A dig with 2 dogs

DJ Katch and Dave Dog are a prime example of the heavy electro funky hip-hop styles that are beginning to emerge in Australia. Whether they are working under the guise of the Resin Dogs or for the purpose of this interview, 2 Dogs, these boys have become somewhat an Australian music institution.

Since their beginnings in Brisbane, Katch and Dave have led the way for many, their hip-hop influenced grooves shaping a fresh Australian sound. So who better than 2 Dogs to lead hip-hop and breaks enthusiasts on an historical dig through the good old years. 'An Archeological Excursion' which takes place this month, promises to delve into the roots of hip-hop and maybe create a few more inroads into the hearts and minds of Australian music lovers. I pick Katchs'brain whilst Dave is off doing other things.

For many to love hip-hop is to live it, but there exists a very fine line between living it and being it. Katch and Dave live it, but becoming a part of the hip-hop scene was not in itself a goal, rather a result of their lifestyle. 'We just do what we do, not really thinking that if we do this we are doing something for the hip-hop scene.'

Intentional or not, what Katch and Dave have done for Australia's scene from the ground up deserves recognition. 'We have brought out international acts, put on local shows for local artists, produced beats for local and international acts. We worked as stage hands, pushing boxes for bands at festivals and have even given lectures at schools on drum - samples and djing. I think we were the first band to ever use turntables in 94/95, I never saw anybody on the tour circuit before us with turntables.'

Until now the hip-hop scene in Australia has remained predominantly underground, and as human nature would have it, many believe that is exactly where it should stay, but a growing number of people are now buying into the hip-hop culture. Katch puts it down to curiosity and exploitation. 'Many like to do graff or break, djing and mcing. Then there are others who may hear a track on the radio and as mainstream record companies and big business continue to suck up and exploit hip-hop, many more people are getting drawn in.'

It is only natural that Katch would look cynically upon those cashing in on the scene. 'The main stream is out to rob anything to make a quick dollar for themselves, to them everything is the next biggest thing or gimmick and people fall for it everyday.' Leaving many to have never experienced fine moments such as 'Seeing Run DMC at the Horden Pavilion when Derick B had DJ Scratch for his DJ or having seen Bevan Gee aka DJ Sheep get hit in the head by a mixer at the Qld DMC Comp and then there was Ice T at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney telling kids in the audience that if they were at home in the States they would not be standing next to each other wearing those colours, so don't even buy into something you know nothing about you stupid idiots...It was some funny shit.'

However, in going beyond our instinct to protect what we believe is ours, there exists a real danger of destroying the scenes very essence from within, and it is something that Katch is only too aware. 'Everybody thinks that they are the shit, or their friend is better than the next. Hip-hop can be very narrow-minded and often people are scared to try something new. It's like there are some old school ten commandments that you have to abide by, which to me is all bullshit.' 'I think a lot of the hip-hop audience forgot that it was all about having fun.'

All seriousness aside, there is still fun to be had. Resting in digging for records, (just don't bring any girls) 'Never take girls record shopping with you, that's my golden rule... they want you to spend hours looking for clothes and shit like that but when you take them digging for hours they cant stand it.' Although not the agile b-boy he used to be, Katch still makes it possible for others to lay it down 'I would hurt myself if I started doin Tags