Peter on the decks @ the Dancing in the Street Series, in Beresford Square January 2000
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Peter Urlich has been involved in so many facets of the New Zealand music
industry that its not surprising to find out that he was a key player in the
local dance scene as well. Back in 1980, Peter had just been through the
break-up of legendary Kiwi rock group, Th' Dudes in which he was the lead
singer.
After a trip to London and Europe, he returned to Auckland full of
enthusiasm for the latest wave of music, the new electronica emanating from
such bands as Human League, Heaven 17 and A Certain Ratio. He brought back a
clutch of vinyl and along with partner-in-crime, Mark Phillips (assistant
editor at Rip It Up mag at the time.), started their own venue, A Certain Bar in an old
DB Hotel lounge bar. This proved an instant success and the two dj / hosts
started a string of famous establishments like Zanzibar, The Six Month
Club,The Brat,The Playground, Berlin and Roma where they created
environments that attracted the coolest people who were hanging out to hear
and dance to the latest tunes being released around the world.
Finally, Auckland had somewhere to dress up and go out to - club culture had
hit New Zealand with a bang and the locals took to it like ducks to
water!! They staged New Zealand's first rave in 1986 in an old warehouse in
the city and in true "underground" tradition, were busted by the Police for
their trouble. The two entrepreneurs also put together the first Dance
compilation - the "YO!" series which showcased the hottest new dance beats of
the time from around the globe. Their reign lasted for almost 10 years and
was undoubtebly a breeding ground for today's scene.
Peter continues his
love affair with music via Nice 'n' Urlich on air and Nice 'n' Urlich Goes
Clubbing. The very popular show can even be heard 35000 ft up as part of Air
New Zealand's international in-flight entertainment. "I try to give people a
little slice of the history of modern dance music..it all came from
somewhere before and I find that so interesting. I encourage everyone to look
back and discover some absolute jewels. That phat bassline from the latest
English 12 inch originally came from a wicked Luther Vandross track in
1979!! Check it!"
Peter's Top 6 of all time: |
1. Rature - Blondie.
2. Just cant get enough - Depeche Mode.
3. Break 4 Love - Raze.
4. The Message - Grandmaster Flash.
5. Dance across the floor - Jimmy Bohorn.
6. Basement Jaxx - Reflex.
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