Matt, likewise a Sydney-sider, has plenty of experience working the Sydney underground, so he too is no stranger to the all-hours-of-the-morning parties. And between them, they hope to give our famed Revolver something it hasn’t seen on a Sunday for some time – a place to party and relax with a specially forged vibe that is second to none. “We’ve taken that vibe created in Sydney and we only thought it’d be fair to share this with our friends south of the border,” he explain.
“Revolver is nothing short of amazing, standing for everything we believe in, not to mention shutting for a mere four hours between Friday and Monday,” shares Wallace. “Respect. So, for the first time in the history of man, S.A.S.H ventures away from the comfort of Sydney and down to our Mexican brothers and sisters,” he claims. “While S.A.S.H takes up a lot of our time, we are in the office three to four days a week working on it as it’s our weekly party,” adds Weir. “Sunday parties are fairly hard to do, but we must be doing something right to have had our event run for a couple of years.”
No doubt, wanting to replicate their success locally, the lads are both about good music and a fun time for everyone involved – DJs and punters alike. “For the opening, we felt like we needed to make a musical mark to showcase exactly what S.A.S.H is musically all about,” explains Wallace. “What better way to do that than have all the residents, the wheels in the cog, taking control over 10 full hours. There’s nothing more to say.”
Indeed, their excitement is palpable yet somewhat surprisingly they came from different musical backgrounds. “I had a musical family which I guess is the answer,” explains Wallace. “My mum, sister and myself were all playing piano – while my sister was a singer as well.” Weir on the other hand claims he didn’t really get into music instrumentally. “It was something that just happened I suppose,” he explains.
Regardless – and as is often the way – once the lads got a taste of electronic music, it was difficult to turn their backs. Weir started out as a DJ after going to clubs and wanting to emulate what happened up front. “I can’t remember ever not listening to some sort of music in what ever form or style I’ve been into over the years, ” he adds.”It’s hard not to be influenced by a scene that you’re in contact with on a consistent basis. Inspiration comes from all places and coming to Melbourne and playing places like Revolver certainly gives you another perspective on how other cities or DJs do things.”
Otherwise, Wallace isn’t particularly interested in the commercial mediocrity permeating through much of the clubbing scene in Australia, simply saying it’s not for him. “I spent a lot of years away from Australia, so I’m influenced by the music that is mainly produced overseas and the scenes that revolve there. I’ve always been deep musically; I like it fairly bouncy and I like a nice fat sound. I’m passionate about all things chuggy and deep and can’t see myself changing anytime soon.”
Unfortunately though, the lads haven’t had as much time for the studio as perhaps they would have liked, especially given the time it has taken to get S.A.S.H off the ground – it’s a full time job. But there are grand plans for the Melbourne incarnation of the club. “We won’t be doing anything different than any other S.A.S.H Sunday in Sydney,” notes Wallace. “We thought there was no better way to showcase what we do than bring all the wheels in the cog, the residents that keep the music on par week in, week out. On the other tip, I love Melbourne and the thought of spending more time down with my Mexican brothers and sisters makes me smile.”
Weir isn’t far off that track either. “I’ve just gotten back from a bit of a tour and holiday through Europe. I played Sonar which was definitely a highlight and a real eye opener, as well as a couple of gigs through France in Paris and Lyon with good friend Gregory ‘Pepperpot’ Lambert. Seeing Dixon, Ame and Henrik Schwarz in a castle overlooking all of Barcelona was pretty amazing. Basically I think the music that gets played in Australia by Australian DJs is just as good as what gets played overseas, but they just have the opportunity to play at some amazing venues.”
So when everything is said and done, the S.A.S.H philosophy is pretty simple: bring the vibe and know-how to Melbourne and show how things are done on on a weekly basis. “This gig has come about as we’ve had a fair few DJs from down south come and play for us in the past,” summarises Weir. “I think all of them have played at Revolver or currently run a night or day there. Mike Callandar, Mike Toner, Phil K, Damon Walsh, Spacey, Boogs, Katie Drover and Jay Ivany have all played our party. They thought it would work down here, so the idea is now about to come to fruition. If the punters like it, then I assume we’ll be back.”
BY RK
