Late Nite Tuff Guy is one of the world’s leading DJ’s, producers, and remix artists. Originally from Adelaide but making his mark on clubs in London, Berlin, and every other mecca of the dance music world, Cam Bianchetti’s career has been as extensive as it is formidable.
Ahead of his return to Australian soil for the wonderland of Return To Rio, we sat down with Cam for a chat.
Before he touches down in Australia, we dig to the roots of Late Nite Tuff Guy’s love for soul, RnB and all things disco.
HAPPY: Hey Cam, how are things? What are you up to at the moment?
LNTG: Everything is great. Crazy busy but great.
HAPPY: I just burned through the three Soul Mixes you threw on Soundcloud a month ago. Soul Mix 4 was out there for years… why the big wait between posting the lot?
LNTG: Soul Mix 4 is a typical LNTG mix, in that it’s made up entirely of edits and the mixing is of the standard I traditionally expect from myself.
It was done in 2013 to promote my first LNTG tour of the UK and Europe. Soul Mixes 1 to 3 were recorded some time from 2006-2007 and were done to show my love and appreciation for Soul/RnB music. They were done with someone very special in mind so a lot of love went into creating them. They are most definitely not about flawless mixing, but rather to capture a mood. They are my favourite mixes I’ve ever done.
HAPPY: What sort of place does creating mixes like this occupy in your output? Killing time between jobs? Pseudo-meditation?
LNTG: Well music making, wether it’s creating a mix or doing an edit or making original tracks, it’s always a form of meditation for me. I would die if I couldn’t create.
HAPPY: When people think of someone on the professional DJ circuit, they generally wouldn’t jump to artists like Prince, Aretha Franklin or other classic soul/funk artists as big influences. Where did a love for this music begin for you?
LNTG: I grew up in Australia with a family that didn’t listen to Soul/RnB/Funk, or even Disco. The music I remember being played in the house was always pop, and a lot of the time my dad would play his 45s that he brought over from Italy. But I remember one time they bought a record home, it was called Explosive Hits ‘73 (I still have the record).
I was nine years old and used to listen to it all the time, there were a lot of pop songs on it that I loved but I distinctly remember being drawn to two tracks in particular. Superstition by Stevie Wonder and Ben by Michael Jackson. They stood out from everything else on that record, not only in the music production but more importantly it was the passion in the vocals that really drew me in. So Stevie and Michael were my introduction to black music.
HAPPY: Do you think every DJ should keep as broad a field of vision? Or is there something to be said for diving super deep into a genre or subgenre you’re in love with?
LNTG: I think all DJs should definitely have a broader field of vision when it comes to music. I completely understand going deep into a genre and developing your skills playing a particular sound, just like I did as DJ HMC (House and Techno) and LNTG (Disco and Soul). But to this day I play nights where I change up the music. After all, would you eat the same food all the time?
HAPPY: I’ve seen a few DJs I really like (Objekt came to mind) musing on the impossibility of balancing shows, producing, digging and more while keeping your head screwed on. Have you found the same?
LNTG: The most difficult thing for me I’ve found is trying to find time to work in the studio, my DJ schedule keeps me very busy. I had a great career as DJ HMC which (almost) came grinding to a complete halt and I’ve been given a second chance with the success of LNTG and I never take it for granted. I’m a very quiet and chilled person and am not phased by much. I don’t drink or take drugs so I definitely don’t get caught up in all the craziness.
HAPPY: You’re hitting up Return To Rio this November, have you played the festival before? Who are you excited to see up there?
LNTG: It’s my first time playing the festival and I’m looking forward to hearing Greg Wilson.
HAPPY: What else is in the works right now?
LNTG: Currently doing remixes for various labels. Preparing for my second USA tour as well as my 2019 UK/Europe tour, which looks set to be the biggest yet. And as always I’m still creating an LP of original material which has been a long time coming.
HAPPY: Thanks for the chat!
LNTG: Nice to chat and hope to see you and my Aus friends at Return to Rio. It’s great to be back.
Catch Late Nite Tuff Guy alongside Sasha, Skream, Greg Wilson and more at Return To Rio 2018:
9-11 November – Wiseman’s Ferry, NSW – Tickets
