Making the grade at iconic London-based imprint Anjunadeep doesn’t come easy! When the sounds of Australian producer Amateur Dance first hit our ears some time ago we expecting pure quality and it didn’t disappoint. For those yet to make his acquaintance, there’s no need to worry. We’re delighted to catch him for a chat this week to get the lowdown on his latest release ‘You Give Me Butterflies’. Moreover, he’s gifted a stellar new tape just for your ears. Enjoy!

WWD: Thanks for stopping by! Set the scene 🙂 Where are you right now and what’s been on your to do list today?

Thanks for having me! I’m eating some avocado on toast, listening to some Kanye. Other than working on music and some emails, my to-do list today was to go get groceries (avocados) and I’m heading out to buy a new graphics card for my PC later.

WWD: ‘You Give Me Butterflies’ has just landed on Anjunadeep. Is there a story behind the record?

Not really a story, just a feeling last Spring/Summer of having way too many feelings (good and bad) that were way too much, sitting down and making this track. The track is emotionally over-the-top but so am I and that’s the way I like it.

WWD: Take us back.. how did you first connect with the label?

I came across Anjunabeats myself a good number of years ago mostly through being a huge Above & Beyond fan! But only in the last year or so I started working with Anjunadeep through doing a remix for Way Out West’s track Tuesday Maybe. After that we spoke about doing some releases and here we are! I’m super excited to be a part of it 🙂

WWD: What’s sort of role have they played in your progress as a producer?

Honestly not too big of a role in how I developed, I got started a good few years before working with them and we came together through them being into what I was already doing, they’re happy for me to just keep doing it!

WWD: You’re also closely affiliated to October Records, what can you tell us about that relationship?

I started working with them early on, the label was getting started at the same time I was and it made a lot of sense. After that I ended up being managed by the lovely team behind October as well and now we’re all a big happy family!

WWD: How has the Summer shaped up for you? Has it been mostly studio or show focused?

Do you mean my summer or your summer? It’s been winter here for the last few months, so definitely wayyyy more studio time than playing shows. Across our summer and new years I was playing quite a few shows though, I loved it. Hope to do the same again this time around.

WWD: Obviously Australia has well documented upheaval in the nightlife industry at the minute. What sort of impact is that having on Djs and their profession?

Luckily in Melbourne where I’m from there hasn’t been much restriction in venue licensing.. We still have Revolver 24 hours a day over the weekends and countless other early morning and 24 hour licensed venues, but in Sydney there seems to have been a huge impact on everyone, whether they’re a DJ or not. But from what I hear it’s made it a lot tougher to get by as a DJ in Sydney, not only have the lockout laws shortened events leaving less hours available for people to play, but there’s less and less events happening as time goes on and less diversity in the venues available. It sucks and it needs to change 🙁

WWD: Is it something that would encourage you to relocate?

Like I said before, I’m totally happy with the nightlife in Melbourne, it’s sick. I’d still like to relocate to somewhere in Europe for a time but I don’t feel like I’m being encouraged to by any sort of lack here.

WWD: Music wise, what else have you got coming up over the next few months?

A new EP coming with Anjunadeep, a few shows as the weather warms up, hopefully a remix or two :^)

WWD: Looking forward, what would make for the ideal finish to 2016?

I just want to finish it up dancing with my friends in the sun somewhere, that’s the benchmark. It’s worked every other year of my adult life and I’m sticking with it.

Follow: Amateur Dance // Anjunadeep