DJ Caldwell Melbourne-bound
By Joel Preston
One of Townsville's favourite sons of the nightclub scene, DJ Ashley Caldwell has decided to unplug his turntables and test his fortunes in Melbourne.
Photo: DJ Caldwell is on the move.
Ashley Caldwell said his move to Melbourne is motivated by his goal to progress in the music industry. He said he wants to start playing with big-name DJs and take advantage of Melbourne’s more advanced music scene.
``I think in order not to get stuck in the mainstream music scene I need to have a sea change,” he said.
``I want to start playing with bigger names then try to make a bigger name for myself and get out there and do what I love doing.”
Mr Caldwell began his Townsville DJing career as a way to join his friends on nights out.
``Basically I was pretty crook when I was younger and all my mates were going to parties and drinking and stuff like that and I couldn’t drink because of the treatment I was on,” he said.
“I wanted a way to go to parties and have a really good time without drinking, so I decided I would take up DJing.”
Within two to three weeks of purchasing club-spec equipment Mr Caldwell had received a full-time residency at the Consortium Nightclub.
Photo: On the job at Consortium Nightclub.
The 20-year-old DJ also performed at many other popular Townsville venues and in nightclubs across North Queensland, including gigs in Mackay and Airlie Beach.
``I have played at the V8s, which was quite fun because I got a three-day pass and got to enjoy attending the V8 Supercars and DJing,” Mr Caldwell said, adding that JCU’s Uni Club was his favourite Townsville venue.
``It is so much fun (at the Uni Club). Everyone loves to party and dance. It is just the best atmosphere.”
Mr Caldwell said performing at the Uni Club helped him grow as a DJ and gave him the opportunity to play different styles of music to suit the tastes of its broad range of patrons.
``It definitely gave me a lot more confidence,” he said.
``Obviously Uni Club will be a big part of what I miss about Townsville, but being here for so long there are so many friendships I have formed.
``There are so many people who come to my gigs, have a good time and just show their support by being there for me.”
Mr Caldwell has already found DJ work in Melbourne.
``There’s a mobile DJing service that wants me to do some work for them for 18ths and 21st birthday parties and gigs like that,” he said.
``I have also been fortunate enough to get in touch with Heath Renata whose manager is John Course, the man behind Ministry of Sound Australia.”
``When I get down there he told me to give him a call and meet up and make some contacts from there.
``So once I get good enough with my production that’s definitely an avenue and a contact that will be very valuable for progressing further.”
Mr Caldwell’s desire to further his career as a professional DJ comes from his passion for music.
``When you have a full room of people dancing and having so much fun, sheerly based on what you’re providing them, you just can’t get a better adrenaline rush,” he said.
``It’s unbeatable.”
Ashley Caldwell will be returning to Townsville and performing again at the Uni Club in September.
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