Decades of Dance with Mark Pellegrini
Legendary Melbourne DJ & Producer Mark Pellegrini is celebrating 40 years of making music! To celebrate the occasion the deck wizard will be playing a special ‘Decades Of Dance’ show at the Trak Lounge Bar in Torak on the 30th of May, where he will be joined by special guests Michael T & Andreas, Joy Soul, Jason Heerah and Jarrad Lees. We caught up with Mark to learn more about those early years, the upcoming festivities and the special message he has for all his long-time supporters.
Mark, you are gearing up to celebrate ’40 Years Behind The Decks’, how are you feeling about the milestone?
I can’t believe it’s been four decades already. It really feels like yesterday that I discovered the art of DJing. I’m excited reflecting on how far the technology, the music and the craft of DJing have come and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for DJs around the globe. It’s a milestone that makes me appreciate every track, every gig, and every crowd I’ve had the privilege to play for.
You are throwing a huge party at the Trak Lounge Bar on the 30th of May, how are the preparations for that going?
Preparations are in full swing, starting with getting all my music ready. Playing 40 years of music in just three to three and a half hours is a massive challenge because there are so many tracks I absolutely love and want to share. My goal is to take people on a journey - from where it all began, the tracks that shaped me, all the way to today. I’m re-editing a lot of tracks right now to make sure we hit all the highlights in that short time. The process of editing and preparing is part of the fun. It’s like rediscovering the music all over again.
“I’ll be playing tracks that hold a special place in my heart, along with sharing some stories behind them.”
What can attendees expect from the ‘Decade Of Dance’ event?
Attendees can expect a journey through the decades I’ve been active as a DJ. I’ll be playing tracks that hold a special place in my heart, along with sharing some stories behind them. I’ll also be joined on stage by some incredible musicians I’ve performed with over the years – JoysSoul on vocals, Jason Heerah on percussion and Jarrad Lees on sax. As well as two DJs I’ve been playing alongside for over 20 years, Andreas and Michael T. It’s going to be a night filled with classics, remixes, and a surprise special guest to help celebrate the occasion.
How will you be celebrating privately?
I’ll be having a pre-celebration at Trak with family and friends before I hit the decks. We’ll catch up prior to my set, reminisce, and celebrate the memories, the milestones and the journey that brought me here. It’s an intimate moment before sharing the music with the crowd.
Mark, for those that don’t know, you host the long running Rocksteady Revolution Radio show on Kiss FM. Will you be doing a special episode for the anniversary?
Absolutely. I’ll be running a special show featuring classic remixes spanning the years, airing on the same Saturday night as my anniversary on Kiss FM. It’s my way of connecting with listeners and celebrating four decades of music.
“The music style has always been House, but House itself has evolved over the years. ”
With over 455 shows under your belt, how has the show changed over the years? Is there much difference from Episode 1 to Episode 451?
The show has evolved a lot. When I started, I’d feature a few guest DJs, often playing their mixes in the last 30 minutes. The music style has always been House, but House itself has evolved over the years. I’ve adapted by playing the latest releases, revisiting tracks from previous weeks and sprinkling in classic house tracks now and then. Each episode reflects the era it was made in, while still keeping the spirit of the show alive.
You’re on the inside when it comes to radio, do you think the 25% minimum quota of Australian music on our radio stations is a fair number given the ever-expanding talent pool we have in this country? Would you like to see that number increased or even a dedicated Aussie station?
The 25% quota is a fair starting point, but with the incredible talent emerging in Australia, I’d love to see it increased. A dedicated Aussie music station could be a game-changer. It would give local artists the exposure they deserve and let listeners explore the depth of music coming out of this country.
How did you get your start in music?
I was always into music as a kid, playing old albums and 7-inch records from my parents’ collection. I got my start in DJing through my cousin Pino, who taught me the fundamentals. Back in 1986, I began experimenting with vinyl, learning the craft, and playing at house parties and underage events. From those early gigs, I fell in love with the art of mixing and the connection you create with a crowd through music.
“The music coming out of Italy today is next level and I’m proud to have played a part in keeping the scene vibrant without letting the “pioneer” tag define me.”
You are classed as the pioneer of the Italian Cultural Music Scene, how does that title sit with you? Is the ‘Pioneer’ label a heavy burden to carry?
I’m not really a fan of labels. I’ve always stayed connected to my Italian heritage and there were plenty of Italian DJs before me who inspired me to keep the culture alive. The music coming out of Italy today is next level and I’m proud to have played a part in keeping the scene vibrant without letting the “pioneer” tag define me.
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
My first gig was at a social club in the suburbs in May 1986. My cousin Pino landed the gig and we were lucky to have friends and fellow DJs there supporting us. We didn’t have enough vinyl to get through the whole night, so having our DJ mates jump on and play alongside us kept the music going. For where we were at the time, the night went well and gave us the experience we needed heading into our next gig in August.
What’s been the highlight in your career so far, both personally and professionally? And why?
There are so many highlights. Personally, some of my fondest memories are the early Australia Day long weekends between 1989-1993, packing a truck with speakers, vinyl, turntables and a generator and playing on the Mornington Peninsula (Rye Beach) from lunchtime to sunset. Then we’d continue the party at a house or at the back beach. Professionally, highlights include playing overseas in Italy, Mykonos, Abu Dhabi, and running successful club nights for over 20 years, supporting international DJs I look up to. Each experience has shaped me and the music I bring to the decks today.
“Three that really stand out are Heat (1999–2001), Platform One (2005–2009), and Trak (2010–2015)”
Mark, you have played countless events at a multitude of venues, are there any, venue or events that stand out for you or are etched in your memory?
Many venues hold a special place in my heart. Three that really stand out are Heat (1999–2001), Platform One (2005–2009), and Trak (2010–2015), where I had long-term residencies and the freedom to play the music I truly believed in. Each of those chapters marked a pinnacle in my career and my life, and they’re moments I’ll never forget.
Being in the industry for four decades, you have obviously seen changes. Which ones have been for the better and which have been to the detriment of scene?
The industry has changed massively over the years. Crowds, music, and technology have all evolved. In the 80s and 90s there was no social media, so people connected more, and the scene was driven by word of mouth. You had to be in a venue to hear new music, and tracks had a much longer lifespan.
The internet and digital era opened everything up, making music more accessible and DJing more inclusive. Through the 90s and 2000s, venues also embraced more genres and technology kept pushing things forward.
On the downside, after Covid and with the rising cost of living, weekly nightclub events have declined and the industry has shifted. Social media and streaming have changed how people consume music, which is both a blessing and a challenge.
It’s still an exciting time, but much faster paced. These days, being a DJ is not just about playing music, you also need strong skills in social media, branding, networking, and promotion to stay relevant.
“There’s always a new track, a new remix, or a new concept to explore. Watch this space!”
What's next for you? What targets or achievements are you still striving to obtain?
Next for me is to keep evolving as a DJ. I want to spend more time in the studio, releasing new music, and continue pushing myself creatively. There’s always a new track, a new remix, or a new concept to explore. Watch this space!
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
There are countless people working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly - from tech and sound engineers to event co-ordinators and the management team. Their dedication and attention to detail make every show, event and studio session run seamlessly.
A heartfelt thank you to my family, business partners, closest friends, everyone who comes out and supports the gigs and of course, my DJ colleagues who have been part of this incredible journey.
Do you have a message for the all the Mark Pellegrini fans and supporters?
Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. It’s been an incredible journey. The music I play is the music I connect with and it comes alive through the energy of everyone in the room. Without you, there’s no connection, no magic, and no shared experience. You’re the reason I keep pushing, creating and celebrating the music we love.
Join Mark at Trak for his milestone celebrations on the 30th of May, Tickets are on sale now via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/decades-of-dance-presents-mark-pellegrinis-40-years-behind-the-decks-tickets-1984439834966
Interview by Michelle Symes
April 2026
