Kurt Erickson and Mike V met each other some 4 years go now, but it wasn’t until late last year that they came together to perform a one off back to back set. What happened was somewhat of an experience and encouraged them to pursue the double act further.
Although you may be more familiar with their individual names through Incline events and the Oxygen parties, 15+ years experience between them both brings both an exciting and interesting prospect with their combined talents, thoughts, expression and collective energy they bring to the decks.
While Kurt, born in California USA, has been dj’ing for over a decade, Mike V started dj’ing just over 6 years ago. Both extremely versatile, their shared passion for music and enthusiasm shines in every set.
Seperating themselves from individual Trance Djs to a duo playing Tech House, Progressive and Techno, they find influences from the likes of John Dahlback, Dousk, Dubfire, Jaytech, Valentino Kanzyani, James Zabiela, Jerome Isma Ae, John Digweed, The Timewriter, Gui Borrato, Trentemoller, Marko Nastic, Pig & Dan, Format B, Neil Quigley, UNKLE, Paul Van Dyk, Sasha, Carl Cox and many more…
We got together for an interview.. this is what they had to say…
Just to warm everything up, how long have you two known each other?
KE: 5 or so years
How old are you?
KE: 30
MV: 24
What are your star signs?
KE: Capricorn
MV: Aries
Where did you go to school?
KE: St Bedes College in Melbourne and Westlake Boys..haha
MV: Edgewater College
Where did you play your first party out? Did it go well?
KE: 1997 @ A club called Shamrock in Melbourne, I was very nervous.
MV: Probably Kyau & Albert 2006 was my first main room set after playing many other side room events before that. It was off the hook.
We understand that both of you have been DJing trance for a while now, what is this new direction of music you guys are taking?
KE: Yeah we both have our own sound we play individually for trance. At the moment we are trying to separate ourselves from that as a b2b act playing Techno, Progressive and Tech House. There is so much good music out there!
MV: Yeah, there is a tonne of good music out there and we enjoy playing b2b which I think the crowd see’s as well. We’re experimenting with new ideas; it’s a step forward for us.
We look forward to hearing it all next weekend, so whats your favourite track right now?
KE: The Droyds – All I Ever Wanted (Dusty Kid Needs Love Remix)
MV: Underworld – Beautiful Burnout (Mark Knight Remix)
We love the art for different reasons.. so what do you get most out of being a DJ?
KE: I love sharing my passion with others and I can’t stop mixing!
MV: Yeah for sure, sharing great tunes with other people. Communication without words. I get more of kick out of a huge mix now than when I first started playing. You just want unleash that sucker on a crowd. And its true, Kurt can’t stop mixing. I don’t know of anyone else who has been playing as long as he has and still manages to hit the decks nearly everyday.
Who is your current favourite DJ or producer?
KE: Hard to say there are so many at the moment making good music. Two for me would be Pig & Dan and Gui Boratto
MV: I have to agree with Gui Boratto. His album release Feb 07’ was inspiring. Great DJ, playing live keyboard and guitar over his tracks. Ill add Dubfire as well, making techno accessible for the greater good. Haha
In all your combined 15+ years of DJing experience, where is the most interesting place you have DJ’d?
KE: The first time I played Chemistry main room at St James.
MV: That’s a memorable experience. Some private party’s I’ve played take on some interesting choices for venues.
Whats the funniest thing that has happened to you behind the decks?
KE: Honestly, haha. Well not sure if I’m aloud to say but it was at Kiss Bar and a girl was involved…
MV: Haha, it involved an umbrella and a fire extinguisher.
In terms of where you are headed.. What are your plans over the next 2 years?
KE: Hopefully finally getting round to producing some music.
MV: Producing!
Coffee or Tea?
KE: Coffee
MV: Both and green tea.
If you could genetically combine two animals, what would they be and what would it be called?
KE: A Tiger & Snake haha not sure how that would come out. As for a name…hmmm?
MV: Sniger? Haha.. A Great White and an Eagle, imagine looking up into the sky and seeing that. Call it top of the food chain.
Finally, what’s your favourite cartoon character?
KE: Tom from Tom & Jerry
MV: Only one? Stewie from family guy provides me hours of entertainment. Special mention to Donald Duck and the Tasmanian Devil.
You can catch Mike and Kurt at Space Invaders this Friday the 14th at Space. Come check out their new sound!