PLATTER PUSHERS | Behind The Decks

Written By Gene Convery

Connor (The Little One) and Jodus (The Big one) first met each other working as Technical Support at The Met in Brisbane. It was not long before the two became best mates and decided to try their hand at moving from behind the stage to Behind the Decks. This journey is only two years ago and what two years it has been; they have played pubs, clubs, festivals and even released some music. The dynamic duo is now looking to take their next step musically journey as they are about to release a new EP and chase some summer bookings!!

Come with me as I step Behind The Decks with The Platter Pushers.

You guys burst onto the scene seemingly out of nowhere, how did it all come about?

CG, JD. We originally started out as tech guys for The Met and GPO, became best mates. Tried our best to teach ourselves how to DJ, and after about 2 years we got our start, playing the graveyard set in Coco (The Met) between 5.30 - 7am most weekends - that’s where we developed a love for house music. After about a year or so, we got asked to join The Met main room roster. Since then, we’ve been spending our time focusing on music.

You had a rapid rise to the top of the scene, how has it been?

CG, JD. We’ve definitely had some insane moments, it’s been a bloody ride!

It’s no secret that you boys have come up through The Met- how much of your success do you attribute to be surrounded by some of the best DJs in the scene?

CG. I think it’s been a huge advantage to have been working in the nightclub scene for a couple of years before actually getting started in music. I have learnt most of what I know from some of the DJs at The Met. We’ve seen international and local acts, learnt what to do and what not to do, and I feel we’ve taken on all that and crafted our career from it.

JD. Without our friends, we’d be nowhere. Brisbane has a pretty great team, if it wasn’t for the homies always pushing us, I don’t think we’d have done half the things we’ve done. It’s hard to make it places in this industry without getting some sort of help; big or small. As much as it’s about what you know, it’s so much about who you know as well.

You have already been on some mini tours, how was that experience?

CG. Oh God… straight up, all the experiences we’ve had have been unreal. The best part about all the shows we’ve done, is seeing the crowd, no matter what city, vibe to our music.

JD. Getting to play in other cities has been an amazing experience. It’s amazing to be able to bring our music to different crowds and show them a good time. I can’t say I remember every show we’ve played… but I heard it was good the next day ha ha!

What’s the 1 bit of advice you would give to DJs who are just starting out?

CG. Don’t get a big head. Honestly, I know we haven’t been in the scene for long, but seeing upcoming DJs being cocky is just annoying. Be humble, we’re all in it together! Another one, learn your music and read your crowd. As resident DJs, we had to create and accommodate our sets around what time slot/or who were warming up for. Reading the crowd is something that comes with time, watch how the crowd reacts and change your set up. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, but it will make you a better DJ.

JD. One bit of advice I give everyone, is start writing music, as soon as possible. Writing and releasing tunes opens up so many doors. It’s not easy, but it’s worth all the hard work once you play an original track to a crowd for the first time. Another bit of advice is to be patient, it’s not a race. Take your time, enjoy the process and most importantly, don’t be a dick!

Who are your current favourite artists?

CG. Current favourite artists would have to be Malaa, Matroda, Jacknife and Lowdown. In my opinion, these guys take producing to the next level. My all-time favourite artist will always be Hardwell. That guy is the reason I wanted to become a DJ in the first place.

JD. My favourite artists in no particular order are Matroda, Chris Lake and our mate, Jacknife too. Not even because they’re great DJs. Because they inspire me and are amazing producers who push the limits with every track.

You have been in so many roles; fans, techs and now DJs. What’s been some personal highlights in each role?

CG. Too many highlights! But being a tech guy, I got to work alongside some of the biggest acts in the world, and help them put on a great show. DJ highlight is simply seeing how people react to your own music. You just get this crazy feeling inside when you see people put on a bass face and jump around.

JD. Definitely the highlight of it all was meeting Skrillex. We’ve met some mad people and done some awesome stuff, but holy shit meeting Skrillex takes the cake with ease.

Your last release was Fears Of The Night, do you have any more releases coming up?

CG, JD. We have loads of new music in the works at the moment. We’re just been taking our time and getting it right. We are working on an EP as we speak.

If you could play any stage in the world, which one would it be?

CG. I will always choose Tomorrowland. I should say Main Stage but I wanna play in that little Rave Cave! Locally, we’ve been dying to play at Chinese Laundry in Sydney.

JD. I reckon Boothaus in Germany would be the most insane place to play. As Connor said, we’ve always wanted to play Chinese Laundry, that place is off it’s head.

We close all our interviews the same way, what’s the craziest thing you have seen from behind the decks?

CG. Behind the decks, I’ve seen patrons just eat it hard while trying to dance, even go as far as jump from a mezzanine into the crowd. As a tech guy, working with big artists, I’ve seen even crazier shit. Things I shouldn’t even say. Smoking it up with Skrillex has got to be up there for me.

JD. Honestly couldn’t say. There is too many. I can’t narrow it done to one Ha ha!

It was great catching up with the boys, they are only going in one direction at the moment and that is up! I can not wait to see where their career takes them, as with all our BTD Family please follow the boys on their social links below and show them some love!

TUNE IN TOMORROW AT 1 PM FOR AN EXCLUSIVE MIX BY THE PLATTER PUSHERS!!