This Saturday sees the 500th Episode of The Party Life, a dance music radio show which airs every Thursday from 5PM, and is broadcast to over 22 locations across the ACT, NSW & VIC. Hosted by DJ Fuel. The Party Life originally started in 2011 on 2NURFM, but in 2015 the show moved to its current Newcastle home at RAWFM. The Party Life has attracted some of the biggest local and international Artists for interviews and guest mixes. and the 500th Episode is no exception with the live show being recorded at Newcastle’s King Street club, and including guests Daniel Tonik, Shiralee Coleman, Sabro, and Australia’s very own king of the decks Nick Skitz. Before the celebrations begin we took time out to ask DJ Fuel about this huge milestone, his favorite moments from the last 499 shows, and what fans can look forward to from this super special edition of The Party Life.

Firstly Congratulations on reaching the massive milestone of 500 episodes of your radio show, The Party Life, let's go back to the beginning. What inspired you to create The Party Life? Was there a pivotal moment or catalyst?

Thank you, it’s crazy how quick the years go.. I wanted to create a platform for me and other local artist to have the opportunity to have their music heard on radio, as the music we were creating did not fit the mold of commercial radio at the time.

Was the idea/concept of The Party Life something you had always thought about creating?

It came out of a need for myself and to help other artists I was working with and involved with in the local dance music community. Radio had always been a big part of my life growing up, and music too.. so maybe subconsciously yes.

You started producing The Party Life on 2NURFM in 2011, at a time that was only just seeing electronic music really dominating the airwaves and charts, did you expect the prominence that was to come for the genre?

In 2015 the show moved to RAWFM which provided a far bigger reach for the radio show, how did this move come about and was it a smooth transition? Starting The Party Life on 2NURFM was the perfect place to learn the ropes of how to panel the desk and to structure the show, there was no pressure, but enough time to get things right with each episode. When RAWFM came to Newcastle, it was the perfect fit for my show, I had amassed a hundred plus episodes by then and was in a good rhythm. I went from a two hour show on a Tuesday night at 9pm to drive time 5pm Thursdays the whole RAWFM network which covers the east coast from Albury as north as Coffs Harbour and online and the app of course.

“These guys are playing the biggest festival around the world, selling out their own shows and still make time to talk to radio stations in Australia.”

— DJ fuel

The Party Life has had some huge local and international artists appear as guests, including David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Deadmau5, Will Sparks, and Timmy Trumpet. Is there anyone that blew you away with their presence or talent that you didn't anticipate?

They all blow me away with their genuine nature, so humble yet professional in every manner despite their level of success. These guys are playing the biggest festival around the world, selling out their own shows and still make time to talk to radio stations in Australia.

The Party Life 500th episode guest **Nick Skitz**

Not everyone is a delight to work with, especially in an industry where ego's can be larger than life, are there clients (artists or managers etc) you refuse to work with again? After 500 shows there would have to be at least one or two horror stories?

No horror stories here, everyone is always so grateful to jump on a call and share their stories about the music scene we are all so passionate about.

Is there a highlight or pinch yourself moment that stands out from the 499 shows?

Interviewing Pete Tong was a crazy one, I tuned into his show on BBC Radio 1 weekly for years and to be on the phone to him recording an interview was a little surreal, and I would say that and the first time I spoke with Armin Van Buuren while he was only half an hour away from Newcastle holidaying with his family before one of his big shows here in Oz.

Is there anyone still on the DJ Fuel wish list to appear on the show that hasn't yet?

I’m open to speaking with anyone and everyone, superstars or not, they all have a unique story and are at different stages of their careers. Above & Beyond would be nice maybe… Would love to chat with them, they have done a guest mix for the show but a deep dive would be nice..

“I’m open to speaking with anyone and everyone, superstars or not, they all have a unique story and are at different stages of their careers”

— DJ Fuel

The Party Life 500th episode guest **Daniel Tonik**

The Party Life 500th episode guest **Sabro**

You are a successful Record Label Owner, DJ and Artist in your own right. Was there ever a time you thought of giving up radio and just concentrating on your own career?

It’s all part of it, hosting the show, running the label, producing my own music and being a DJ is about having an audience trust me to introduce to them new music and new artists, the bonus for me there is I can share with them my music too.

How are you personally planning to celebrate your 500 Show milestone?

Reflection… looking back at the catalogue of past guest mixes, interviews & music I’ve played and maybe a nice glass of whiskey. But mostly it will happen on the night at King Street when we celebrate with all the guests and people who have connected with the show over the past 11 years.

What's next for The Party Life? What do the next 500 episodes look like to you?

Keep on going, keep on uncovering more new talent, networking with more artists and giving my audience what they want cutting edge and cool AF music.

The Party Life 500th Episode

Date : Saturday 2nd July

Time : 9pm-3am AEST

Where : King Street – 15 Steel Street, Newcastle West

Who : DJ Fuel, Nick Skitz, Daniel Tonik, Sabro & Shiralee Coleman

Event : https://fb.me/e/2xGswz0Hi

For more info see attached and go to:

www.thepartylife.com.au

www.rawfm.com.au

https://www.kingstreet.club