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Interview: @Prizefight (Scott)

Prizefight is a Naarm based DJ/producer who is no stranger to eclecticism. Throughout his sets you will witness him run the gauntlet between breaks, garage, electro, jungle and everything in between.


His new EP titled ‘Morning Light’ showcases the young artist’s musical diversity; fusing elements of dub, trance and techno to create a unique sound within the Naarm scene. With the UK Bass influenced Portal EP (dropping soon on Spinning Around), you’re bound to hear plenty of Prizefight productions on club systems over the summer.

 



After sets at venues such as Xe54, Colour Club, The Gaso, 524 Flinders, New Guernica, Dove Club & more, Prizefight is no stranger to the Naarm club scene. Expect to be taken on a genre-fluid sonic journey throughout his mixes for Area 3000, Momentum Mag, Strictly Tracks, Abode, Rude Baby Records and 188 Naarm (just to name a few)


I chose Scott to be apart of the 10th drop because he is so unique with his productions/style of mixing he is one to his own in garage/breaks/jungle the whole lot you name it! It means a lot to have so many up & coming Naarm artists who want to be apart of this!


We recently caught up with none other the legend himself Prizefight to catch an interview about his music career!


Q & A:


Question 1: When did the drive to start mixing/producing & being involved in dance music become a big thing in your life?


A: I’ve been a fan of electronic music since I was a child through listening to my Dad’s collection of big beat CD’s (Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, Chemical Brother’s etc.), but did not develop a passion for the scene until my 20s. I come from a band background and have always been involved in music as a guitarist/drummer/keyboard player, but once I was introduced to Ableton at university I fell in love with the process of creating electronic music; both for the club and for home-based listening. One thing led to another, and I eventually felt confident enough to persue a career as a DJ/producer, and it is now the most important thing in my life.



Question 2: Your most recent EP on spinning around is a big hit around the scene at the moment. what is your favourite track?


A: My favourite song on the EP often changes depending on my mood. I would say Procyon is the song that I’m most proud of on the project, as I love the way it evolves throughout the track. It is probably my most layered and atmospheric tune to date.



Question 3: Who has given you the drive to get where you are today?


A: I am constantly inspired by friends in the local scene. Seeing my peers achieving their goals and breaking onto the national stage often motivates me to work harder, and the fact that our scene is all coming up together and gaining more exposure is a beautiful thing. I also have to give a massive shoutout to Jay from Spinning Around for allowing me to realise my potential, and for giving me the tools and platform to release music and reach a wider audience.


Question 4: What is your favourite venue you have played at?


A: I really enjoy playing at The Gaso, mainly due to the intimacy between the crowd and DJ’s. It almost reminds me of a boiler room, with the dancers and selectors sharing the floor together. Colour Club is always a treat to play at as well, as it seems to attract friendly and open-minded crowds.


Question 5: What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who has just started out producing?


A: I would say it’s important for new producers to make music that they truely love, and to try and avoid conforming to the hottest and most current trends in dance music. Personally, I value uniqueness very highly, and the most exciting artists to me are those who stand out from others in the scene.


Question 6: Who do you think is the hottest up & Coming DJ in Naarm atm?


A: I could name so many as there’s seemingly an endless supply of talent in our city. I think Ed Kent is a name who really stands out to me though… truely a DJ who’s eclecticism knows no bounds. I can’t stop listening to his mixes, and it’s always a pleasure sifting through his hand picked record recommendations at Natural Selection.


Question 7: I have always wondered after seeing you play at a few venues now… techno or breaks/UK GARAGE?


A: While I do love the energy that techno provides to a set, my heart will always lie in breaks/UKG. Listening to Burial in high school sent me down a deep rabbit hole of musical discovery and really opened my eyes to the diversity across the UK electronic scene. UKG & Jungle were definitely sub-genres that really peaked my interest in club culture, with such rich and interesting sounds and histories.


Question 8: What is the one song you can't forget to play in your sets?


A: I try my hardest avoid playing the same songs across multiple sets, but I’ve been unable to remove Ruff Dub by Prozak from mixes throughout the year. It’s a guaranteed dance-floor filler that I never grow tired of.


Question 9: What is one piece of advice you can give to those just starting in the industry?


A: Networking is one that I struggled with when I was starting, but I think it’s one of the most important things to consider upon entering the industry. Show your face at the parties and venues that you want to play at, and become friendly with the artists and promoters who allign with your style. The more you support the scene and enjoy yourself, the more opportunities will arise.


Question 10: Name your style in 5 words!?


A: Fun, energetic, hard, eclectic, unpredictable.


Question 11: What is your dream?


A: My lifelong dream has been to compose music for films. I have a great appreciation and passion for the art of filmmaking, and have thoroughly enjoyed scoring a few short films for friends over the last couple of years, but would love to eventually get the opportunity to score a feature. I have been particularly inspired by Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) through his collaborations with directors such as the Safdie Brothers. I feel that marrying my two favourite art mediums would be an incredibly joyous and fulfilling experience.


Question 12: Do you feel like the naarm community is growing stronger & stronger towards electronic dance music?


A: 100%. I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by so many talented artists in this scene, and our musical diversity is something that I value highly. It feels like electronic music has become an integral part of our cities culture, and the recognition and acclaim that Naarm DJ/producers are receiving (both in Australia and abroad) is proof of our musical quality.





We would like to say thank you to Prizefight for wanting to be apart of a the huge 10th drop I couldn't be anymore happier with how Stewimag has gone this year!


You can also find Prizefight below on his social media handles!


SOCIALS:


Instagram: @prizef1ght

Facebook: Scott Urwin

Soundcloud: @Prizefight

Spotify: @Prizefight



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