Spotlight focuses on the DJs and producers who are making waves in the dance music underground

Each edition features an exclusive mix and interview with an artist who has been handpicked by the team at Ministry Magazine.

This week we have SYV who are self-described as "two guys from different parts of the UK producing Australian house." Their latest single "Mya" has found support in Rinse FM's Billon and they're due to make their Ministry of Sound debut, playing alongside Riton and Copy Paste Soul in The 103 on November 29th.

So we thought we should get them in for a mix, an interview and an explanation of just what Australian House even is.

 

 

First of all thanks for doing an exclusive mix for us, what did you go for in the mix? Is this a representation of what you play out now or more what you listen to at home?

I just had tracks ranging from 120-130 bpm and wanted to show the various types of music which really pushes us to make the sound we make.

 

For those who may be new to your music, how would you describe your sound?

I mean, we joke and call it Australian house... We just thought it's a nice country; sun's out and all. Plus our sound has always been described by others as ''Summery'' so pshhht why not?

 

How did you first get into music, when did you know you wanted to be DJs?

I (Primo) started DJing when I was 15. I used to be a resident for an under 18s event group and I played in some dope places but then I decided to stop as I didn't want to be booked for just being a DJ; I wanted to be booked for the music I made.

 

What have you got coming up on the horizon?

Plenty of Australian belters.

 

What can the Ministry of Sound crowd expect from your set on 29th November?

A broad scale of house music with maybe a few disco stompers too.

 

What do you think of the state of dance music at the minute?

We're back in '95 at the moment but with a modern twist.

 

Who are the most exciting underground artists that our readers might not have heard of but who you think will be big names to come?

Linden Jay is an absolute don through and through. He was the reason I started making wonky drums. Lane 8, too. This dude just mixes ambient spaces with stupidly thick bass lines. I saw him with the Anjunadeep crew around May and hearing his music on a sound system completely changed my view on what tracks can be played in a club. Definitely one of, if not the best set I've ever seen. Definitely check out both of these dudes.

 

Who are your biggest influences?

As I said above, both Linden Jay and Lane 8. I'd also have to say Jordan Rakei is one of the hardest dudes in the game. Not only does the guy have a bliss voice, his production is tight as. Tom Misch as well is just a Jedi, I swear. He's got such a strong vibe. Wilfred Giroux properly inspired us with the bass sound we call the ''dupa dupas'' which is like percussion sort of bass riff.

 

What do you like to do on your day off, what’s a typical Sunday like for you?

To be honest all my days kind of blend into one, I barely sleep because I'm constantly making music and eating food.

 

How do you prepare for a gig?

I don't really prepare for it in the sense that I don't have a set tracklist. I tend to just burn tons of CDs and just roll up and go off into the crowd. I'm not really about the whole computer DJing life. When I was 15 I used Traktor & VDJ because I couldn't afford decks but as soon as I managed to get my hands on some, that was it. I know CDJs aren't vinyl but I feel its more acceptable to call myself a ''DJ'' if I'm not using software.

 

Who are your dream collaborators, past or present?

Linden Jay obviously as we are fan boys. Tom Misch for his voice and his trademark swing. And obviously Kay Kay (Kaytranada) for just... well its Kay Kay.

 

Tell us something we don’t know about SYV?

We make music over Skype and we've never been to Australia.