The Brisbane dance scene stalwarts are set to storm charity music event, Fortitude From the Valley.
There was a time when Fortitude Valley was at the helm of the Australian music scene. Fortitude From The Valley, the charity music festival that raises money for schools affected by the Bundaberg floods, doesn't just benefit those children; it shines a light on the Valley’s rich musical heritage, too.
Vinyl Slingers were one of the many dance outfits to find their feet in the Valley. With a career spanning over ten years, the group traces their roots back to the break beats scene in the early Noughties and have worked with tech-funk pioneer Elite Force as well as hosting party nights around Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“The past 11 years have gone pretty quickly!” says Soren Osterman, also known as DJ Rasp. “Certainly as music has progressed, we've incorporated that into our sets and evolved with it but we always try to maintain a certain funky, bass-heavy kind of sound.”
Slingers' longevity may have something to do with their unconventional line-up, which can change with every live show. “In a standard set, we have DJs, percussion, didgeridoo and drums and roaming MCs and we've had a local string group. Often if we're at a festival, we have a bit of a chat with the other group and see if anyone wants to get up and join the party.”
The group have enthralled audiences at packed festivals and tiny clubnights alike, and will play the Blah Blah Blah block party after their Fortitude From The Valley appearance. “We love the festivals for the energy and walking onto the big stage. That kind of environment is very much what our group is geared for and we get a good reaction, but nothing beats the intimacy of a small party.”
Audience size and venue aside, it's the Brisbane crowd that DJ Rasp enjoys coming back to. “We love Brissie! Of course it's our hometown, but the scene here has been a great supporter of the music that we push so it's always a favourite.”
Written by Phoebe Hurst
Vinyl Slingers play Fortitude From The Valley at Coniston Lane on Dec 20 and Blah Blah Blah Block Party at 621 Ann St on Dec 28.
