Interview with DJ Nitrous by buph.The other week I managed to catch up with a friend of mine who goes by the name DJ Nitrous. We started chatting and I thought I would let you all know what we talked about.
Scott or ‘Nitrous’ we have seen a few sets from you and been blown away, but it rises the age old question when and where did it all start?
It must have been around the time when I was 18 or 20 (It’s all a bit hazy) as I started going out to the clubs. I got my biggest break from playing sets at O2 (Proscenium) where I played downstairs and cranked out the Happy Hardcore tunes.
So we now know where you started, but we don’t see you out much anymore do you have a residency anywhere?
Not anymore I used to be a resident at that infamous bar called Enigma when the bar upstairs was open. It was during that time …..Around 2 years I think I was able to play some unforgettable sets with the big guys. I mean Dyewitness, Ultra Sonic I also played a few sets at Black Cat nightclub and various other places around Adelaide.
So what style is your forte and what do you enjoy?
I mostly play the classics, such as Happy Hardcore, Trance, Hard Trance, and Hard style. I do particularly love Hard Trance but I really have a soft spot for Funky House and of course Old School.
So when and where was the nerve racking first set that started you off?
Would have to be at the proscenium club on one of the O2 nights.
Where you nervous?
Yeah I was pretty nervous, it is your first set you’re always nervous but nothing scotch can’t fix.
What style did you play and how did it go?
It was an Old School set downstairs, and I think it went pretty well it was only a short set. It was at 5 in the morning and I had the support of most of mates, to tell you the truth I was pretty shocked that they all turned up.
In your career so far is there any set that stands out in your mind as being a memorable one?
Would have to be playing at St Paul’s after the world renown Dyewitness on Christmas Eve, apart from being packed to the rafters it was definitely one of the best sets that I played. I have had comments from everyone saying it was one of the best sets that –they have ever heard me play. Hmmmm the only other one that there is, would be the time I did a vs. set with Jason Midro at Bass Station, it was a Hard Style set, and what a stomper it was. I enjoyed that one very much and I am told so did everyone else.
So do you have a favorite venue that you have played in or are they all just as good as each other?
Hands down would have to be the Old Queens theatre on the Ultra Sonic night, as the whole set up was out of this world. It was so old as in the building was decaying away with bass, so it gave me a feeling of what it would have been like to play in an older venue back in the hey day of the rave scene.
So what do you do in your spare time, what amazing thing do you do to impress the world?
(Laughs) I am just your average 85% of the population who has a regular job, mine is a professional cook oh, and I do enjoy playing the guitar. Not that it’s a profession but it helps to pass the time, I do dabble from time to time in other various types of music playing when I’m not in front of the masses screaming for Hardcore (laughs) nah I’m just kidding.
Is their a particular person or DJ that inspired you to take to the decks and entertain the many people out there?
(Ponders for a while) I guess it would have to be the general influence of the locals MPK, Noddy, Angu$, and all the others who played all the banging Happy Hardcore tracks that we know and love today. It was what got me into the dance scene and going out in the first place.
If you had to narrow down a track that you call your favorite, what would it be and why?
(Laughs) There is way to many to name just one “you have as much chance as getting a dog to tell you what it wants for dinner in English as getting me to name one favorite track.” (Laughs) There is just too many, I just can’t pin point one hmmm but if I have to. Up there would be ‘Something Good’ by ‘Utah Saints’ and there is also a track by ‘Four Twenty Low” that I love also.
Do you find that your career in pleasing the masses has made it easier in the dating game?
I have never really thought about it before, I am not someone who goes out with a status mission in mind. I go out to have fun and DJ to the people and enjoy the music and vibe.
Do you see yourself spinning the tunes in 5 years time, or are their other plans in mind for the future?
I see myself wanting to produce something different involving a band and samples, heading towards a more fresh style of music. I guess you could say I’m interested in experimenting with different samples and styles if I get the opportunity.
We all have our skeletons in the closet, what are some of your more embarrassing moments?
(Laughs) I don’t have any embarrassing moments, as I am always to drunk to realize. So nothing to me ever seems that embarrassing.
What is your soapbox opinion on the dance scene in Adelaide today?
I have not been out much lately due to work commitments, so I am not totally up to speed on the vibe out there at the moment. I am sure it was just like it was when I was going out new people, new music, new faces, and new venues.
Okay now if you could have your DJ wish and play with anyone in the world who would it be?
Durone from Neophyte just because he plays great music, sets, and is a good person in general. Otherwise it would have to be Paul Okenfield only because then I can say that I have played with someone who has earned such a high level of respect (laughs).
In the great scheme of things how many records do you honestly think you own?
(Starts counting his fingers) I would have to say, give or take a few it would have to be up around the 5-6 hundred mark. With a different mixture of styles in there anything ranging from early 90’s to the more recent ones.
Last but not least what can the dance community of Adelaide expect to see from you in the coming year?
Not really sure at this stage I will see where my brain takes me and if that’s the case who knows (laughs).