14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHTaya

Q: How would you describe yourself in one word?

Passionate

Q: What was the driving force that got you into Music Production and when?

I was brought up by raver parents, so there was always electronic music playing in our house from an early age. However, I first started DJ’ing on my parents’ friend’s set of Technics 1200s at the ripe age of 9 back in 1997.When I was about 11, my best friend gave me a copy of Fruity Loops (FL-Studio). It must have been version 1.6 or something.

From then, I made my way through pretty much every DAW, settling at Ableton Live in 2011; by that time, the life of being an electronic music producer had well and truly consumed me
 

Q: Analog or Digital? And why?

If I had to choose just one, it’d be Analog for its undeniably rich warmth & character but a mixture of both has proven to work great for my workflow.

I've always loved my Access Virus TI, a badass digital hardware synth. I’ve owned three of them since buying my first one in 2006, but every time I sell one, I end up missing it & purchasing another. So I definitely couldn’t live without digital as well

Q: What's your favorite venue and why does it stand out from the rest?

Elsewhere in QLD, Australia. I know I’m not the only one that thinks this is well! This venue is small and in the middle of Surfers Paradise; however, it's definitely not what you would expect of Surfers. The vibe is always on point and the people there really have respect for the DJs and the music.

Q: What makes a DJ set standout from the rest?

The market has become so saturated that I believe it’s more important than ever to have a point of difference in your sound, so you really stand out from the crowd. My standards for DJs are set extremely high.To really impress me, the DJ must take me on a sonic journey. Make the set interesting, don't be afraid to throw a curveball and completely change the vibe up a bit. They must own their own sound or style & don’t try to copy who’s “Big” at that particular time.   

Q: If you were to have a superpower, what would it be and why?

To fly, who wouldn't want that?!
  Q: 1 person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

Dave Groll.Believe it or not, I actually grew up in rock bands and have always had HUGE respect for him! He is a wizard musically, and I think he would have great coffee chat as well.

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score from the past, what movie would you choose and why?

Sicario!!! The soundtrack to this movie is incredible, so intense & super powerful! I actually considered getting into film scoring after watching this for the first time.

Q: Recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would fit a perfect rave?

My property on the east coast of Australia, in the subtropical rainforest, would be perfect!

It's absolutely stunning, tucked away on a gravel road deep in the jungle. Surrounded by waterfalls, it sits inside a dormant volcano, so you’ll find actual gems all over the earth! But unfortunately, its exact location will remain a secret.

Q: What are 3 tracks that got you into electronic music?

The Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up

Mr Oizo - Flat Beat

The Crystal Method - Cherry Twist

Q: Tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for this year.

Right now, I have a few very exciting projects in the works. As releases go, I’m working on another follow-up EP to submit to Crosstown rebels//rebellion and my first album! A modular/live set is also in the works.

But the project that has consumed most of my energy has to be my pride & joy Elevate Music Academy, an online education platform for electronic music production that I co- own with my partner,

Marina. Keep an eye on the academy’s launch date, which will be before the end of 2022! Check out launch updates on our Instagram: @elevatemusicacademy.


Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners don't know.

I was born into a circus & brought up in a hippy community in a subtropical rainforest on the eastcoast of Australia. Both have had major influences on who I am as a person and in my music.

Q: Last but not least, do you have any questions for the viewer/reader?  

What upcoming electronic music industry innovation are you excited about!? I lovelearning what others are getting pumped for!