A life-long passion for electronic music, especially drum & bass, has led Adelaide creative Daniel Jonathon Metelmann on path into the music industry – first as a lighting tech and promoter – that is now a decade-plus long as a DJ-producer.
After gaining experience DJing throughout Australia as well as abroad in Bali and New Zealand as well as international cruise ships, DJ Metalman has released tracks on labels such as Sub Elements Recordings, Let It Out Records, BadKill Records and Demon Tea Recordings.Earlier this year, Daniel was nominated in the Electronic Music category of the 2023 South Australian Music Awards' People's Choice section, an experience that has galvanised his spirit to pursue music full-time.
Recently playing Sub Tropics Festival in Magnetic Island (alongside Mampi Swift, Conrad Subs, Kid Kenobi and others) as well as the Adelaide Rally motorsport event, DJ Metalman has spent this month in Melbourne playing a number of underground parties.
"With a passion for production and DJing, I am looking forward to continuing to hit milestones and further my music journey; 2024 already sees me returning to Brisbane, Townsville, Melbourne and Sydney for a host of events."
For those new to DJ Metalman, what's the elevator pitch for your style of EDM?
Drum & bass is more than just a genre of electronic music; it's a vibrant community that unites people through its exhilarating beats and infectious rhythms.
With its roots deeply entrenched in the dance culture, drum & bass offers a kaleidoscope of sub-genres, ensuring there's something for everyone. From the heart-pounding basslines to the lightning-fast breakbeats, it's a genre that ignites passion and energy, creating an unparalleled harmony on the dance floor.
What sets drum & bass apart is its ability to bring together diverse individuals, fostering a genuine sense of togetherness and belonging. It's not just music; it's a lifestyle, a culture, a shared experience that transcends boundaries and unites us all in the love for incredible sound and rhythm.
How often do you get confused for an actual DJ who plays metal?
Never! I have never actually been asked that surprisingly. My name is Daniel Jonathon Metelmann so DJ METELMANN is my actual name; with a twist I changed it to DJ METALMAN.
How many years did you study (and where) to graduate with a PhD in Good Old Fashioned Fun?
Well, I started my journey off in the '90s rave days; this 'rave' inspiration drives me to this day and definitely paved the way for my life amongst the lazers and love that is the underground electronic scene, starting out as a lighting tech and later becoming a promoter.
What did it mean personally to be nominated in the People's Choice section of 2023 SA Music Awards; how has that exposure benefitted your professional opportunities?
Wow! What an unforgettable night at the South Australian Music Awards. Being a finalist in the Electronic Music People's Choice category was a true honour.
Meeting industry leaders and talented musicians from all over Australia was beyond incredible. It's moments like these that make you realise the immense depth of our music culture here in SA. The passion and creativity shared was nothing short of magical.
This being my first music award nomination in my career, being among some amazing Australian creatives has left me feeling incredibly motivated and inspired. Though the trophy might not have found its way to me this time, the experience itself was an absolute thrill.
The support and overwhelming response from each of my friends, fans and industry connections who voted and have been on this journey with me is something I can't express enough gratitude for. This support means the world and keeps me fuelled to keep creating and sharing my music. Who knows, maybe next year luck will swing by, but for now, just being a part of this wonderful experience has left me overjoyed.
You've released two tracks in 2023: 'Feel That Way' and 'Give Me Fire'; how do they showcase the DJ Metalman style?
Some of my main inspirations in music are Prodigy, Pendulum, Rage Against The Machine, Faith No More, Chase & Status, Beastie Boys etc. Although I could never claim to sound like or be as good as these artists, I try to include a bit of a punk, rock and psychedelic element to my music.
My latest track 'Righteous' was released recently and this incorporates the sub-genre jump up drum & bass with elements of dubstep. While I may still be finding my groove, I am very much enjoying the journey thus far.
What is next from the studio/ what other releases are you working on currently?
With a few projects in the pipeline, I have recently finished a tune that I am very excited about entitled 'Eyes Closed'; this track is very eclectic yet bass filled and energetic. I am hoping to sign this with an Australian record label, so hopefully this will be out sooner rather than later.
Collaborations – are you a fan of engaging other creatives to produce new works?
Throughout my career, I have had great success while producing psychedelic breakbeat working with other international artists; this was a great help to the releases, currently I am in discussions with a couple of my favourite UK drum & bass artists to try and collab on some music – fingers crossed it comes to fruition.
You're signed to a number of labels; what does it mean to have that support to pursue your music goals?
Truly it means the world to have an established label support my music.
Over the years I have picked up many labels throughout the world which proves to me music truly is a worldwide language of love. From Hungary to Indonesia, Australia to the US and UK, it's been very humbling and exciting, but my journey has only just begun and I cannot wait to see where it all takes me.
You recently DJd at the Adelaide Rally... not your usual club gig. How was that experience, especially playing to many who probably don't inhabit the club that often?
I have been performing for the Adelaide Rally for many years now and it is always wonderful to see the reactions of passers by.
It's very much a sort of escalator of people as they checkout the supercars and rally cars – often a group will form to dance and many will sit and watch, so it's wonderful to be able to share my music and electronic music as a whole with the local community that otherwise may not hear these types of electronic music regularly. Kids especially stop and have a look with regular thumbs ups and smiles – it truly fills my heart with joy.
You've had a busy December with a stack of Melbourne shows; what's coming up on the live front and what's the plan for the rest of summer?
Things are really starting to heat up for me which is exciting, returning to Adelaide for an exclusive NYE event at Silvers Brewery, I then will prepare for a host of events around Australia including Jan 27th in Adelaide, then Brisbane and returning to Melbourne for a variety of events with the hopes to reach Dublin andThailand throughout the year.
How does your Psyborg persona differ from DJ Metalman?
Psyborg from (Psyborg & Gigabit) is a theatrical alien persona formulated around the wild world of psytrance and psybreaks – the psy standing for 'psychedelic'.
Adorned with LED light-up masks and outfits, it is a world away from my DJ Metalman alias but still inspires much of my music. Now focusing on my solo career I hope that one day these worlds will collide into something greater than either was alone.
Thanks for your time; anything else you'd like to add?
Please help support my music and reach out if you wish, I am always up to chat, collaborate or support other artists, causes and love an adventure. I would also like to invite you all to join me on this musical journey via my social accounts.
