“My father was a musician and I always used to have band practice, playing drums as a kid,” he says. “That started my DJ journey as well. I picked up the turntables when I was 13 and at that point it was really just a hobby for me while I was at school. Later I began to think that I really enjoyed it and wondered if I could do it full time. Of course I wanted that elusive job as a musician but the idea of doing that and nothing else felt like a dream that was going to be a difficult one to achieve.”
Of course the boy went onto compete with great success at the DMC competitions and that gave him a new level of exposure. “By that time, I was practicing and doing tricks and learning things that hadn’t been done before. Then I moved to the UK and that was a difficult time – but I really wanted it more than anything. I didn’t take no for an answer and strived to achieve what I wanted. My determination and will power didn’t let me down. It’s hard starting your life and your career in a country you don’t know from scratch. Looking back though I didn’t think about it too much and I just kept going.”
Right now then, the lad is back in Melbourne where he is doing an Australian Tour as well as working on the Darkbeat 10th Anniversary Compilation CD which features Rollin Connection, Phil K and of course Pappa himself. Scheduled release is March 2013. More importantly, though, he is back in Melbourne to play at one of his favourite venues with partner in crime Sasha. “I have played with him many times over the years,” says Pappa, “but it’s great to be doing a gig with him in my hometown. I’m excited to be playing again at Chasers as this was my last residency within Australia and the last gig I did before I relocated to the UK in 1995!”
Naturally, Anthony has seen electronic music evolve over time – whether it’s good or bad. But it is likely that he takes it all in his stride and takes the opportunity to experiment and do things a little differently. “These days, I’m into a lot of different styles ranging from down tempo, mid tempo, house, tech house, the better side of progressive house and techno. When playing out, my sets vary from 110BPM – 128BPM depending on venue and time of set I play,” he says.
And with that in 2012, he is feeling the renaissance in dance music. “Today, past and present sounds come together in a way to create the current sounds which will be timeless – as opposed to here today and gone tomorrow. It’s all about playing good music no matter what electronic music genre you’re into. For me right now, I’m liking Hunter Game, Re.You, Inxec and Pentatones. I don’t have any preferences as to what l play as long as they are good tunes that l am into.”
But with all of that humility and charm – a trait he continues to possess after all these years, despite his unmitigated success – the chap enjoys a life outside of music that helps him maintain balance it and deal with a little pressure. “I do have a life outside of music. I think it’s healthy to have a life outside of what we all do in life,” he chimes. “I’ve been a DJ now for over 25 years and love what I do. Having done so many gigs, all over the world, these days pressure is no longer really a factor. But still to this day, I get excited before every gig.”
So other than enjoying playing golf, Pappa is planning on getting married this year. But not before he gives Melbourne crowds another musical education. “I am playing after Sasha so my set will continue where his vibe leaves. I promise I will create a great closing set; one that will not disappoint!” Can’t ask for more than that.
BY RK
