While the future of nightlife remains clouded by the smoke of uncertainty – with the ripple effect of lockdowns, strict council regulations and financial demands from landlords leading to the shuttering of 65 UK clubs in 2024 – our dance floors have never been more exciting. Inside 10 Men Issue 61, we spotlight a series of DJs that are experts in their craft, taking eclectic sonics born on the British Isles to the biggest stages globally and providing soundtracks to the sort of nights out you’ll be telling your grandchildren about.
A Dr Banana set is something of pure joy. His record bag is stuffed to the brim with old school garage, vocal-led house and disco that routinely impresses crowds across Australia and Asia. When he’s not behind the decks, he’s running a self-titled label and clothing line that serves as a love letter to underground music culture. Nab yourself a T-shirt: it counts as one of your five-a-day.
Dr Banana wears jacket by MONCLER, trousers by DIME, trainers by NIKE
What’s one track that’ll never leave your USB?
Anthea & Celler’s The Playmaker (Dyed Soundorom Remix). It’s a track I’ve had on my USB since I started playing out at parties over 10 years ago. Anthea and Dyed have gone on to become friends of mine.
What track never fails to fill a dance floor?
Stalker’s Silent Kiss [from 1999] is an absolute welly record, dripping with character and UK flavours. The sort of track the reinstates the fact I believe UKG to be the best party music. Stalker is an alias of the producer Amos Bellot, who I’ve worked with on the label.
What makes a great DJ?
There is a mighty long list of things that go towards making a good DJ but some I believe to be paramount are versatility, ability to read the crowd, boundless hunger, digging fresh music new and old, a nice pair of flared trousers and some cowboy boots with a good kick on the heel.
What’s been the best night out of your life?
I’ve had so many soul-enriching dance floor moments but some notable ones would be playing and partying at Closer in Kyiv and Mtkvarze in Tbilisi. I also have very fond memories of attending the Dirtytalk parties in Bristol, which were a real inspiration for me. [They were] always in new, unusual DIY spaces with an amazing crowd of dancers.
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?
There have been a bunch of projects on different tips that I’ve been proud of, from my clothing brand to the record label and beyond. This year is going to be a big one for exciting new projects.
What does music mean to you?
I view music as an integral part of life, soundtracking the good times and bad. It heightens experiences for me and I love so many different styles right across the board. I listen to a lot of ambient music at home, which I find really helps me to focus – I’m listening to [legendary avant-garde composer] Harold Budd as I write this. Some interests in life come and go but I know music will always be a part of me.
What shaped your musical tastes?
I didn’t grow up with a very musical family. My mum liked all the usual stuff – Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc. My dad was pretty open-minded to music and introduced some fairly niche selections from a young age. I was born in 1992 so garage was very much in the mainstream when I was young. On the radio, [they played the] Now That’s What I Call Music compilations. I remember buying #47, which featured Architechs’s Body Groove, which is where my love for UKG stemmed from. My introduction to partying came in the form of free parties in the woods where I grew up. This was mainly jungle and D&B, lots of jump-up! In my mid-teens I didn’t want to hear anything running slower than 160bpm. But in time and with a bit of guidance from my older brother I started going to house and techno parties and the journey went from there.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen from behind the decks?
There have been plenty of wild things I’ve seen behind the decks but one that springs to mind goes as follows. I was playing a party in an abandoned quarry in Cornwall and things were pretty loose – flares and smoke grenades were going off in the crowd, spirits were high. At some point I turned around to pick out a record and there was a goat with its face in my bag nibbling one of the sleeves. It took me a minute to work out what was going on as it was dark and the party was in full swing. First and last time I’ve had livestock in the booth.
What makes a great night out?
Friendly, receptive and respectful dancers. Interesting space. Good sound system. Refreshments available at non-scalping prices. Tasteful lighting and visuals. Job’s a good ’un!
Portrait courtesy of Dr Banana. Taken from 10 Men Issue 61 – MUSIC, TALENT, CREATIVE – on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
THE FLOOR FILLERS
Creative Editor and Text PAUL TONER
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU and SONYA MAZURYK
