Exclusive Interview with Joel Fletcher
From beginning to DJ at the age of 14, achieving his first club residency by the age of 16 to being voted #34 in the inthemix Australia Top 50 awards in 2011, #19 in 2012 and holding strong at #19 again in 2013, the rise to the top has been quick and occurred early for Joel Fletcher. Joel's career looks promising as his discography of releases continues to rapidly expand and his weeks continue being filled with bookings from Australia’s most in-demand nightclub’s and largest festivals.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Joel Fletcher, shortly before his performance at ONYX RCA on 26th July.
You started DJing at the age of 14, got your first club residency by the age of 16 and were voted #34 in the inthemix Australia Top 50 awards in 2011. Is it a gift or a curse to be so successful at such a young age? How do you manage to keep your feet on the ground?
It’s a humbling feeling seeing success at a young age, some of the things i have achieved are things that i have dreamt of so it’s a blessing!
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
Well when i was younger i played drums, so i was more into rock music and other genres, but I had a couple of friends who played at majority of the local house party’s around my area where i grew up, so i would say hearing them play at those parties got me into listening to dance music!
You play and produce Electro House, Techno & Minimal. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
I think my sound is a fun, energetic and unique sound. aka Melbourne Bounce.
Your breakthrough came with the remix of ‘Swing’ (by Savage), which has reached triple Platinum in the Australian record industry charts. What other tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
A couple of my bigger tracks would have to be my collaboration with Will Sparks called ‘Bring It Back’, that also went platinum in Australia, and also my track ‘Loco’ with Seany B on vocals, which went gold in Australia!
This year you completed a North American and Europe tour – with a total of over 30 shows - and you were the DJ behind Ministry of Sound’s Clubbers Guide to 2014. What’s next on your agenda for 2014 and what are you currently and focusing working on?
2014 includes a lot of touring for me! after my Asia tour i head home for some shows, then head back to the states for a special tour that i can’t say too much about just yet (haha). I also have the Stereosonic Music Festival Tour later this year in Australia which I’m super excited about! Music wise i have a new single with a talented vocalist named Bobby Andonov called ‘State Of Emergency’, and my follow up collaboration with Will Sparks! I’ve also just finished a collaboration with one of my biggest inspirations Chuckie, dream come true! so keep an ear out for those :)
You are one of the most renowned upcoming DJs associated with the “Melbourne Bounce” sound. For those that don’t know it yet, how would you describe it and which of your tracks would you use as an example for it?
The Melbourne Bounce sound is very similar to Dirty Dutch, it came from a minimal/techno background but has progressed into more of a dutch vibe with those crazy synth's, but still has the minimal baselines. it’s a fun sound that is guaranteed to get you moving on the dance floor! a good example would be: Dirt Cheap & Seany B - Kill The Robots (Joel Fletcher Remix)
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
I’d have to say the best/most enjoyable gig i’ve played was when i played a b2b set with Will Sparks at Stereosonic 2013 on the main stage. it was crazy and something i’ll never forget! i’ve played some terrible gigs as we all have, let’s not name any though! lol
On 26th July you will make your Bangkok Debut at ONYX RCA Have you visited Thailand before? What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
No, this is my first time coming to Thailand! I’ve herd plenty of great things so I’m so excited! you can expect a rocking time, good tunes, good vibes, happy days :)