5 Questions

For those in the know, Dino Moran is one of the best-kept SA DJ secrets. Having played on 6 continents, and 36 countries, alongside the biggest names in the industry for the past 20 years, the guy is Electronic royalty. We asked 5 questions, then bowed our heads humbly and waited for the oracle to reply…

Q: What was the first tune that got you thinking: “I want to be a DJ”?
A: Funny, I don’t remember ever deciding to become a DJ. The profession didn’t even exist when I started. I guess I just evolved into this whilst following my obsession with music and technology.

Q: What’s the biggest gig you’ve ever done?
A: As a DJ playing live in front of a crowd, the biggest gig I have played was 180,000 people at the Sydney Festival, which spans 16 blocks of the city centre. But in truth the biggest audience I have ever performed for was the 140-million viewers across Africa and Asia for the M-Net Face of Africa. I played all my own productions from a DJ box suspended above the Super Bowl.

Q: Who is your biggest musical influence?
A: Hmm… that’s a difficult one. Underworld is my favourite electronic band and I have been inspired by their production, but Johnny Clegg has had a really big influence on my taste and ambitions. Danny Rampling has been a great friend and mentor.

Q: What’s your take on the technology available to DJs today?
A: I have a love/hate relationship with the new DJ technologies. I love the creative possibilities that are now available through mixing on multiple decks, controllers and FX, but I really hate the auto mix features that allow anyone with a PC to sell themselves as a DJ.

Q: What was your biggest PLAYBOY moment?
A: It was in the 80s when PLAYBOY deoderant sponsored the Hobie Cat national championships and I had just discovered booze and women. I thought I was in heaven sailing all day and partying like a Rockstar all night. (TH)

To listen to Dino Moran’s mixes, shoot on over to http://soundcloud.comdino-moran and go wild!