Fed: Australia s a cool place says remixer of pop diva songs

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2000
Fed: Australia s a cool place says remixer of pop diva songs

By Anthony Stavrinos

SYDNEY, Dec 31 AAP - The Grammy award winning producer used by pop divas such as Madonna
and Whitney Houston to transform songs into dance floor hits has jetted into Australia
for the New Year celebrations.

Peter Rauhofer, who was crowned Remixer Of The Year at the Grammy awards this year
(2000), arrived in Sydney mid-week on his first visit to Australia.

There's been a sharp jump in demand for his services since taking out the prized music
industry gong in February, but Rauhofer says his decision to spend the New Year period
in Australia has more to do with a genuine need for rest.

"I haven't had a vacation in three years," Rauhofer said in an interview.

"I said to myself I have to go very far away from every record company and every studio
... where I don't know anybody and almost nobody knows me."

But he says he succumbed to an offer to take charge of the turntables at hip, inner-city
nightclub ARQ (ARQ) tomorrow night (January 1, 2001) in his only Australian appearance.

Rauhofer believes Australia's isolated position in the world leaves it a little behind
on music trends but results in a greater appreciation of visiting artists.

"I've been to some record stores and ... in some ways I did realise that it's a little
cut off from the rest of the world, Australia," he says.

"But I definitely want to come back because I think there's potential here. I think
the people are very open-minded. I think they appreciate everything that comes from outside
and overseas and which is new.

"Here, the people are much more excited I think."

The Austrian-born remixer, who first made a name for himself in the world of dance
music using the name Club 69, started his career during his late teens behind the counter
at a record shop.

After the shop moved into managing artists, Rauhofer got his first taste of music production
by accompanying talent to studios for recordings.

Now he boasts an ever-growing list of contemporary artists demanding his services.

Most major pop musicians see the role of the remixer as crucial in generating demand
for their songs through saturated play in nightclubs and giving their work "street cred".

Rauhofer has just finished remixing the new kd lang (kd lang) single Consequences of
Falling, the George Michael and Whitney Houston duet If I Told You That and Pet Shop Boys
album Beat for Love.

And his work with Madonna has continued. He's currently working on a remix of Impressive
Instant, a song from the pop superstar's latest album.

"Every remixer wants to remix Madonna or wants to have a Grammy (Award). I've done
both now," he says.

"On one side, it's great to have it (a Grammy), but when you have it you ask yourself
'What's next?' It's a little bit scary too."

AAP as/cjh/bwl

KEYWORD: RAUHOFER

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