MoveMint, DJ, Producer & Race Car Driver ?
MoveMINT is a well known name as a DJ, Producer, and Writer but did you know he was also a professional race car driver? Nope, neither did we but it was something we learned when we interviewed the Sydney based musician recently. Having worked with the likes of Bliss n Eso, Afrojack, Uberjakd, Alice in Wonderland and Sean Kingston, even if you don’t think so, you have probably heard some of MoveMINT’s creations. We wanted to ask him about who was still on his wish list to work with, how the club scene in Sydney is coming back and his aim to prioritise festivals for a while. Oh and that race car thing!
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how do you describe the MoveMINT sound?
Deep, dark vibes with kicks and bass lines to make you close your eyes and get lost in the feeling. Listening to my music is the definition of bass face.
How did you get your start in music?
I started playing for Under 18’s Music festivals on the south coast of NSW, Coastal Beats. Which had me share the stage with headlining artists who are actually some of my great friends today.
What was the first album or song you remember buying or had a massive impact on you?
I was already DJ”n for a few years but the album that changed it all for me was MINISTRY OF SOUND The Annual 2007. Put Your Hands Up For Detroit, Exceeder, Where The Party’s At, Around The World.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
Calvin Harris , Golden Features, Chris Lorenzo , AC Slater, Chris Lake
“Nothing is more rewarding than dropping your own music in a dj set and watching people get lost in your creation”
You're both a DJ and Producer, do you prefer one of these over the other? Are you rewarded by both equally?
This is actually a really good question. The passion for Dj”n got me into music production originally. Now they kind of work hand in hand. Nothing is more rewarding than dropping your own music in a dj set and watching people get lost in your creation. Right now I am more known for my DJ creativity and skills. Being known as one of the most technical djs in the world. My music coming out this year will definitely see my audience appreciate me more as a producer. Right now, it's only the artists I write music for who fully appreciate my music production. So I'm excited for the next few months that’s for sure!
You're based out of Sydney and have been for the last 15 years, how has the music scene in Sydney changed over your time entrenched in it?
It is crazy how much it has changed! 2009 Kings Cross, you could finish a set at 9pm warming up for Afrojack, walk 50m down the road, play a set before Laidback Luke and close another club playing after Roger Sanchez all on a Friday night. Because of the pure quantity of people who were out, you could play whatever you wanted and the crowd would vibe. Clubs have been made really commercial from 2012 onwards and honestly got worse up until Covid. Sydney is DEFINITELY bouncing back with so many awesome venues opening and events being run that cater for ARTISTS and not just party Dj’s.
“Sydney is DEFINITELY bouncing back with so many awesome venues opening and events being run that cater for ARTISTS and not just party Dj’s.”
2020/21 were years full of uncertainty and change. For some the years came as a blessing for some a curse. How do you rate your Covid Years?
I'm thankful for Covid actually. It gave me time to focus on music production, work on my sound and also establish connections ghost writing for some heroes of mine in the industry. It also forced me to quit my day job, back myself and go full time music. I also think a lot more people appreciate house music as a genre after Covid. Not being rinsed out with commercial mashups at every club every weekend has now given them a desire for house music.
You have played in clubs and at big festival events. Obviously they're very different in the energy and the audience size, which is easier to engage in great crowd participation? Which do you prefer? Clubs or Stadiums?
We can all agree, SMILES and watching other people having an amazing time is contagious!! Reaching out to a larger audience at a festival event with everyone's energy extremely high is where it's at for me. Thousands of people vibing together, appreciating my music is really something incredible . Words can not explain, it really has to be experienced. At this point in time I’m preferring the Festival / Stadium events.
You recently played at the Lunar Electric Festival. Do you enjoy playing festivals and being a part of that festival scene and atmosphere? Would you like to do more festival events?
Lunar was amazing! I absolutely love playing festivals. The atmosphere is incredible. Going forth I am definitely going to prioritise festival events.
Do you find festivals present your music to new fans or people who haven’t heard you before?
Definitely! There will always be people out there who haven’t heard of me or my music before. Putting on an amazing performance to a larger audience at a festival will only have more people exposed to me and my music. Giving me a chance to convert more people into fans.
“You can always learn something from someone, bigger or smaller artists included. ”
What are the best and worst parts of being on a multi artist bill? Do egos ever get in the way or does it just add to the party?
The best part's of being on a multi artist bill is definitely the networking opportunities backstage. You can always learn something from someone, bigger or smaller artists included. If it wasn’t for multi artist bills, I would not have been able to meet some of the biggest artists in the world who influence my work today. I would not have some of the amazing friendships I have today either. It creates opportunities for collaborations on multiple levels, from music production or just sharing contacts to assist in your music career. Definitely adds to the party atmosphere.
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
First gig was when I was 15 supporting “Bag Raiders” at Coastal Beats under 18’s music festival. It went OFF!! Something I will always remember.
You have already worked with some huge names including Peking Duk, Bliss n Eso, Afrojack, Uberjakd, Alice in Wonderland,Sean Kingston. Is there anyone you would like to perform or collab with still on your wishlist? Who would be the ultimate Collab Partner for MoveMINT?
There are so many!! Chris Lake would be top of the list of some one I would love to collab with! Vocals from Vera Blue is something I’m set on and need to make happen! A B2B set with James Hype would be so fun also, as we use CDJ’S in the same way.
What’s been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?
A career highlight for MoveMINT would probably be having Chris Lake downloading and leaving incredible feedback on 2 of my latest tracks. I’ve been looking up to his music production since 2006. To this day he is still writing Beatport #1 hits and being all round extremely successful in the music industry. It definitely motivates me to continue to push on with my dreams. I don’t need verification on anything I do from anyone, but coming from him is definitely a good feeling.
“A lot of people don’t know, but I have actually been a professional race driver my whole life”
If you weren’t a musician what else would you be doing now?
A lot of people don’t know, but I have actually been a professional race driver my whole life. Driving has taken the back seat so I can chase my musical dreams. There is not enough room to do both at a 100% focus. So if I wasn’t doing music I would be racing F1 or touring cars.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
This would have to go to my partner Courtney. She has a great business mind who constantly keeps me focused on “The bigger picture”. She keeps me motivated during setbacks and reminds me to celebrate every win.
What's coming up for MoveMINT? What can fans look forward to in future?
A lot of new music is ready to be released. I'm currently sitting on about 30 new tracks that will be getting fed to record labels over the next few weeks. Headlining Australian shows for the end of the year are being locked in as well and we are in the process of organising a tour in the USA. Dates will be announced as soon as we have the green light and visa is sorted.
Instagram: movemint_official
Facebook: movemint_official
Twitch: movement official
YouTube: MoveMINT SoundCloud: MoveMINT
Interview by Michelle Symes
July 2022