Gooey’s back!
Having been a staple of the Melbourne club scene for well over a decade, the mysterious DJ Gooey, is well known for popping up in some of the strangest of locations, always ready with sets full of underground classics, throwbacks and punter pleasers. Now the clandestine artist has unleashed his latest track ‘Sing It Back’, a track he has created with Denmark’s ReUnited. The duo have re-invented the classic 90s house anthem ’Sing It Back’ and made it dancefloor ready for the current generation of clubbers. We caught up with DJ Gooey to ask him about the new track, how the collaboration with ReUnited came about and whether he will be hitting the festival circuit this summer.
For those that haven’t heard your music before DJ Gooey, what styles of music are your go to when you step behind the decks?
I couldn’t define my style by any one genre, but my go-to tunes are always somewhere between high energy, uplifting and provocative.
June 9th sees the release of your new song 'Sing It Back' which you recorded with Denmark's ReUnited. Tell us about your new song? What can fans expect from the new release?
This is a fun twist on the classic, I knew we had to do it justice and I think the vibe we cooked up works for today’s ravers.
“Gooey my boi, I need somebody to flip this tune into something that everybody can get their sweat popping off to on the d-floor in 2023”
How did the collaboration with ReUnited come about?
ReUnited is my homie from way back, he called me up one night and said “Gooey my boi, I need somebody to flip this tune into something that everybody can get their sweat popping off to on the d-floor in 2023”. Naturally my reply was, “Say no more”.
Was it challenging creating a song with someone on the other side of the world or has technology made it easier than if they were in the same room?
This process was probably closer to a remix, rather than a traditional collab. ReUnited had the base ingredients and I came in and cooked up a succulent meal.
“ReUnited had the base ingredients and I came in and cooked up a succulent meal.”
Were there any highlights or memorable moments during the making of 'Sing It Back'?
When I sent my final demo back to ReUnited and he went crazy for it, we knew we were onto something spicy!
What is your favourite part of 'Sing It Back'? Do you have a favourite line or section of the music?
The part that goes “Sing It Back To Me” would have to be my fave.
Who else is on your wish list to collaborate with?
Alice Deejay, Marlon Hoffstat, Vengaboys, southstar, SM-trax, Armand Van Helden, Barry Can’t Swim, Ewan McVicar, Drake.
Will there be a video for ‘Sing It Back’coming out or do you find them unnecessary in the age of streaming?
Yeah, I shot a video for this, keep your eyes on the internet for it.
DJ Gooey, you are described as "mysterious character", is this an image you have created on purpose?
Yep.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a "mysterious Character" in the music scene?
Well, I’d say the advantages are that you can say things like this in your bio and it sounds a bit cooler. There are no disadvantages.
Are there any appearances coming up where fans can see you playing ‘Sing It Back’ live?
Absolutely! Dates to be announced on socials very soon, hit me up @djgooeyboi96 on the gram.
“I think festivals are where you will see and hear Gooey is in his true element and ultimate form.”
Are playing festivals something you’re keen to do , especially with our spring/summer festival season fast approaching?
I think festivals are where you will see and hear Gooey is in his true element and ultimate form.
You have played in groups before, was going solo and creating that individual artist path always part of the plan?
I have done many different things with many different creatives over the years. I think this was a road I was meant to travel at some stage and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
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?
Shout out to Zac my videographer and director of my music video. He killed it on this.
What's next for DJ Gooey? What can we look forward to?
Soooo much, but that’s for me to know and you to find out ;)
‘Sing It Back’ is out June 9th via Extrovert!
Follow DJ Gooey at @djgooeyboi96
Interview by Michelle Symes
June 2023