Darkbeat, seminal tastemakers and promoters within the underground dance scene, have somehow made it to ten years of doing what they do best. It’s a tough gig but with Daniel Banko (Rollin Connection) steering the party boat with skill, Darkbeat have made a mark that will stay indelibly stained on the shoulders of dance party folklore. To celebrate, Banko, Anthony Pappa and Phil K have collaborated on a three CD anniversary release. Phil K (Phillip Krokidis), beginning life at school discos as a young kid, has seen the face of DJing and dance music fiercely evolve over his time on the decks. He has been a pioneer (pun entirely intended) within both music and the technology that DJs use, working with Pioneer to develop the prototype for the first visual and audio mixer DVJ-X1.
These days Krokidis splits his time between work and study (IT security), but DJing and producing will forever be a part of his world.
“I have been at it for a very long time, in fact that long that I can’t even imagine what it would be like not to play music for people,” he says when asked whether he still loves his craft as much as the early days. “I guess when it’s a passion, then it’s not work, it’s simply a passion and you love it. I love it! So until somebody in authority comes and tells me that I can’t entertain people any longer I think I will be trying to DJ.”
Because of his love of DJing, Krokidis is not backwards in coming forward about the pros and cons of technological developments within DJ hardware. “In most cases, technology has allowed anyone with a computer to be a DJ and producer overnight,” he says. “This has flooded the market with garbage music, and shit DJs regurgitating the garbage they heard the last shit tastemaker DJ or radio station play. I know this sounds like something a jaded old fart would say but the thing is, this is how it’s always been, there’s just more of it now because it’s all the more accessible and infinitely ‘cooler’ than back in the day. On the positive side, technology has also given an opportunity to creative and talented individuals to create what they hear in their head, which even 15 years ago, would have taken them wads of cash to realise their visions. These are the kind of people that keep me inspired and looking for new music.”
While there was a small meeting between the trio when planning for this CD, each went about creating their mix in their own unique way. “Personally, my approach with mix CDs is to try and put something together that will both be listenable and come across well in your car or your home and try to pick music that I believe can stand the test of time,” he says.
Any anniversary creates a scenario whereby people begin to look back and assess their past journey. Ten years for Darkbeat is no different and Krokidis’ answer as to why Darkbeat has done so well is simple. “Dan works really hard and long hours and he puts his balls on the line and has, every time he has a party,” he says. “Also, he books a wide variety of acts which appeal to different audiences.”
It’s even harder to avoid nostalgia and greater cultural observations when someone has been involved in a scene for so long and it would be remiss to not ask Krokidis about the changes he has witnessed on the dance music scene since the days of early ’80s discos and ’90s clunky synths.
“The instruments have changed, tastes in fashion and sound certainly have, and people’s choice of poisons have changed, but the aim of the game remains the same – people just want to go out on the weekend to dance and have a good time with their friends to forget about whatever they need to forget about,” he says. “This will never change and I feel honoured that so many people have allowed me to entertain them with music that I have been passionate about at any given time over the last couple of decades.”
BY KRISSI WEISS
