01/10/2024
My old friend BBec Simmsrecently gifted me a real blast from the past—my first ever demo/mix CD from 2005, recorded entirely on vinyl. I printed 200 copies under the name MMuska - AUSTouchin Bass, with my number for bookings, and handed them out to clubs, bars, and ravers across Melbourne. That CD led to my first residency at Esco Bar, thanks to RRuss Macumber, who gave it a spin. Its there the owner PPaul O'Briengave me my first DJ job.
Even BBoogsgot his hands on it, and he was so impressed with the first track—a rare Bloc Party and Peaches collab—that he ripped it straight off my mix. A huge honor from someone who had every record in town.
Listening back fills me with nostalgia for the gritty electro sounds of South Yarra and the days we were dubbed "Toorak Trash," spinning tunes across Melbourne. It reminds me of a younger me and a smaller scene, but also how that sound has inspired my current journey back to it—this time with new tech and sound design.
I've played many genres over the years, but this mix was my ticket into the clubs, helping me break through as a full-time DJ, just like the top guys around me at the time. - BBoogs/ TT-Rek- LLuke McD - MckirdySSunshine TrottNNick Coleman- And it not only worked but it did the ultimate thing music does and created friendships with the mentioned and many others.
With my 20th anniversary coming up, it feels right to share this mix. Give it a listen:
A old friend of mine, Bec Simms, recently gifted me a USB with a blast from the past: the very first mix CD I ever made. Recorded entirely on vinyl around 2005, this CD is a relic that made its way th
