We are excited to present the 8th installment of A Handsome Mixtape, this month taken over by DJ Sammy K. Each month we’ll showcase an amazing young DJ whose tunes are something special – they’re all ridiculously talented, unbelievably cool and will have you breaking out your best dance moves in an instant. Read on to see Sam’s interview & track list.
We’re loving this mix. What was the inspiration behind it?
Thanks! I guess the mix was inspired by imagining the ultimate poolside party, fresh air, sunshine, girls in fancy swimming costumes, icy drinks and of course great music, vibes and dancing.
When did you first get the music bug?
From the beginning…my very first memory is of falling asleep on a sheepskin rug, mesmerized by a stack of records next to me. I was so obsessed with the Muppets movies as a kid so I’m pretty psyched to see the new one which comes out soon…“it’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the light.� Music has been huge in my life, the ultimate companion. There’s nothing better than hearing the right sounds at the right time, to suit your mood.
What music did your parents play?
My Dad played bass in rock bands all through my childhood so there was always plenty of music around. Being a child of the 80’s I remember them listening to things like Steve Winwood, Robert Palmer, Hall and Oates, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Thomas Dolby, The Free Story.
Who would you like to play with in the future?
I’m a big fan of Pharrel, Outkast, Beck, and Dangermouse from a production perspective, so that would be ultimate. But I’d play with anyone that’s musically open minded and fun to jam with.
What are the shortest shorts you’ve ever worn?
Once upon a time I played Australian football, and I’m pretty sure that the shorts were just about as short as you can get. These days, I do have one pair of vintage short shorts with little surfer men printed on them. I have to be feeling pretty brave to wear them though. They’re a bit too loose for my skinny frame and have a tendency to slide off my hips when I dive into the water.
What’s the next big thing in music?
More slow jams please.
Any cool collaborations coming up?
Just in the last few weeks I’ve been finishing off an EP with my pal James Reid, and we are called Sonar Sea. The sounds are relaxed, dreamy, and harmonious. We’ve been working in a giant tree house in Avoca on the central coast of Australia, surrounded by nature and overlooking the ocean, which I guess suits and inspires our musical creations. The EP will be available for free online (click link at the bottom) by the 25th Dec, Merry Christmas everyone! Play it when you’re chilling in the afternoon with a cup of tea, or in motion walking, driving, bussing.
Is fashion important to music and vice versa?
Depends how you look at it I guess. I mean when I hear an amazing song that captures my full attention, I’m not really thinking about what clothes somebody’s wearing. But music certainly has a big influence on fashion, there is a link for sure. Fashion choices and music tastes allow people to express themselves and form some kind of self-identity. Fashion and music are like the perfect meeting points for relating with people, talking, bonding, sharing.
Do you prefer your ladies in a bikini or a one-piece?
A stunning lady in a one-piece is pretty mind blowing. I do love bikinis as well though. Whatever makes a woman feel more like a goddess!
What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig?
After a set at a particularly fantastic party for one of the Bondi lifeguards, I had a girl named ‘Munty’ start licking my arm from wrist to elbow. I thought it was pretty funny, though my girlfriend at the time didn’t.
What do you think is the one quality that makes a DJ great?
The ONE quality, would have to be presence. When someone gets ‘in the zone’ and is making perfect selections that build on each other and there’s that lift in the atmosphere. Magic! I think that comes down to being fully present and tapping into people’s unconscious desires.
How would you describe yourself and your style in three words?
Simple, spontaneous, dapper.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Well, recently when I was in a bit of a predicament, just being a worry merchant, my Spanish friend Lady Lei told me (in Barcelona accent) “look Sam, don’t think too much.� It worked. Simple, direct, and helpful! A necessary reminder to not over complicate shit.
What’s your signature drink?
Ginger beer and rum. Yum.
Track List:
Robo Booty – OPIUO
Rauk Cocek (Dunkelbunt Remix) [feat. Raf MC] – OSTBLOCKET
I Like it – CEE-LO GREEN
Get Fresh – KID SISTER
Get Some (Remix by Beck) – KID SISTER
Lose it (in the end) feat. Ghostface Killah – MARK RONSON
Cocaine Blues – ESCORT
Synthia – FM BELFAST
Sexy Dancer – 7 HURTZ with PEACHES
Hold Me Down (The Shoes Remix) – PRIMARY 1 & RITON
Worse it Gets (RAC Remix) – PENGUIN PRISON
Moonlight Hours (Swiss Remix) – THE HOLIDAYS
My Step – LITTLE DRAGON
Real Life – TANLINES
All + All Together – KANO feat. HOT CHIP
Crusader – KNIGHTLIFE
Bring Back the Funk – KRAFTY KUTS
Sexx Laws (Zenit Incompatible Re-dub) – BECK
C’mon Let’s Dance – FREE ENERGY
What You Know – TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
I Think I Like U 2 (Breakbot Remix) – JAMAICA
In Between Days – THE CURE
All of the Lights – KANYE WEST
Caeser (Feat. Robyn) (Diplo Remix) – I BLAME COCO
Rills – SLEIGH BELLS
Check out DJ Sammy K and Sonar Sea, Sound Cloud and on Flikr.