Local artist profile: Mason Flint

THIS week we chat with fast-emerging Bendigo DJ and producer Mason Flint.

How did you initially get into DJing?

I got into DJing simply by just enjoying music and wanting to share it with people. Since as early as I can remember I always liked sharing music with friends and family and I believe DJing is very similar but just on a larger scale. The Ministry of Sound annuals (1995-present) definitely played a part in me getting interested in dance music at a young age.

How did you end up getting into music production as well? Was it a natural progression?

I got into production after I started DJing. I find it is a natural progression if you want to take your career to the next level. You need to produce music and start building a fanbase. I think that DJing first and then learning production is the best way to go because you learn how people interact in the crowd with certain songs and arrangements, and it helps with creativity and understanding music once you get into the studio.

And now to the age-old question. What do you think is more important in DJing – technical ability or track selection?

I think track selection is definitely more important but if you have the technical skills as well that’s where the magic happens. You can have all the skills in the world, but if no one’s dancing to the music you’re choosing to play, it’s going to be a long night. Playing to the crowd should always come first for any DJ in my opinion.

Can you describe your DJing style? What kind of genres do you like to feature?

I mostly stick to the house music genres when I’m DJing and I aim for long smooth mixes that are always in key. Tech house is my go-to genre and that’s what I play 90 per cent of the time. I love big leads, 909 drums and groovy basslines. I do my best to play to the crowd whilst staying within the genres I produce. I use a lot of known A cappellas to keep things interesting for the listener.

Which electronic artists inspire you and why?

I’m inspired by a lot of overseas artists as that is more suited to my sound. Artists that I look up to include Chris Lake, Diplo, Deadmau5 and Mark Knight to name a few. The fresh sounds and longevity that those guys have had in the industry is really impressive. I hope to be a part of that one day.

What’s one particular highlight or fond memory you have from your career so far?

My most fond memory to date was in December, playing to thousands of people on the main stage at Spilt Milk Festival in Ballarat. It has really inspired me to go harder and try to take my career to the next level.

How pumped are you to be performing at Groovin the Moo in Bendigo this year?

I’m super pumped to return to the Groovin the Moo line-up again in 2023. You can catch me on The Plot stage at 5.20pm.

See and hear Mason along with a bunch of international headliners, well-known Australian acts plus fellow local DJs and producers Tonky, Coach Frank and Deus Sax at Groovin the Moo 23, which takes place on Saturday, 28 April at the Bendigo Showgrounds.