Young DJ to hit decks at fest

One lucky Geraldton student has been given the opportunity of a lifetime — the chance to perform alongside renowned DJs at the Doofken Music Festival today.

Liam McDougall has just finished Year 12 at Nagle Catholic College and will get the chance to show off his DJ skills at Geraldton PCYC’s music festival, part of Festivals on the Foreshore.

Liam, who goes by the stage name DJ Maddog, lives and breathes music, playing the drums and bass since he was six years old.

“I like playing music; it feels good to do it in front of other people. I reckon I’d do it for the rest of my life — playing music at parties — that’s what I like to do,” he said.

It wasn’t long before the 17-year-old was fascinated by the art of DJing, watching famous artists mix his favourite tracks.

Dragging his dad to an electronics store, McDougall bought a DJ controller, allowing him to mix music together.

“After I got semi-decent at it and knew what I was doing, then I got asked to DJ at Nagle’s Springers (dance). After that, it went on and I started DJing at parties for mates, mixing other people’s music,” he said.

“People like listening to my music; they always come up to me and say ‘good song’.”

Now that high school is over, Liam is planning on heading to Perth to study music teaching.

His passion to help others has been spurred on by his high school music teacher, Josh Crothers.

“He taught me pretty much everything I know,” Liam said.

“He’s teaching me how to teach other students because I’m doing work placement at the school.”

For the past four months, Liam has also been working at Queens Park Theatre as a technical officer, mostly helping out with lighting rigs.

Although Liam is part of local band Spilt Milk, performing at Doofken Music Festival will be his first major gig.

Joining him on stage will be local DJ QBall, Perth one-man orchestra Sam Perry and Melbourne-based superstar Holly-J.

For more information, visit Geraldton PCYC’s Facebook page.