Generik Interview

Tyson O’Brien, better known as Generik, is always described as one of the coolest guys in house music, travelling to cool places and playing to cool people. Besides his shirts and shades, he is currently on everyone’s lips for his ARIA Club Chart number one hit, ‘The Weekend’. A DJ that lives for it, it was inevitable that he would create a track dedicated to the end of the week. Speaking to us from his studio in Fitzroy, Melbourne, he tells us of his love for his favourite time of the week.

“I’ve had a million great weekends, but I dare say the Coachella music festival is probably my favourite weekend of the year. Heading out to Palm Springs, watching some of the best acts in the world play not to mention there are a few good after parties to kick on to. It’s my favourite festival and just the best weekend on earth!”

Currently touring Australia until the end of December, Generik’s dates include national institutions like the Full Moon on Magnetic Island and The Ivy in Sydney. As a result, Generik won’t get much of a break this Christmas, which he is strictly focusing on family and relaxing, so it’s a good thing he loves what he does. Playing on Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, he’ll be seeing in 2015 in Sydney, the capital of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“Sydney is the most amazing postcard; the vibe and energy of the city over New Year’s is just next level! You just have to look at the fireworks to see that, but it’s also about New Year’s Day; there are so many cool and amazing parties. Why limit yourself to one night? May as well kick it into the next day too!”

One of his biggest highlights of his tour will be Stereosonic, Australia’s “biggest music festival”.

“It’s a real honour to be playing on the main stage this year. I think I’m going to go a little bigger than I normally would in clubs and I’m going to play a lot of new, unheard music by me and my talented friends – plus LOTS of Aussie music!”

No stranger to Stereosonic, it is where he met fellow DJ Calvin Harris, and embarked on a European tour with the ‘Feel So Close’ hitmaker. Visiting eight countries for 13 shows, Generik pays Harris the biggest compliment.

“Calvin is a massive inspiration; he’s so talented, an amazing producer and a hell of a lovely guy!”

As well as Harris, he also credits Diplo, Disclosure and Duke Dumont for making great music, all of which you can see at the festival this year. With so many big names, we can’t help but wonder what goes on backstage.

“It’s all fun! But no cameras – we don’t want everyone to know all the secrets.” He adds a cheeky wink, which just about cements his fun loving, down to earth reputation.

Of all the musicians and artists he has met, the ones that left him star struck were Daft Punk, for whom he claims he was “lost for words” – something we imagine is no mean feat! However, it is not just dance music legends that he has rubbed shoulders with. Recently seeing the Rolling Stones live on tour, he explains that his “Mum was hanging out with Mick Jagger in ‘87 and then nine months later I was born.” So that’s where he gets that hair from…

Speaking of his mum, not only do we have her to thank for Tyson O’Brien, she also gave us Generik.

“My mum actually came up with the name. She said “don’t pick a name that’s too generic” so I thought I’d take the piss, add a ‘K’ and hey, it’s stuck!”

Watch Generik ‘The Weekend’

Fancy seeing Generik, Calvin Harris, Disclosure and many more? You’re in luck – tickets to Stereosonic are still available!

By Charlotte Mellor
@cmellor_03