Dan on the decks, I'm sure. Glad you let us in on the buzz- you guys rock!
More Daness in Hong Kong please! Magenta Ball was fabulous and the music was fantastic. Thanks for letting us all know, you rock!
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