No stranger to kicking things off with a bang, from cementing his success at just 18 years old playing to thousands every week for Rusty Egan at The Lyceum to paving the way for London’s current music scene.
From securing residencies at Turnmills for Trade, Glitterbox at Hï Ibiza, and now Ministry of Sound, to collaborating with Boy George, Miley Cyrus and Mary J Blige, and being the official DJ for numerous famous faces, including the Beckhams, he’s done it all.
Hear more from the man himself below and catch the iconic Fat Tony at work this February 23rd, 2024, as he hits the decks at Soul Heaven in Brisbane!
We chatted with Fat Tony about what he is up to this year and his insights into the scene after an incredible career so far.
In 3 words, what can we expect for your Soul Heaven set?
Joy. Togetherness. DANCE!
What’s been your top 3 best moments of 2023?
My engagement by far. If you mean gigs, though, I would say Glastonbury and main room Hï Ibiza are up there, even though I don’t usually rate my gigs out of 10. I just feel blessed to be booked anywhere.
What do you have in store for us this year?
Where to begin! New music, finally! After all these years. Don’t expect one genre either. Really excited to be back in Ibiza and of course I’m so excited to be back in Australia after a few years away.
What music is on repeat for you right now?
At home? George Michael, always.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I don’t really have one. I like to meet and chat to a few fans on the way in,
then have a few minutes of quiet before going on.
What is the most challenging thing about being a DJ/ Producer and how have you overcome/dealt with this?
Anxiety around every gig. It’s about channelling it in the right way and turning it into an asset. Nerves can be good for you.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring young DJs?
Don’t take gigs half way around the world haha.
How has the scene changed since you first started? Do you think it’s been for the better or worse? What advice would you give to young DJs curious about or challenged by the current scene?
The scene always evolves right? We’re all quick to say things used to be better but did they? Everything has its own time and I always enjoy looking to the future and seeing how things change. Yes, you could say now we’re in the era of over the top production and big warehouse spaces but things always go round in cycles. There’s nothing I like more than DJing in a sweaty basement somewhere.
What was your experience being an up-and-coming DJ and navigating the challenges that come with being away from home, friends and family?
It all happened so quickly for me. The “up and coming” part wasn’t there. I just found myself being flown to New York every other week on Concorde at the age of 18. I’d just say to work hard, immerse yourself in the music. These days social media is an important too to get your name out there. I’ve seen a number of incredible DJs fall by the wayside because they just didn’t push themselves to an audience. It’s sad we’ve come to that, but that’s how it is at the moment. When you miss your friends and family just remember how lucky you are to have this kinda job and as long as you treat them right, your friends and family will be back home no matter what.
Tickets are on sale NOW to catch Fat Tony headline Soul Heaven along with an incredible support lineup of international and local artists. After a ten-year residency at the Ministry of Sound, Soul Heaven launched as an internationally branded party at premier locations around the world.
Soul Heaven Events always create a buzz, whether it’s a classy pool party with PurpleDisco Machine at O Beach Ibiza, a roadblock event at ADE with Masters at Work or a boutique event at Pikes Hotel with Francois K. If you love Glitterbox, Defected and just good quality house music and nu disco, this is the party for you!
Kicking off their first show of 2024, Soul Heaven will be coming to Brisbane at La La Land on 23/02/2024, headlined by DJ Fat Tony, along with the talented Birdee and Nikki Carvell, plus local support from Andy Finn, Chantal and Celine Boudel.
Tickets are available for purchase via Moshtiks here:
