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Got plans this Friday? If not, you do now…
Sydney’s own Litmus (real name Chris Skapetis) has the classic come up story that most producers dream of. From spending years honing his craft and distinct blend of house on the city’s dance floors to finding a home in Amsterdam and touring Europe year-round, he’s just about done it all for a simple kid from Hurstville.
As of late, the beloved international export has been making waves across Australia, playing bucket list sets at the likes of Awakenings Festival and Lost Paradise, all while making laps up and down the country with his heralded live show. Of course, however, he’s saved the best till last, announcing his the last stop for Liberty Hall in Sydney this Friday.
Supported by a secret International guest, the show will see Litmus play through hits old and new, with his 2022 EP Plus One set to get a rinse alongside the many unreleased heaters he’s been teasing across his summer tour as of late. It’s no doubt set to be one of the biggest shows of the Litmus project so far, and thankfully, there are a handful of tickets left via the link here.
We caught up with Litmus ahead of his show this Friday to get the drop on his Aussie return, his hectic NYE and just what goes into preparing for the full Litmus experience. Check it below.
Welcome back to Australia! How does it feel to be back under the Aussie sun?
Absolutely thrilled to be back in Australia. I’m just soaking up the sun, and catching up with my family after quite some time. Just enjoying every moment.
You recently wrapped up the year with a set at Lost Paradise; how was it?
Honestly, it was unbelievable. The energy was off the charts. Such an incredible festival experience.
Did you make the trip down okay? I saw things got a bit dicey in that vlog you posted online.
[Laughs] Yes mate, just another day in the life. Some speed humps are always inevitable with the way I operate.
You played the Paradise Club stage alongside good mates Elijah Something and Conspiracy Music. What was it like to end the year with a group of artists you’ve called peers for so long?
Always great to catch up with the fellas. I feel privileged to share such fantastic moments together. It adds that extra bit of special to the experience.
It’s clear you’ve entered your streamer/influencer era. If Litmus had to team up with a brand for a special influencer collab, what would it be?
Hahaha, is that what you call it? Honestly, that’s a great question. It’d have to be a guest appearance with Tracy Grimshaw, I reckon.
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Now, you’re in the midst of heavy preparation for your live set at Liberty Hall on the 19th. How are you feeling?
Yeah, really good. I mean, it’s been a long slog of preparation, long hours in the studio, but it’s really shaping up to be something special, no doubt.
What goes into preparing for a live show?
Where do I start? There are so many different approaches and possibilities. From the combination of equipment and instruments to be used, to the structuring of the set. Leaving room for error and improvisation. Right now I’m doing final rehearsals before Friday’s show!
How does it differ from a DJ set?
Essentially, it’s completely different. It’s all original material from myself, with live instruments and machines. Lots of stuff happening on the spot. The live set will be different every time, regardless of how hard I try to make it consistently the same. I love it this way.
Last time you played a live set in Sydney, I distinctly remember a saxophone. Can we expect any other live instruments this time around?
Yes! The sax will be coming out, of course, along with some guitars and bass guitars, some sneaky live vocals, some jamming on keys. You’ll have to come and check it out for yourself.
What track, whether it be new or unreleased, are you most excited to play?
There’s this jam I did with a fantastic guitarist I work with, Tommy Daniels. I can’t wait to play it. It really gets me in the feels.
Now, you’re a favourite among dance floors in Australia. What’s it like coming back each year after spending most of your year in Europe?
It’s really refreshing and always a pleasure to bring the energy here before heading back to Europe.
How do Aussie crowds differ from European crowds?
Great question. I would say all European countries vary, depending on the weather and other circumstances, but Aussie crowds are always full of energy, which is amazing.
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I also want to touch on your nickname, Kaka. May we ask how you came up with it?
Well, Kaka is a concept my close friend Aaron and I came up with a while back. It’s basically the name of the label I’ll be launching. It encompasses my personality and is a way of reminding myself that we’re here for a fun time and not to be too serious.
Do you have any other nicknames your crew has bestowed upon you?
You can only imagine [laughs]. I don’t even know where to start with those.
Lastly, going into 2024, what are your hopes, plans, dreams, goals and so on? Lay it all on me.
My main focus is to push the boundaries of electronic music. The live show is a way for me to express myself as a whole. I want people to experience it and be like, “Oh shit, this dude is out of control.” Along with that I have a heap of releases coming this year. Expect loads and loads of music, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Tickets for Litmus’ live show this Friday are on sale. Be sure to cop them here.
