Interview: “Flawless, fancy beats with a touch of sexy funk”- BEATARMY

I caught up with Elster and Darryl better known as the House DJ duo BEATARMY who have recently been signed to Gallo Records (RPM Dance) just hours ahead of the launch party for their second album I Love House Music Vol. 2. What fans can expect from this double-disc offering they say is “some cutting edge Tech House on the one side while on the other you’ll get to experience some Progressive Electro complimented by old school classics remixed by the big guys at The Spinning Label!” Their sound and track selection is also largely inspired by producers like Chris Lake, Alex Kenji, R3hab, Dr Kucho, Stefano Neforini and Jewelz.

BEATARMY is based in Johannesburg and boasts a strong home following in the East Rand, throwing and promoting their own parties at hot spots all over the city and the rest of the country too. Together the pair have decided to split from the rat race and take on a career in the ‘making them people dance’ industry. Being signed to a division of a major record label like Gallo has its advantages and I asked them what it has been like since they got their deal. “From the first late night of ordered-in pizza and collecting wav tracks for the album to the final release it has been amazing. Heath Cordier [RPM Dance A&R] is a legend and great guy to work with.”

While managing a DJ career of your own and staying on top of the latest releases, genre development and sound differentiation, it can be tricky to organise and promote one’s own events with the same gusto. BEATARMY takes it in their stride.

“The three top factors in running and promoting our own parties has to be making sure we have a proper sound and DJ setup, DJ line up and far in advance advertising,” explains Elster.

They also run their own DJ school and get involved in helping other up and coming DJ’s by building a strong rapport with their fans and community. While Elster has been DJ-ing on and off over the past ten years, BEATARMY has been rocketing to major levels of success in the industry over their first year on the scene. Their impressive list of gigs speaks for itself. They opened up the main floor at Nicci Beach for the ‘All White Affair’ H2O party this year.

“H2O was absolutely amazing and is by far the best and biggest party! To have played on the main stage was nerve racking the first time but awesome. To play on a big stage to thousands of people is something all DJ’s should strive for,” reckons Darryl.

They have also been featured [and impressed] on SA’s hit radio station 5FM on the Fresh Drive Ultimix at 6 and Erica Elle’s Studio 55.

So is the BEATARMY a torch bearer for the crazy all out parties?

“We party when we get a chance; we love Nicci Beach… it’s a top class venue but we’re usually gigging on weekends. From time to time we like to go back to the coast for a surf. ”

For two guys with such a love for dance music I just have to find out what’s on the top of their own personal iPod playlists when they hit the gym….

“This is a tricky one,” says Elster; “we download new tracks every day of the week. So we have new favourites almost all the time,” he laughs knowingly. I guess Le Clochard – Heart IK… the original mix and Tell Me Why by Amna, the Tom Boxer and LLP mix.

If paired up DJ combos are the future for the delivery of some rocking house then BEATARMY is definitely one team to be looking out for. Don’t take my word for it though… go ahead and check out I Love House Music Vol.2 to garner your own opinion.