Tango in the Spring: 5-8 October 2012 Canberra Australia

DJ Interview: Michael Hayes

“Michael Hayes is a tango tragic from Canberra. Michael has been DJing in Canberra for a number of years at practicas and milongas including the recent Tango Social Club 10th anniversary milonga.”

…when people’s faces light up and they cannot resist the pull of the music.

What first made you interested in tango DJing?

Bad DJ experiences at milongas in Europe confirmed for me the importance of a carefully thought out music structure to the success of a milonga. Even though such bad experiences are rare in Australia, I realised it was unfair to rely on the few who committed so much of their time and effort for the benefit of many. In short, it was time to step up.

What do you like best about DJing?

The reaction to a well chosen tanda opening, when people’s faces light up and they cannot resist the pull of the music and just have to be on the dancefloor.

What do you consider when selecting music to play?

Wow, big subject. Firstly I play only music written specifically for tango dancing, which pretty much means Golden Age plus and minus a few years. That gives a mega-huge range to play with. Within that range I choose pieces with a clear constant rhythm, no sudden tempo changes and melodies that caress but don’t confuse the ear by drowning the rhythm. I love songs and have favourite singers but tend to opt for the rhythm over the words when it comes to choosing.

Constructing tandas so that people get up with the first song is also important – once up they’ll stay up. With the orchestras I select I try to build an overall structure to the milonga that has a flow, starting off gently with easily recognised pieces, slowly building up to dramatic highpoints then tapering away as the night moves into the small hours. I love the tradition of finishing the night with La Cumparsita and there are so many fine versions available.

Within that overall structure I try to cater to the different levels of dancer and react to how the floor is responding, so it’s a complex process.

What music won’t you play at a milonga?

Music that wasn’t written for tango dancing at a milonga, so that excludes Piazzola (though I love to listen to his music) and anything electro/techno.

How much do you dance when you DJ?

As much as I can get away with, which is usually not as much as I’d like.

What is your current favourite tango piece?

Right now I can’t get enough of Donato’s ‘Se va la Vida’ and ‘Alas Rotas’, both songs with Horacio Lagos, and Troilo’s ‘Suerte Loca’ with Francisco Fiorentino.