DJ Cadell Interview

New Zealand-born DJ Cadell has been wowing crowds with Nu-Disco and Progressive tunes for years, playing Australia’s party capital, Sydney, time and time again and supporting the likes of Laidback Luke, Calvin Harris and Roger Sanchez. If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the genius in the flesh at Big Day Out, Good Vibrations or Pacha, he’ll be gracing Australia with his presence at Bungalow 8 on New Year’s Eve. With the highly anticipated event set to be a scorcher, we chatted to the man himself about his residency with world-class Hed Kandi and his love of all things music.

Hi Cadell! So tell us what have you been up to recently?
Recent gigs for Hed Kandi Australia have seen me working across the eastern side of Australia with gigs in Sydney at Goldfish and in Melbourne, with NYE also on the calendar as well.

What’s it like to be part of such a globally recognised brand such as Hed Kandi?
It was always a favourite label of mine and to be selected to represent this iconic brand is an honour. I love being a part of such a globally recognised brand.

How long have you been involved with Hed Kandi?
I’ve been working with Hed Kandi for the past four or five years.

Hed Kandi began its life as a Nu-Disco label and radio show back in the ’90s and has now established itself with the high end Dance scene across the globe, opening its own bars, running exclusive hotels events and working with airlines. What can we expect from Hed Kandi Australia in the future to maintain this high standard of events?
I think seeing the brand develop in the Australian market has been very rewarding. It’s such a force with the House music scene and a more sophisticated product that it was always going to be a success here. The artwork and quality of music is always the stand-out and has such huge reach, that tied with the excitement of a Hed Kandi-branded event makes it a winner from the outset.

What’s been your personal highlight from Hed Kandi Australia in 2013?
All the gigs are different and have their own stand-out moments. I think they have all been amazing, no one show is better than the other as they all bring different elements and vibes that make them great.

What’s been your favourite festival of 2013?
I’ve got to say that the DC10 parties have been pretty amazing. Quality music.

Are there any plans for Hed Kandi to team up with any of the touring festivals?
We are always looking to be involved with various festivals that can represent what we do – stay tuned.

Have you worked with anyone particularly interesting this year?
Yeah I gotta say that playing alongside Thomas Gold was pretty awesome. He really worked the decks and samples and read the crowd perfectly.

What’s your “track of the moment/year”?
I really can’t answer that. There are so many that fit into different clubs and floors.. Picking one would be an injustice..

If you could work with any guest vocalist or percussionist who would it be?
I’d love to do a live performance with Shawnee Taylor. Her voice is so powerful.

Have you learned anything new this year?
Get airline lounge membership. It will save your ass when your flights are delayed and you’re sitting around an airport hungover…

What can we expect from your set at Bungalow 8 on New Year’s Eve? Any surprises or guests?
I would love to say I have some huge plans right now, but that would be a lie. It’s still being worked on, but if it comes off then it will be pretty special… Watch this space.