SYNTHONY is a Dance Music / Orchestra extravaganza that includes a 60+ piece Orchestra with vocalists, DJs and laser show. After two sell out performances in Melbourne and Brisbane, two further shows have been added for: Perth - September 3 & Sydney - October 8. Mobin Master joins the likes of Miss Connie (Sneaky Sound System), Ilan Kidron (The Potbelleez), Ella Monnery, Andy Van (Madison Avenue /Vicious Records) and Mark Dynamix to bring you a unique experience for the eyes and ears. Mobin took time out to answer some questions for MFA about Synthony, the challenges of an Orchestra show and his label Safari Records

Mobin Master doing his thing for Synthony

Synthony Melbourne and Synthony Brisbane were massive successes and Sydney and Perth look like they will follow suit. You must be excited by the following this series is receiving, especially with such a unique show that you are delivering to sold out audiences around the country?

I am so grateful to be a part of such a huge production team, talented orchestra members, song-writers, singers and musicians who make up this show. I am more than excited to host the incoming debut shows in Sydney and Perth.

How does performing with an Orchestra to deliver a modern musical stage extravaganza compare to your usual shows?

There is no comparison. When performing with the energy of so many souls on stage who are all passionate and excited and to deliver such a special show to the eager audience is amazing. There’s so much on stage to see and hear, it’s on a whole new level, unparalleled to other DJ sets or live sets.

How did you score the hosting gig for Synthony?

Erika Amore, the pioneer of the first show, teamed up with Duco Events to perform many shows around NZ, prior to testing the water in Australia. Erika contacted me via email and we met up to discuss hosting. They actually head hunted me, I thought through NZ recommendations. I was then told they’d been asking many Australians in the industry, who’d recommended myself to be the host of the show. I was and am still honored. The first show for Australia was a huge success, in Brisbane 2019.

Has this new concept of a show come with any challenges or hurdles that you weren’t expecting?

No so much hurdles, but the sheer challenge of hosting such a huge show was underestimated by me. Of course, I am a compete geek and have to do something at 200% of what’s expected. So the preparation was huge: introducing acts, understanding the flow of the show, the tracklisting and order, backup plans for any possible errors, playing the Keytar live, engaging with the audience at the right times, rehearsal days… the list goes on. But it’s so rewarding, it’s totally worth it.

With Synthony you are working with Miss Connie (Sneaky Sound System), Ilan Kidron (The Potbelleez), Emily Williams, Greg Gould and Andy Van (Vicious Records). How has working with some of Australia’s biggest names been? Is it a learning curve or more of a fun camaraderie event?

I know most of these guys and it’s a lot of fun to hang out again. As it’s their first tour, I was happy to provide any assistance to those who needed a heads-up on how it all works.

How do you find working with a conductor such as the internationally acclaimed Sarah-Grace Williams and director, Rachael Carroll, something modern artists rarely get to experience?

They are down-to-earth incredible talents, who are so easy to work with and simply a pleasure. It’s my first time working with Sarah-Grace and I really didn’t know what to expect, but we really get on so well and seem to always be on the same page. We discuss as a whole team how we can improve and progress the show to make it even better than what it already is!

Are you glad to be getting back to performing in front of real people and audiences?

Sure thing. This is a passion project and I will take these particular memories to the grave with me. These are truly special engagements with people, especially right now.

Is any special preparation needed to take the show from the west coast, Perth in September to the east coast, Sydney in October? It must be a huge logistical operation especially in these times?

Duco are doing a fantastic job in coordinating the tour and ensuring that the “show must go on” where possible with safety precautions and protocols in-line with health advice. The artists and the staff travelling can be a risk, but we manage. I sometimes help out with ad-hoc medical advice too, which can assist in these shaky times!

You own your own record label Safari Music, is having your own label been something you have always aspired to?

I never planned to have a label, however, Show Me Love (one of the biggest dance re-makes) was initially rejected by most of the labels I sent it to. I then decided that the only way to release it was independently and for no-one to dictate the direction of my music, so I set up my own label. Safari Records’ second release was ‘Show Me Love,’ the first successful massive cover of the Robin S classic, the rest was then history.

Do you prefer to do the behind-the-scenes side of music or that of being the artist? As I would imagine both come with their pros and cons?

I really enjoy producing in my studio and releasing music regularly. The battles of being an artist and even to this day “fighting for it” can be tiresome. So I am now very comfortable in producing what I love and not worrying about the rest. The measure of success to me, is helping other artists out and making music for happiness.

Is there anywhere you dream of performing at? Or anyone you would like to perform, collaborate or produce that’s on your bucket list?

I aspire to make great music and get people dancing. Interestingly, I don’t have a wish-list or bucket-list as such. I’m not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing. I have often landed collabs with artists I looked up to, which is an honor and something I never expect. I have recent collaborations and remixes with Richard Grey, Supafly and house music pioneer Jesse Saunders.

In your journey as a musician, have you changed? Is life much different for you from when you started out?

It certainly has, with a great new Label manager, my direction is back to where it started in house music. When I started, I didn’t understand my direction, but now I have a defined sound and know how my tunes will sound, still in a fun way.

What's next for you? What can we expect in the second half of 2021 and beyond?

Of course, the Synthony tours in Perth and Sydney with the associated after-parties. Some Mobin Master releases including a Synthony version of ‘Show Me Love’ on Safari Music. Expect many releases by my alias with Kane Rayner called ‘Rubber People.’

MOBIN AND THE SYNTHONY