Spawned from a can of hairspray in 1974, abandoned on the footsteps of Tower Records, San Francisco on the evening of Abba’s Triumphant Eurovision Song Contest win. Years later, he is known as a DJ, producer, all round entertainer.
Philvester’s involvement with music is a lifelong love story. He is one of Australia’s most diverse and talented DJ’s with a career spanning across 3 decades.
The Melbourne based DJ of Italian descent is no stranger to club land; his career has spanned three decades, and his love for music and industry experience stems from his odd early childhood. Philvester’s first encounter with vinyl was when he was abandoned on the footsteps of Tower Records, San Francisco on the evening of Abba’s Triumphant Eurovision Song Contest win. He was later shipped to Australia in a case of Glam Rock vinyl intended for distribution at the Sunbury Music Festival on 1975.
At the age of two, he learned to curl his hair with 7″ singles whilst rehearsing the various rendition of the Hustle on his 8track. Fast forward a few years and he is known as a DJ, producer, ‘Don’t try this at home’ fashionista and all round entertainer.
Trying to pigeonhole his sound is no easy feat given that his sets are eclectic and uplifting; canvassing a wide range of disco, house, tribal rhythms with a dash of northern soul and gospel grooves for good measure. His interest in club culture, political satire and innuendo filter though the speaker cones – while working the crowd into a frenzy with wild stage antics in the booth. Philvester’s diversity and love for music shines through his sets, blending a broad spectrum of party music with shocking taste in clothes. He is sometimes full of class, finesse and strict attention to detail and other times he is just well, Philvester. His performances are original, unpredictable and always a fun experience, with that extra special unique ‘Philvester’ magic.
Influenced heavily by the likes of Sylvester, Prince, Patrick Cowley, Giorgio Moroder, Donna Summer, Abba, George Michael, the Jacksons, the Three Degrees, Queen, Barry White, the colour purple, mirror tiles, glue guns and bad taste in good measures.
Philvester’s career highlights include San Francisco’s REAL BAD party (the closing party for Folsom Street Fair), Sydney’s Sleaze Ball and Daylesford’s Chillout Festival. He has held a string of pearls and residencies at Melbourne club institutions including the Market Hotel, Sircuit and the Laird and currently resides at Melbourne’s most visited establishment – Transport Hotel @ Federation Square. His sets have been described by many as ‘legendary’, ‘eclectic’ and ‘sheer genius.’ Without a doubt, Philvester adds a unique and entertaining dynamic to clubbing events, making his presence fun, valuable and very memorable.
Alongside his DJ talents, Philvester has been known to survive on a diet of sequins, feathers and organza while sleeping suspended from mirrorballs in various abandoned discotheques. His education was derived from re-runs of I Love Lucy where graduated with High Distinctions.
He has also served up an array of personal remixes and edits over the years, which feature heavily on his playlists, creating that definitive point of difference that is known as the one and only: ‘Philvester’.
Albeit fun, YOU CAN DANCE is a vehicle to initiate positive change for our own personal well being. Collectively, we do not need to do a great deal, we simply need to be free and be in the moment.
Madonna’s lyrics have often highlighted and reminded us to dance, sing, be free and true to ourselves.
YOU CAN DANCE refers to YOU – the external, not me – the individual. This translates into you dancing and you being mindful to allow those around you to dance; comfortably, freely and without obstruction or devices. This is why we are sending a strong message to keep your mobile away from the dance floor.
As the sole director for the event, I knew I wanted to do more than throw a party and go through the motions of staging and event. Over the course her career, Madonna has taken time out to remind us about life and taken a stand for our core fundamental values and existence. She has worked tirelessly not only to promote her own career, but to use her success as a platform for change for the greater good and humanity. Her generosity in this regard is why I have worked tirelessly myself to promote the event and remind us all that YOU CAN DANCE.
As a firm believer in the power of three, the opening lyrics of Into the Groove;
“You can dance, for inspiration. Come on, I’m waiting”
along with the 80’s adage of “No parking on the dance floor”
and the proverb “To dance like no one is watching” resonated with me the most when creating the concept for the evening.
Portable devices are like cigarettes. They negatively alter our surroundings, kill the mood and belong in a designated area. They are energy vampires – commanding our attention, influencing us to see “what will appear next” and “how people will react”. The influence can easily become an addiction or obsession, often overriding any regard for the present moment or surrounding people.
Artists and performers often work tirelessly to put on an amazing show for you. They do not wish to be photographed by you over the course of the evening. They are worthy of your attention and you have spent hard earned money to enjoy the experience they want to offer you. If you choose to engage your mobile phone in the evening, please do so in smoking area, rest rooms or entrance foyer – not in the main club arena.
So please join us at Chasers on Friday August 17 @ Chasers to celebrate an 80’s icon who helped us be aware of our own humanity and rights.
You Can Dance, for inspiration, Come on, we’re waiting.
