It has been a long time coming, as Melbourne's underground DJ, Damo Diggler, finally grants his time for an interview.
Diggler, known for his upbeat, energetic and funky tunes, doesn't like to reveal too much of himself or his music, keeping things simple and
under the wraps
like he prefers it. So I consider myself fortunate for his time, but that doesn't mean Damo is going to answer all my questions in full, keeping it mysterious
and in riddles is what he's about, just like his fans, you will have to smoke this little DJ out, even I had difficulties finding a photo and live audio link for you
readers to view. I assure you, he does exist, But nothing comes easily with Damo Diggler, he is as underground as you will get.
Damo likes to mash his skills and talents up, this enables him to express himself in a more diverse fashion. He has had extensive involvement within the
recording Industry, has remarkable skills in audio and computer tech, and is the voice behind radio, now this is one heavy Dj / musician that goes the
distance, a true professional, with an edge.
Damo's priority in life is his number one MUSIC, and why shouldn't it be? its what makes him tic, feel alive and connected with the rest of the world, not to
mention he has a big heart for the people in it. Where it be global warming, violence or poverty, his passionate to contribute and voice these issues when
and where he can, and on a larger scale, what better way to do this, whish is through his music, and he does it so well. And what is he doing that is so
different? Diggler steers away from melancholy songs to bring the crowd into a feel good environment, this instantly changes their chemistry and mind set
into a positive atmosphere, nothing gives Damo more gratification, to know that his fans not only love his music, but he has had the joy of witnessing
change his music has had on people, now that's just priceless.
Kaliopy: You previously had a hand in the record company, how has business changed in the Industry as we know it today?
Diggler: You really shouldn't get me started on this… record companies should never have released CD burners to the general public - they shot themselves
in the foot by doing that… (I won't name them in an attempt to prevent this publication from litigation).. so basically, the record companies have reigned
supreme for the last 30-40 years… they were the entertainment industry… before internet, before video games… there was only records you'd buy and take
home and enjoy with friends… and because there were no CD burners… everyone had to pay for their entertainment… NOW, the money they're used to
having has been sucked down the drain and they're on their knees now… so these days, I do all my own distribution and manufacturing so I don't have to
die my hair and meet target demographics that THEY need to cash in on.
Kaliopy: Working back to back with your music for over a decade now, how has the ride been?
Diggler: It's busy, but most of the things I'm doing are a labour of love… I might spend all week on a project that I end up hating and then never show
anyone… I feel like I've been working the last 15 years and only had 10% of the things I've done exposed to the public.
Kaliopy: What can you tell us about your latest track with Universals?
Diggler: Hah… Sorry no.
Kaliopy: In total, how many releases have you produced? under what names?
Diggler: Umm… 3 LPs, 14 x 12" singles, 6 CDs… all under different artist names… or most of anyhow
Kaliopy: I hear your working with Frankie Knuckles on a new release?
Diggler: Well, Frankie has been asked to do it… who knows if he actually will end up doing the final mix… but if the Tasty CD comes to fruition, then
Frankie is who they know and love… and he loves them too
Kaliopy: What has the experience been like, collaborating with some talented artists?
Diggler: Paul Main, Renee Geyer, Nathan G, Natalie Miller, Andy Glitre, Eric Powell, Kids in the Kitchen and a couple of other remixes for various meant-
to-be's…
Kaliopy: Your tunes are very upbeat, which is evident by the way it effects your fans, what is the driving force behind this?
Diggler: yeah well, there seems to be enough depressing stuff around.. or melancholy songs exploring peoples emotions… I've had it up to here with
emotions, if the doom & gloom preachers are right… should we be singing sad songs in our final days or should we be living the last years partying and
celebrating the era we're all very much lucky to be living in…. even if the doom & gloomiest are wrong… not many species can laugh or even smile… so
let's show off and do what no others can!
Kaliopy: There is a strong background of musicians in your family, care to share their talents?
Diggler: My father could have whip'd anyone on drums… he was also a great guitarist, my cousin was a keyboard player… quite popular with the bands of
the 80s, his father was a guitarist too… and my old man had a record shop which I always used to make messes in, trash his window displays… get my
finger prints on all of the new vinyl… hence why one of my artist names is Finger Prints… that's the only clue you're going to get in this here interview...
Kaliopy: What influences or inspires you in your work?
Diggler: Everything… people who piss me off, people who make me laugh… bad ass scenes from movies.. illustrations… one of which is the Ernie Barnes
picture created for Marvin Gaye's "I want you" album… a lot of early 70s and 80s songs that never made the charts… certain musicians who played on
popular albums… i.e. Larry Graham, Johnny Guitar Watson, Bob James… (but also had their own releases)
Kaliopy: Planning to travel anytime soon, on the view of a new record?
Diggler: As long as there's no earthquakes
Kaliopy: Just for fun, What's your favourite dish?
Diggler: Me no understand english
Damo will be performing live at South Side Hustle at Lucky Coq
Friday nights
New Years Day at Stoke House at Saint Kilda Beach
Cookie Bar on Swanson Street in Melbourne
Kiss My Grass (Music Festival) held at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl
Diggler, known for his upbeat, energetic and funky tunes, doesn't like to reveal too much of himself or his music, keeping things simple and
under the wraps
like he prefers it. So I consider myself fortunate for his time, but that doesn't mean Damo is going to answer all my questions in full, keeping it mysterious
and in riddles is what he's about, just like his fans, you will have to smoke this little DJ out, even I had difficulties finding a photo and live audio link for you
readers to view. I assure you, he does exist, But nothing comes easily with Damo Diggler, he is as underground as you will get.
Damo likes to mash his skills and talents up, this enables him to express himself in a more diverse fashion. He has had extensive involvement within the
recording Industry, has remarkable skills in audio and computer tech, and is the voice behind radio, now this is one heavy Dj / musician that goes the
distance, a true professional, with an edge.
Damo's priority in life is his number one MUSIC, and why shouldn't it be? its what makes him tic, feel alive and connected with the rest of the world, not to
mention he has a big heart for the people in it. Where it be global warming, violence or poverty, his passionate to contribute and voice these issues when
and where he can, and on a larger scale, what better way to do this, whish is through his music, and he does it so well. And what is he doing that is so
different? Diggler steers away from melancholy songs to bring the crowd into a feel good environment, this instantly changes their chemistry and mind set
into a positive atmosphere, nothing gives Damo more gratification, to know that his fans not only love his music, but he has had the joy of witnessing
change his music has had on people, now that's just priceless.
Kaliopy: You previously had a hand in the record company, how has business changed in the Industry as we know it today?
Diggler: You really shouldn't get me started on this… record companies should never have released CD burners to the general public - they shot themselves
in the foot by doing that… (I won't name them in an attempt to prevent this publication from litigation).. so basically, the record companies have reigned
supreme for the last 30-40 years… they were the entertainment industry… before internet, before video games… there was only records you'd buy and take
home and enjoy with friends… and because there were no CD burners… everyone had to pay for their entertainment… NOW, the money they're used to
having has been sucked down the drain and they're on their knees now… so these days, I do all my own distribution and manufacturing so I don't have to
die my hair and meet target demographics that THEY need to cash in on.
Kaliopy: Working back to back with your music for over a decade now, how has the ride been?
Diggler: It's busy, but most of the things I'm doing are a labour of love… I might spend all week on a project that I end up hating and then never show
anyone… I feel like I've been working the last 15 years and only had 10% of the things I've done exposed to the public.
Kaliopy: What can you tell us about your latest track with Universals?
Diggler: Hah… Sorry no.
Kaliopy: In total, how many releases have you produced? under what names?
Diggler: Umm… 3 LPs, 14 x 12" singles, 6 CDs… all under different artist names… or most of anyhow
Kaliopy: I hear your working with Frankie Knuckles on a new release?
Diggler: Well, Frankie has been asked to do it… who knows if he actually will end up doing the final mix… but if the Tasty CD comes to fruition, then
Frankie is who they know and love… and he loves them too
Kaliopy: What has the experience been like, collaborating with some talented artists?
Diggler: Paul Main, Renee Geyer, Nathan G, Natalie Miller, Andy Glitre, Eric Powell, Kids in the Kitchen and a couple of other remixes for various meant-
to-be's…
Kaliopy: Your tunes are very upbeat, which is evident by the way it effects your fans, what is the driving force behind this?
Diggler: yeah well, there seems to be enough depressing stuff around.. or melancholy songs exploring peoples emotions… I've had it up to here with
emotions, if the doom & gloom preachers are right… should we be singing sad songs in our final days or should we be living the last years partying and
celebrating the era we're all very much lucky to be living in…. even if the doom & gloomiest are wrong… not many species can laugh or even smile… so
let's show off and do what no others can!
Kaliopy: There is a strong background of musicians in your family, care to share their talents?
Diggler: My father could have whip'd anyone on drums… he was also a great guitarist, my cousin was a keyboard player… quite popular with the bands of
the 80s, his father was a guitarist too… and my old man had a record shop which I always used to make messes in, trash his window displays… get my
finger prints on all of the new vinyl… hence why one of my artist names is Finger Prints… that's the only clue you're going to get in this here interview...
Kaliopy: What influences or inspires you in your work?
Diggler: Everything… people who piss me off, people who make me laugh… bad ass scenes from movies.. illustrations… one of which is the Ernie Barnes
picture created for Marvin Gaye's "I want you" album… a lot of early 70s and 80s songs that never made the charts… certain musicians who played on
popular albums… i.e. Larry Graham, Johnny Guitar Watson, Bob James… (but also had their own releases)
Kaliopy: Planning to travel anytime soon, on the view of a new record?
Diggler: As long as there's no earthquakes
Kaliopy: Just for fun, What's your favourite dish?
Diggler: Me no understand english
Damo will be performing live at South Side Hustle at Lucky Coq
Friday nights
New Years Day at Stoke House at Saint Kilda Beach
Cookie Bar on Swanson Street in Melbourne
Kiss My Grass (Music Festival) held at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl
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