Self-Taught

Self-taught DJs and purveyors of rockin’ house parties, local electro house tandem Systamatix are currently killing it in clubland. The duo of Daniel Kaptein and Simon Reveco are hitting Planet this weekend, and we thought it about time we introduced you to Systamatix - over to you lads...

How exciting has it been watching the electro house scene blow-up in Brisbane?

It’s been very exhilarating to see the electro scene blow-up in Brisbane. From when we first started mixing, it was mainly house and trance. But when we first heard songs like Dirty South's remix to Evermore's ‘It’s Too Late’ and Tonite Only's ‘The Danger’, it was just different to what was out there.

So, how did you get involved with the local scene?

As the electro scene took over, we both got involved by changing our style of music to fit with what they were playing in the clubs.

You're self-taught DJs; was there a lot of trial and error involved?

Yeah, a lot of trial and error was done; spending a couple of hours a day on the decks building our skills. Watching other DJs mix taught us to become better DJs.

How important were playing warehouse raves for getting your name out as well as building your confidence in a live setting?

The early warehouse raves were intense. We would both be mixing to at least 500-700 people and watching all those people go nuts to the music ... it was such an adrenaline rush and built our confidence to play in a live setting.

You guys have been playing at Planet Nightclub for a while – what kind of a room do you get there?

We get a lot of freedom at Planet; playing a lot of funky tech electro stuff, a bit harder than mainstream and the crowd reacts well to it.

A bird told us you're studying sound engineering at JMC College - how's that shaping up?

Yeah studying at JMC is fun. They have so much to offer in production, in the studio and theory based knowledge. It’s a cool place to learn new stuff about the creative industries.

The rest of 2009 for Systamatix, what’s in store?

Mainly focusing a lot more on production stuff; experimenting with different elements to find our sound. We're working on a new track at the moment that’s pretty heavy, something more for peak time.

Lastly, what’s the Systamatix gear of choice?

Would have to say the Pioneer CDJ-1000; what you can do with it is amazing.

Catch Systamatix at Planet Saturday August 15.