The DJs of Sensation - Full Interviews - Kaz James, Sied van Riel, Richard Durand & Joop

You have heard the high-lights of the HDC interviews with the DJs of Sensation NYE 2009. Now you can downlaod the full interviews by clicking on their names below.
























Kaz James

Sied van Riel

Richard Durand

Joop

LOTL - Celebrating 20 years of the community

It's quite a milestone when you see your community's main publication reach a life span of 20 years! LOTL is the magazine all of us girls look for the most relevant and up to date information on the stories, personalities and facts that influence our lesbian community.

The Hump Day Crew chat to Amanda Keeling from LOTL about their exhibition at Hares and Hyenna's bookstore as well as their silent auction which allows the purchase of limited edition LOTL covers such as K.D Lang (pictured left), Ellen DeGeneres and Pink. Download podcast here

Happy Birthday Pinkalicious!

Australia's first female only party turns one! And what better way to celebrate than to have none other than the Queen of House Music headlining the party - Inaya Day.

Located in the heart of Melbourne at the Rydges Hotel, the first Pinkalicious birthday bash is set to superceed and be the best party yet!

With DJ's Ish and Mike Evans spinning on the decks, the all female event will look back on the past 12 months and celebrate the growth, the grandure and the standard it has set to be one of the leading Lesbian events in Melbourne.

Event Planner Julie MacKenzie drops by The Hump Day Crew to announce all the specials on the night and all the extras to expect in this party - download podcast here

Inaya Day also stopped by The Hump Day Crew and instead of feeding her strange "Australian" food - The HDC had a go at remixing one of her songs......download Inaya's podcast here.

The HDC talk to the DJs of Sensation

The most spectacular party of NYE is surely Sensation. Not only do they feature some the world's best DJs but thee spectacular staging complete with water fountains shooting into the sky, pyrotechnics booming overhead and mystical creatures enticing the captivated audience.

Sensation parties now happen all over the world but they have chosen Melbourne as one of their venues for New Years Eve in the coming years. The Hump Day Crew in anticipation of NYE 2010 spoke to some of the biggest names to hit the decks this year.

Below are some of the high lights of the interviews with Sied van Riel, Kaz James, Richard Durand and Joop.

Part 1

Part 2

Below is the official post party video:


Check out http://www.sensation.com/

Simon Marlin of the Shapeshifters

The Shafeshifters are made up of Simon Marlin (pictured on the left) and Max Reich. The pair met when Simon signed Max to the Down Boy record label that he worked for.

Musically, Simon found his enthusiasm for house on the dance floor in the late 80’s and early 90’s promoting nights and DJing, while Max got into production via a passion for techno honed whilst throwing illegal raves in his native city of Gothenburg.

Aside from 3 top 10 hit records ('Lola's Theme', 'Back To Basics' and 'Incredible'), they have remixed artists including George Michael, Faithless, Frankie Knuckles, Todd Terry, Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis and Moby.

Throughout 2009, The Shapeshifters have held DJ residencies for Defected @ Pacha (Ibiza – Summer 2009) while also being in demand around the world playing shows from Australia to Canada, Europe and South America to the Far East and everywhere else in between.

Adz chatted to Simon Marlin ahead of the duos' Australian gigs. Click here to listen to the interview.

Adz interviews Santa Claus

Ahead of his annual trip around the world Father Christmas takes a few minutes on Christmas Eve to chat to Adz.

Click here to listen the the interview.

Queen Miss Left Titter explains the real price of The 12 Days of Christmas

As Christmas roles around each year we drag out and dust off many of the well known Christmas Carols. One favourite that always gets a run is the "Twelve Days of Christmas". The song looks at a very lucky individual with an overly generous lover who gets many a gift over the twelve days.

Have you ever wondered how much all this gifting would cost? Our favourite Drag Queen puppet, Queen Miss Left Titter chats to Adz and does the maths for you.

Click here to listen to the interview.

While we are in the Christmas spirit, here's a Christmas prance for you (no, that wasn't a typo):

Father Roger Kelly explains the importance of animals in the Nativity Story

Each year on Christmas morning many people congregate at their closest church to celebrate the birth of Christ. However at The Anglican Church of St James the Great in East St Kilda there are a few additions.

Father Roger Kelly extends an invitation to all people to attend with their companion animals. All creatures receive a special blessing at the Christmas morning celebration as well as have a photo opportunity.

Click here to listen to Father Kelly tell the HDC what to expect.

Your Stars For 2010

Each Wednesday at 710am AEST Stephen Devine, our resident astrologer chats with the HDC about the astrological forecast for the coming following 7 days. Wondering what the whole of 2010 has in store for you? Here are his forecasts for 2010:

ARIES
Relationships will be your major focus for much of 2010. You'll do much soul seraching about the ones you are presently in and be constantly aware of what your emotional needs really are. Mars, your ruler's, retrograde position until March could be frustrating, but use this period to rethink your stategies. June/July has the potential to be an amazing time. This is when you should be prepared to take some risks. Romance should blossom in August. Singles may find significant partners in this month. The eclipse of June 26th grants you the opportunity to review your progress mid year. Act upon your findings The full moons of both September and October occur in your sign. Expect to feel highly emotional at these time.

TAURUS
You'll be expected to work hard in 2010. Saturn, the task master of the zodiac, is in your work zone for much of this year. This will cause you to analyse where changes need to be made. Take affirmative action. Two eclipses on January the 15th and June the 26th will grant you glimpses of your future. Even though it may be hard, you have to leave the past behind. You'll attract good luck by spending time with those you love and by pursuing your special interests. Dare to be eccentric! Romances will sizzle in April and August. This is when you can expect to welcome exciting newcomers into your life. Listen to their advice and refuse to hang on to outmoded ways of thinking.

GEMINI
There will be two periods in 2010 when your fortunes will be riding high. From mid January until early June you should really push yourself and try to achieve some of your longheld ambitions. From mid November on is also when you should be on the lookout for fresh opportunities. Unfortunately the period between these dates does not look so promising. For much of the year you will be extremely conscious of how others see you. By taking this knowledge on board you'll increase your chances of success. Realise that you do not yet have all the facts and be attracted towards people and organisations that offer self improvement. The year ends with a total eclipse in your sign on December 21st. This event will let you see how far you have come and reinforce what you have to offer.

CANCER
There are two significant eclipses for your sign in 2010. Both of these events will highlight the realm of love and relationships. The first occurs on January the 15th, the second on June 26th. Make sure you are open to new people coming into your life between these dates. Be prepared to take on new advice. Jupiter's position from January until June, and the from September, should encourage you to be more optimistic and may even have you to taking a few risks. Don't be scared to live out your fantasies. You'll still be concerned with practical matters but Saturn is encouraging you to discover a work/life balance. Admit freely to your faults and refuse to be held back by friends and family.

LEO
Resist the urge to be impulsive this year. Mars; the planet of energy, anger and frustration is in your sign until early June so you'll have to control your temper. Learn to direct your energy wisely. The eclipse of July 11th will give you insights into what your relationship needs really are. Expect key friendships to hot up, or cool down, at this time. Your most auspicious romantic periods will be from mid January until mid February and from mid June until mid July. Jupiter's positioning for much of 2010 will ease your financial pain. People from your past, especially family, are likely to help you out in your monetary endeavours. Saturn is encouraging you to be careful with the friends who surround you. Check out their credentials.

VIRGO
2010 could prove to be a memorable year for romance. Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, will hot up your relationship zone twice; from January until June and then from September onwards. Expand your social circle, date people outside your usual type or just consolidate the relationships you are in. You also have the opportunity to rethink and refresh recent decisions and committments because of Saturn's return to your sign from April the 7th until July 21st. Use this opportunity to reevaluate your progress. The eclipses are likely to rekindle dormant ambitions, particularly the final one on December 21st. You start to realise what you really want from life. Significant changes will result.

LIBRA
By now you have hopefully become acclimatised to the feeling of Saturn in your sign.The best way to cope with this planet's power is by being honest with yourself and letting go of the past. This doesn't mean, however, that 2010 is going to be all heavy going. From April until the end of July Saturn is not in your sign. This grants you a breathing space from being too serious and staus conscious . Jupiter's position for much of the year suggests that your cache at work will be high. You'll also have a chance to concentrate on romance as two full moons occur in your relationship zone over September/October. You'll be on an emotional high. Late March and April are when your love stocks are high. Make sure you enjoy the thrill of the chase.

SCORPIO
The first couple of months of 2010 may feel frustrating because Mars' retrograde action will hinder your plans. Step back and organise stratagies. After the 10th of March you'll be able to fulfill some of your dreams. Jupiter's position for much of this year should help you to get noticed and grant you added confidence. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Two eclipses in January and June will make you aware that you will need to include others on your journey . Seek out those who can provide you with good advice. If single, the most opportune time to find a significant other will be in April and September/ October. This later period may result in much soul searching as you'll explore what you really requiire from prospective partners.

SAGITTARIUS
From January 19th until June 7th Jupiter's position will cause you to strive for security . Expect to feel protective towards your home, family and finances .This conservative approach will resurface again in the later months of the year. From early June until September, however, your attitude will be different and you'll feel far more outgoing, even confident. Beware of taking unnecesssary risks during this period. Saturn's position for much of 2010 suggests that friends will be a concern. The nature of relationships will change and you may feel let down by those you trust. Late April/ early May should prove a magic time for you and the eclipse of the December 21st will give you greater insight into what other's really think of you.

CAPRICORN
Expect your views to change significantly over the course of this year. The first two eclipses of 2010 occur in your sign which commences this process. The new moon eclipse of January 16th will help you to realise where adjustments need to be made, while the full moon eclipse of June 26th will give you some idea if these alterations have gone far enough. Saturn, your ruler's, position for much of this year will make you work harder to achieve success Expenses will be reined in but remember the importance of fun. Much fine tuning will be done, but by December you'll hit your stride and anything will seem possible. Interesting and influential people will cross your path, affecting your thoughts and methods. Friendships may blossom into romances.

AQUARIUS
Over the first half of 2010 much of your energy will be consumed by relationships. Expect to become easily frustrated with friends and lovers . Many of you will be angling for some type of committment right up until early June. Try to be more patient. Jupiter's placement suggests that you'll experience financial good fortune this year. Houses may be brought and sold at great profit. Saturn's position will make you extremely conscious of your long term plans You'll concentrate on the bigger picture and what your future holds. An eclipse in your sign on July 11th will be a powerful agent for change and could affect your motivations. Make sure you take time out to enjoy the spectacular stars of late February and June.

PISCES
2010 could be an amazing year as Jupiter, the planet of godd fortune , resides in your sign for much of it. Refuse to be held back by your own insecurities or haunted by your past. Realise that you can afford to take a few risks. In the middle of the year even your financial position should be favourable. During the first half of 2010 much of your energy will be directed into organising your life and sorting through wwork issues. Once you have worked on these you can afford to devote yourself to the finer things of life. Love is most likely to be found in mid February and early October. Venus' retrograde actions in October means that you'll become acutely aware of what you want from relationships at this time.

HDC Global Community - Vitaya Saeng-Aroon discusses Gay Life and his radio show in Thailand.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in Thailand may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Thailand with sodomy being decriminalised in 1956, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples.

Many of the legal reforms that benefit LGBT Thais have come out within the early part of the twenty-first century. In 2002, the Thai Ministry of Health publicly declared that homosexuality was no longer to be regarded as a mental illness or disorder. In 2005, the Thai armed forces lifted its ban on LGBT serving in the military.

However in many parts of the country, Thai people must keep their sexuality hidden. Gay Men's Radio Host Vitaya Saeng-Aroon explains gay life in Thailand to the Hump Day Crew.

Please check out Vitaya's BLOG at http://vitayas.wordpress.com/

Frankie Knuckles - The Godfather Of House

Having remixed some big names like Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and Chaka Khan throughout his career, Frankie Knuckles has well earnt his title of "The Godfather of House Music."

The American born DJ, record producer and remix artist has graced our shores this year in his only public appearance in Australia at none other than at Melbourne's elite venue: The Market. He is no stranger to the Commercial Rd venue as it will be his fifth appearance at the club; and his reasons behind why he loves Melbourne seem to be endless.

Aside from an obvious passion and talent for music, Frankie also studied Textile Design which he claims he is happy to do on the side to his music. Joining The Hump Day Crew this morning - Frankie dared not only to be up at an early hour to do the interview but to take on The Crew's 101 questions. See how he went by clicking here.

Catch Frankie Knuckles, The Godfather Of House this Friday, Jan 8 at The Market ;playing a massive 4 hour set from 1am.

Pre-sale from The Market, Bang clothing & Hares & Hyenas.

The Hump Day Crew: Best of 2009

Best of Interviews 2009

Features: Inaya Day, Jessica Mauboy, Peter Helliar, Zoe Badwi, Matt Werkmeister, DJ Havana Brown, Adam Bouska, Jason Coleman, Talia Fowler, Charlie Bartley, Penny Higgs, Hayley Warner, Kim Cooper, Nathan Brake, Jay Dee Springbett, Tracy Bartram, Arj Barker, Paris Wells, David O'Doherty, Rhonda Burchmore, Carl Risley, Nadia Ali, Judge Jules, Jill Bennett, Shaun Proulx, Cathy DeBuono, DJ Mafia, Anthony Defina, Billie Myers, Gina Glass, Cassie Davis, Cory Lee, Mariah Hanson and Queen Miss Left Titter.

Best Features of 2009

Features: Kyan Douglas, Thom Felicia, Jai Rodriguez, Janina Gavankar, Elizabeth Keener, Marlee Matlin, Jack Jason, Robert Gant, Thea Gill, Hal Sparks, Michelle Clunie, Scott Lowell, Sharon Gless and Peter Paige.

New Years Resolutions in Health & Fitness

When a new year dawns on us, it's that time where we set outselves New Year's Resolutions. Whether we want to lose weight or gain muscle, you will find that when making a list of things to acheive in a year, most people will have Health and Fitness within the top three of their list, and why wouldn't you...considering that without your health, you have essentially nothing. However, when it comes to all the myths around Health and Fintess, some of the resolutions set are with high expectation and realistically will take more than 12 months to achieve. Chris from Joy Sponsor Metro Body Fitness stops by The Crew with information and tips on how realistically these goals can be obtained. Certain weight loss tactics and muscle gain does vary from individual due to body type, genetics and lifestyle.

These expectations coupled with false preconceptions can lead to disappointment. Chris, being a Personal Trainer, has trained varies individuals and body types throughout his time: Hear all Chris' tips here