An Oral History: DJ Thane and the Adelaide Dance Music Scene
A phone conversation about four decades of beats, raves, and community
So Thane, let’s go back to the beginning. How did you first discover dance music?
“Well, it’s funny actually - I was completely into heavy metal back in ‘89. Anthrax, Metallica, you know? Then my next-door neighbor introduced me to hip hop, gave me some Public Enemy and NWA tapes that I’d take to school. But the real game-changer was when this mate - who shall remain nameless because he’s a bit of a cockhead - gave me this techno tape. I’ll never forget it, there was this track sampling ‘James Brown is dead.’ I had no idea if James Brown was actually dead or not, but man, that music just resonated with me.”
What was your first experience seeing a DJ perform?
“That would’ve been 1990 at my older cousin’s 21st. His name’s Claude Priori - DJ Kool C - and watching him blend from one record to another, seeing him scratch… I was fascinated by the technical aspect of it all. I actually requested ‘Swamp Thing’ by The Grid - one of the few dance tracks I knew back then! The next day I’m at home trying to mix tapes on my parents’ double cassette deck. That was my first attempt at DJing, and that love just stayed with me.”
Tell me about your first rave experience.
“Oh mate, Colossus in 1995 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre - that was the night that changed everything. I went with Chris Counterpart, Brenton Furler, and some experienced ravers like Kieran and Darren Marsden. The people, the music, the lighting… everyone could just be themselves. There were these performers in suits made of mirror pieces, and when the lasers hit them, light would refract everywhere. It was pure magic. I knew right then that this scene was something I needed to be part of.”
How did you become more involved in the scene?
“I started going to Heaven on Thursdays and recovery sessions at the Big Ticket. That’s where I met Sarah Roberts, who introduced me to all the DJs and MCs like Jules and Andy J. Jules would actually MC my arrival whenever I’d show up - made me feel like somebody, you know? I loved to dance and would go from the first song to the last. I made it my mission to network, introduce myself to DJs and promoters, form friendships.”
You eventually became a DJ yourself. How did that happen?
“I started at Enigma Bar on Wednesday nights, then got my first rave set at what’s now called Jive. By 1999, I was promoting Ministry nights at the Bridgeway Hotel - Thursday nights - and DJing there as a resident. Around the same time, Brenton Furler and I had this radio show called ‘Bass Playground’ on Dance100fm, Saturday nights 6 to 9 PM. Those were good times.”
You took a long break from the scene. What happened?
“Yeah, the early 2000s were challenging. I was trying to balance a full-time corporate IT job with my involvement in the dance music community. Something had to give, and since the 9-to-5 was my secure income, I had to step back from regular scene involvement. I maintained an online presence in forums and groups, but wasn’t actively participating like before.”
And now you’re back?
“Since 2022, yeah. I’m back as a punter and DJ, playing small bars like Roxies and 2KW, private events, even an underground warehouse rave in 2025. I help promote events for Paul Hamon’s Anthems brand and others through social media. Last year I did a house remix of Maxi Priest’s ‘Close to You’ - nothing official, just shared it with a few Adelaide DJs.”
What keeps you connected to this scene after all these years?
“It’s the community, mate. The same welcoming spirit I felt at that first rave in ‘95 is still there. Whether I’m playing the Adelaide Fringe or helping promote events, it’s about bringing people together through music. That magic never really leaves you.”
DJ Thane continues to be active in Adelaide’s dance music scene, bridging the gap between the city’s rave heritage and its contemporary electronic music community.