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Mel Bruce
The irrepressible Aussie describes life as Japan’s
only foreign female DJ
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How did you come to be a DJ in Japan?
I used to manage Tokyo Salon [in the old Vision Complex], and we had a really old turntable that
I would play vinyl on. The Sugar High guys would sometimes come in, and they asked me to DJ at their bar. My friends in Australia had been DJs, but I was insecure about trying it with those guys, because ten years ago DJing was still very much a male bastion.
What was your first residency?
My first official gig was at Hachi in ’98, and then Sugar High, and then D Zone, and then it started getting bigger: Module and then Yellow and Ageha, and then back to Velours.
Why did you start Berserk?
Berserk is the first party I’m doing myself. I wanted to do something new. I find that with the gaijin community it’s always the same usual suspects. Much as I love these guys and play together with them,
I wanted to do something different.
Do you have a music policy?
No. I’ll just luck it and try to get the right DJs. People don’t want to hear the same old four-on-the-floor house and trance music. And it’s just not what
I like, which is more underground and dirty. I want to do a really fun party, which isn’t just for dancing like a robot. Some gigs it’s just the same music all night long: it’s like masturbating for hours and not coming.
How did you develop your extroverted DJ style?
I decided to become a DJ because I think I have great taste in music, and if I like it then people who like to dance are bound to like it too. It’s boring watching someone twiddling the knobs really seriously and not interacting with the crowd.
What have been some peak moments?
I DJ’d a private party
for The Chemical Brothers. Having those guys say, “Wow, you’re a really good DJ,” was special. Warming up for Miss Kitten on the main floor at Ageha was cool too.
What makes for the ideal set?
Having the right people is paramount to a good party. You want people who are open to different types of music so you can play a long set and weave in and out of different styles and have them on the same page as you.
Tell me about a recent purchase.
The new Kylie Minogue. Every time I DJ I need to buy a brand-new record to have something new to play. The other day I found the new Kylie Minogue and she looks really hot on it, and it’s great.
What are the pluses and minuses of being Japan’s only foreign female DJ?
It’s all positive, and people always wonder why there aren’t more female DJs. The only problem is that you don’t say a man is a male DJ, but you always say so the other way around, so that’s why women get upset. But at the same time I don’t want to be a man. I’m quite happy being a female DJ, so I don’t care. Call me
a female DJ if you want.
Berzerk@Pantera, Feb 2. See club listings for details.
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