When did your love of music really start?
I’ve loved music as far back as I can remember – Mum says I when I was four years old, I was always fascinated by our old hi-fi system in the lounge room.  When I turned six, I was given a tape recorder for my birthday and I would record all my favourite songs off the radio.  I purchased my first single when I was seven.
 
Where did you first play and what was it like?
My first Djing gig ever was a friend’s 16th birthday party.  My first club gig was two years later at a place called The Old Lion Underground, in Melbourne Street, North Adelaide.  I played an hour set composed of mostly imported Eurobeat and Hi-Nrg dance music (which was big back then) and some Chicago House (house music was a new genre of dance at the time).
 
Where do you think the music scene is going in Darwin?
I’ve seen Darwin’s dance music scene go from strength to strength since I started playing here in 2001.  Back then, the majority of DJs played harder styles of dance, whereas today, DJs prefer to play house and electro.  This is representative of what is happening around much of Australia and its good to see that Darwin is following suit.  Promoters need to put on more big shows regularly, and independently of the nightclubs, so we can get the truly big artists over here.
 
What is your biggest DJ tip?
Read the crowd, play what they want to hear.  Don’t get too self-indulgent.  What you think is your favourite track may not necessarily be a favourite of the crowd, and vice-versa.  The crowd aren’t there to hear you mix, they’re there to here you mix their favourite tunes.
 
Where are you playing now?
Mondays and Thursdays at The Lost Arc.  Fridays at Discovery.  Saturdays at Throb.  Occasionally, I play back in my hometown Adelaide when I go down there to visit family and friends.
 
What have been some of your biggest professional highlights?
(1)     Playing for Janet Jackson’s entourage after her Adelaide concert in 1997.  Due to security reasons, Janet was stuck in the DJ console with me all night!
(2)     Starting Fresh FM in Adelaide, and working as its music and program director for the first seven years of its broadcast, and compiling the first eight CDs for the station.
(3)     Being recognised by my peers for my contribution to the Adelaide dance music scene at the 2004 S.A. Dance Music Awards.
 
Do you have any advice for young up and coming DJs?
Never give up.  If you’re passionate about what you want in life, then reach out and grab it, because its right there waiting for you!  It might be tough at the start, but at the end its bliss.

Adrian Zac is now back in Adelaide "Darwin sends you love AZ, you are missed"