Double Adapter recently returned home after a hugely successful European tour. Clubbing in Cape Town talked to Dan and Tim about electro music, having a good time and tequila (naturally)
How did you get involved in music? Was it a situation of DJ-ing at house parties and taking it further once the bug bit?
Tim started off playing in numerous bands while I have been dj'ing at parties in Joburg since I was 16. We first dj'd together when a dj I was working with pulled out at the last minute and I asked Tim to replace him. We then started playing at smaller clubs in Joburg together and it kinda just took off. At first it was just for fun and a drinks tab, we never thought that it would get to this level.
Working with family can’t be the easiest thing. How has it worked out for you thus far?
Yeah, it can it can be tough at times.We argue here and there but we get over it pretty quickly. I dont think it's ever gotten to the point where wanted to rip each others heads off.
Being signed is a huge achievement. How did it feel?
Being signed to Griet was a natural progression for us, we had always been friends with Johan from Griet from our band days. We frequently went to Griet parties and eventually started playing at them, we must have impressed them and they decided to sign us, it felt pretty damn good!
How have you seen the electro scene in South Africa develop over the past few years? Do you think it is becoming less underground?
Yeah, it's definitely becoming less underground. Before genres such as electro and dubstep were completely unheard of by the general public but now they are being played on the radio! It's great that more people are getting to hear it and appreciate it.
How does performing fit in with normal life, jobs and studying?
Our day jobs do come first and it can become a little bit tricky fitting it all in, especially when it comes to going on tour. Fortunately people don't have parties on Tuesdays so we manage to get all our work then tear up clubs on the weekends.
What has been your most memorable collaboration so far? Who would be your dream collaborator?
Double Adapter and the Multi-plugs has really been something amazing for us to do and our debut performance at Oppikoppi last year was a dream come true. We would like to work more with MC's in the future and hopefully work more with other producers and bands.
Who has been the inspirational and motivational force throughout the development of your career?
I'd say the people that come out to watch us. We wouldn't be doing this if people didn't want to watch us. We do this for kids who want to rave and have a good time.
Which event has been the most impressive and favourite event you have played thus far?
Grietfest 2011 was truly incredible. It was our first collaboration set with Haezer which I think people had been waiting for for sometime. The venue and crowd were amazing, we won't forget that show for a long time.
Where would you like to play in the future? Any specific events?
I think we have played most of the major events we have dreamed to play at apart from Rocking The Daises however Oppikoppi would be great to play at again.
We heard about the documentary. How was that whole experience for you? Any plans to do it again?
The Doccie was a really great experience, it opened a number of doors for us, but was mainly just an excuse to have our good buddy Matthew Stonier on the road with us. We may do it again in the future if we get to go to an interesting part of the world to play. The doccie is gonna be made into a series of two documentaries. Each about 24 minutes long that will air two weeks apart on MK [channel 324 on DSTV]. We’ll shave it down to one piece about 35 minutes long after that.
How has the “mainstream” attention from MK and 5fm aided your career?
I think it exposed us to a lot of listeners who would have probably never heard of us if not for these mediums. Electro has been an underground thing for a long time and all of our fans previously had only come from seeing us live at shows.
What can we expect in the future of Double Adapter?
More gigging, more tequila, and a lot more mosh pits!
Catch the second half of the Double Adapter 'Adapt or Die' documentary on MK (channel 324 on DSTV) this Friday, 3 June at 9pm.
