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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
57
Will Sparks
1
When Will Sparks tells us he “hasn’t stopped touring” this year, we very much believe him. His action-packed tour diary kicked into action on January 5th and barely stopped, taking in dozens of dates across his native Australia as well as stops in the UK, America, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Thailand, Greece, Sweden, Croatia, Italy and many, many more. 
That’s a testament to his work ethic and the career he’s forged with his dynamic Melbourne bounce sound, a ferociously funky big room sound that until recently even had its own Beatport genre page. 
In amongst the globe-trotting, he’s found time to put his own evolutionary stamp on the Melbourne bounce sound including the psy-trance inspired ‘Mangalam’ at the back end of last year and the monolithic beats and bass of ‘Egypt’, which saw his music evolve into psy-trap territory. 
“I’ve been working on music constantly, which keeps me sane,” says Will when we ask about his productivity. All the touring and hard work has brought impressive results, including buying his own house. Maybe this year he’ll get a few nights off to stay home for a night, but judging by his tour diary in the last few years, quiet nights in might have to wait a little bit longer.
 
 
Do you submit your DJ setlists to the relevant royalties collecting society? 

"Management handles this globally for me actually."
 
What more can we do to combat the mental health crisis in our scene? 
 
"We have to make the people aware of how serious this is for hard touring artists. It has definitely taken its toll on me and the only way to get better is to stop. If you have to cancel a few shows then so be it. I think the main people we have to educate is the actual artists. When to say no is really hard. From my perspective, I hate the thought of missing an opportunity. But if you aren’t feeling OK then it’s always better to take some time out, go home and see your family and friends."
 
Are you personally doing anything to improve the gender balance of line-ups?
 
"Personally, I haven’t noticed this to be an issue. It’s up to the booker who they think will make their festival popular for that region."
 
What changes have you made this year to be more environmentally friendly?
 
"I’m well aware of how bad plastic is so I’m doing my best to not buy plastic products. I also never fly private."
 
What was your favourite toy when you were a kid?
 
"I had a Logan toy from X-Men. I loved it until a kid from school broke it!"
 
What’s your guilty pleasure?

"Burgers."