Generik...anything but
Generik ….. anything but
The countdown is on for Reminisce Carnivale , a top 50 countdown of greatest dance music records as voted by the general public. The spectacular will take place in a massive Big Top at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne with a star studded line up of musicians that will not only perform but also take part in the hosting duties during the countdown. Joining such big names as The Presets and John Course will be GENERIK, the globetrotting party starter that has performed on some of the biggest stages here and abroad. MFA caught up with GENERIK to ask him some questions about Reminisce, the Big Top and who is getting his vote.
Voting open to the public in July and not closing until September, everyone has plenty of time to not only vote but also to secure their tickets for this unique multi- sensory production
Reminisce Carnivale is set deliver a true carnival experience with big colour, performers, artists and rides is this your first time being involved in such a multi-sensory event?
I’ve been lucky enough to play pretty much every festival in Australia, but this is going to be my first festival since Festival x 2019 so I’m quite excited to play to people again!
This edition of Reminisce is set to take place under a circus tent of epic proportions, have you ever performed in a ‘Big Top’ before?
I’ve played many different types of stages over the years and nothing beats a big top! Reminds me of Creamfields and The Big Day Out Boiler Room. Time to get sweaty!
Voting for the top 50 is open to the general public, What songs would you like to see in the top 50?
Its so hard to pick favourites but a few favs are Green Velvet - La La Land, Bob Sinclar - World Hold On and Mousse T - Horny, I still regularly play these in my sets!
Will you be voting?
Of course! Currently going through the process now!
What are the best and worst parts of being on a multi artist bill? Do egos ever get in the way?
There are no worst parts unless an artist is a dick backstage but it’s usually all love and extremely fun! Its great meeting and hanging with incredibly talented artists and it’s how I’ve made some lifelong friends!
You are described as a Globetrotter and Chief Party Starter; how does this label sit with you? Is it an accurate assessment of Generik?
Well the last couple of years I haven’t globetrotted lol but I think its fair and funny. I do enjoy a party and am usually first on the dance floor. I love having fun and the fact my job is playing my songs and other peoples to drunk people for a living is amazing.
You returned to Australia in 2020, was that already part of your plans or did Covid force you home?
I came home at the end of 2019 for Festival X and my plan was staying here in Australia. Flying to and from Vegas for shows and spending the Aussie winter in Ibiza but unfortunately that never happened. I’m just thankful I’m healthy, I get to spend more time with my family and friends and that’s all you can really ask for. Plenty of time to go overseas clubbing and touring again.
You have performed in some of the biggest clubs in the world New York’s Marques, Miami’s LIV and some of the biggest and most prestigious international festivals, Creamfields, Festival X and Lollapalooza, a testament to your popularity and star power. Do you pinch yourself some days or was this what you always expected you as an artist could achieve?
Yeah its pretty wild, I would never of thought in my wildest dreams from my first set at ONESIXONE in Melbourne playing indie music that I’d be doing this for a job. I feel very lucky to be able to do this for a job, it’s a lot of hard work that not everyone sees from the outside but I wouldn’t change it for a minute!
Small intimate club style gigs and big stadium events are obviously vastly different in the energy and audiences, which is easier to engage great crowd participation? Which do you prefer? Clubs or Stadiums?
I think stadium style festival shows are probably easier to gain participation because everyone is there for the whole day, excited and just ready to party! Having said that, I love playing club shows because you can literally connect with every single person on the dance floor.
What has been your favourite event to perform at or person you have performed with? what’s been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?
Playing main stage at Creamfields was pretty mind blowing, I really enjoyed my residencies in Vegas & Ibiza. Its too hard to nail down one.
You have joined forces with and shared the stage with such massive names as Duke Dumont and Calvin Harris. Is there anyone you would still like to perform or collab with in the future?
I’m just a really big fan of music so there a million DJ’s I’d love to share a stage with, but I really want to play with Michael Bibi at one of the famous after hours gigs he does. The King of the Afters.
What your favourite song to perform from Generik’s back catalogue?
Probably my latest song Need U with Fources. Claptone did an edit for me and its fire!
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
It was at ONESIXONE on a Thursday night, it was a massive success cause I got asked to come back and be a resident. I was playing indie music, Bloc Party, The Presets, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones.
In your journey as a musician have you changed? Is life much different for you from when you started out?
Not much has changed, my taste in music has developed but I’m still the same happy smiling kid that first fell in love with dance music
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
My management / booking crew cause they allow me to be me and develop, learn and grow and keep me off the streets lol
What is next for Generik? What can we expect in the second half of 2021 and beyond?
I’ve got a bunch of music finished so release that and my record label You Do You has some monster releases coming!
Thanks Generik for talking to Music Festivals Australia
Interview by Michelle Symes July 2021