Russian trio Swanky Tunes’ 2018 was out of this world, or at least it felt like it when they boarded the Zero Gravity flight organised by World Club Dome and the European Space Agency in March. Launching off on a parabolic flight that simulates the sensation of weightlessness, they joined Timmy Trumpet and a cast of celebrities for the world’s first gravity-free party. Space, the final frontier, may not be far off.
Back on terra firma they’ve been celebrating their Russian heritage, using their standing to usher in the next generation of talent by teaming up with countrymen Going Deeper and Rompasso as Russian Roulette, unveiling the super-group at Don Diablo’s Hexagon Stage on Tomorrowland's hallowed grounds. Alongside this they collaborated with various Russian artists, most recently national hip-hop star Vlady whose new album they make an appearance on.
Momentously, the year also marked the 21st anniversary of when Vadim, Dmitry and Stanislav joined together as a group, probably making Swanky Tunes older than some of their fans. How’s that for longevity?
Do you submit your DJ setlists to the relevant royalties collecting society?
“They are frequently at big events and festivals. So yes, we submit our playlist when requested.”
What more can we do to combat the mental health crisis in our scene?
“Depression and other mental issues affect many people around the world. Of course, these problems should be cared for by professional doctors, but we also have to be more educated and ready to recognise when someone needs help.”
Are you personally doing anything to improve the gender balance of line-ups?
“We are not involved in booking line-ups, unfortunately, but are happy to see the entertainment industry becoming multi-gender.”
What changes have you made this year to be more environmentally friendly?
“For now, we're trying to choose airlines with less CO2 emissions. And if there's a chance to travel by train instead of a plane, we always take a train.”
What was your favourite toy when you were kids?
“Model cars and electric railways.”
What's your guilty pleasure?
“We're just living our lives and enjoying everything with no guilt.”
