Groove Terminator

The 'new' generation of artists invariably started their careers as DJs spinning records for dancefloors, progressed to making a reputation for themselves 're-imagining' the music of others as remixers, and moved to creating music of their own, first in the studio, and then in front of audiences. Groove Terminator's story parallels that journey. Like his contemporaries, Groove Terminator has no respect for musical boundaries. That background of searching for, and accumlating sounds and samples is a rich training ground in innovation. DJs are only as good as the individuality they impose over the music they play.

Significantly, the music which first inspired Groove Terminator aka GT was punk. The first concert he ever went to was by the Ramones. It's a flavour and attitude GT took into his adventure into techno groove. He began DJ'ing professionally in Adelaide at age 13. Simon Lewicki was nicknamed the "groove terminator" by fiends because the records he borrowed invariably came back worse for wear through over-use. Later, his local radio show established his reputation at the forefront of Australian dance music. In the early 90s remixes for Skunkhour and Sound Unlimited and stints in clubs around the country ensured GT's place as one of the few Australian DJs with a truly national profile, necessitating the move to make Sydney his base.

The release of his own singles coincided with GT adding Big Day Outs (four to date), Apollo, and Livid to his monthly residences at clubs and venues throughout the country as well as touring internationally at least twice a year. He has played alongside all the major international electronic artists including Colin The Prodigy, Carl Cox, Sasha, Paul Oakenfold, Jungle Brothers, Jeremy Healy and John Digweed. The day after performing alongside Fatboy Slim at 1999's Big Day Out GT wrote the single 'One More Time', which features a sample of Fifth Dimension's 'Let The Sunshine In' from 'Hair'. That Big Day Out also led to punk rocker Cameron Baines being invited to play guitar and sing on 'Not Everything', another track on Groove Terminator's debut album, 'Road Kill'. Adding to the diversity of the album is a cover Duran Duran's "Notorious," originally recorded for the Duran Duran tribute album and one of five tracks on 'Road Kill' with vocals by GT himself, albeit heavily distorted. 'You Can't See' features American MC Kool Keith (AKA DR Octagon, DR Doom) on vocals. The album was co-produced with Noel Burgess of Vision Four 5.

In the wake of the album's release GT took the 'Road Kill' experience out on the road with a band, adding to his repertoire a reputation as a live act, whether supporting rock acts such as Grinspoon or touring with the more conventional Ministry Of Sound Club Nation tour. 'Road Kill' was released through Virgin France in November 2000 leading to GT's performance at the influential "les Transmusicales de Rennes" festival.