Glitterbox - Dr Packer
The global phenomenon Glitterbox is returning to Australia for the first time in over 3 years! Specialising in the golden era of disco, contemporary house and club anthems, Glitterbox is set to deliver the energy it’s known and loved for with the worldwide brand eager to make up for lost time. January sees Glitterbox hitting venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth & Brisbane with a lineup that includes big international names as well as some of our best local talent. MFA caught up with some of the Glitterbox artists to ask them about what fans can look forward to and who their keen to see. First up…local legend Dr Packer.
You have been announced as one of the Artists performing in the Glitterbox series, which is heading to Australia in January 2023, are you excited to be a part of this globally renowned nightlife phenomenon?
Most definitely! My journey with Glitterbox began in 2016 and with the recent pandemic slowing things down it’s going to be great to get back into the swing of things for sure.
Are you glad to be getting back to performing in front of real crowds after the craziness of the last few years?
Yes, 100%. 2020 and 2021 were certainly challenging times for us all and I am so glad to see the back of it all.
How do you prepare yourself for not only the travel involved in an international tour but also the almost back-to-back shows?
Music wise I always allocate 2 days before flying out to arrange my music in Rekord Box and my USB sticks etc… Once that is sorted I pack my case and try to get a good night's rest before all the sleepless nights begin haha.
“I can’t wait to play a few originals I have been working on and the usual Packer Remixes”
What can fans expect from your upcoming performances at Glitterbox?
Lots of Fresh new material which I can’t wait to play, a few originals I have been working on and the usual Packer Remixes and Edits you’d expect from me.
What's your go-to song to fill the dance floor quickly? Do these vary from state to state and country to country?
My recent Remix of ‘Jamiroquai – Space Cowboy’ always delivers on almost every crowd I’ve played to, there is a real magical vibe in that song that really connects with everybody and never lets me down.
Apart from your own, who's set are you most looking forward to seeing of the Glitterbox lineup?
Natasha Diggs as I have never seen her live before and she plays 7’’ vinyl which means she has to be the coolest chick ever right? Simon Dunmore’s set I’m sure will also be very special as I believe this is part of his retirement tour.
“I’ve always wanted to produce a track with ‘Late Nite Tuff Guy’ as he is the reason I started ‘Dr Packer’ so Cam if you are reading this…… wink wink nudge nudge =) ”
If you could collaborate with any artist off the extensive line-up, who would it be and why?
Well, I have already sort of collaborated with Simon Dunmore when I produced my 2 ‘Different Strokes’ albums for Glitterbox, these were all under his guidance and A&R experience which felt like I was working closely alongside him. I’ve always wanted to produce a track with ‘Late Nite Tuff Guy’ as he is the reason I started ‘Dr Packer’ so Cam if you are reading this…… wink wink nudge nudge =)
Will you be “fangirling” over any of the international guests coming for Glitterbox?
I’m quite shy and not really a drop to the knees omg type person but the previously mentioned ‘Natasha Diggs’ will no doubt get me grooving and asking for a selfie haha
Are there any of the local artists that are making up the Glitterbox line-up you are particularly keen to hear?
John Course & Matt Campbell’s sets will definitely deliver so I will hopefully catch those 2 in Melbourne.
What are the best and worst parts of being on a multi-artist bill? Do egos ever get in the way or does it just add to the party?
I’m not usually one that throws my weight around if I am not billed accordingly, I think if you are a headliner then you should be happy with that, I have been caught up in the whole ego thing, Bigger fonts, names above or below me etc… and its not nice, some of my closest old DJ friends don’t speak to me now which is really sad but it is what it is.
Do you find that events like Glitterbox present your songs to a new fan base, including people who may not necessarily of heard of you before?
Yes hopefully as they are a big brand and will, of course, attract a bigger crowd so that is bound to happen.
Besides your passport, what’s the one essential you HAVE to take on the tour, especially on an overseas tour?
My Macbook Air it does it all makes music, watch movies on flights, office admin when required, downloads music that may be sent my way last minute during a tour, I could not survive without it.
Who in your touring entourage or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
It would have to be my agents here and in the UK ‘Trent Grimes, Stuart Balfour at TMRW and Paul Budd at Unity in the UK’ they organise everything , Flights, Accomodation, Transfers and Negotiate Fee’s which I am quite terrible at BTW haha
Do you have a message for your Australian Fans?
Thank you for your continued support, you are the reason I continue to do this and I can’t wait to party with you lot again in 2023
Glitterbox Australasia 2023 Line-up:
Natasha Diggs
Late Nite Tuff Guy
Melvo Baptiste
Simon Dunmore
Dr Packer
+ performances from Lucy Fizz & TeTe Bang
Glitterbox Tour Dates:
Fri 20 January 2023 - Chasers, Melbourne
Tickets: Melbourne
Sat 21 January 2023 - Studio The Venue, Auckland
Tickets: Auckland
Wed 25 January 2023 - ivy, Sydney
Tickets: Sydney
Fri 27 January 2023 - The Warehouse, Brisbane
Tickets: Brisbane
Sat 28 January 2023 - The Rechabite, Perth
Tickets: Perth
Interview by Michelle Symes
January 2023