Mark Pellegrini | Interview

Interview by Brooke Gibbs

Melbourne DJ and event producer Mark Pellegrini is set to mark a milestone with Decades of Dance on Saturday, 30th May 2026 at Trak Lounge Bar in Toorak. Spanning four decades of music, from disco and 80s/90s hits to 2000s house anthems, the night will feature Mark alongside DJ Michael T, DJ Andreas, percussionist Jason Heerah, vocalist Joy Soul, live sax by Jarrad Lees, and a special guest. Fans can expect a high-energy journey through the tracks that have shaped Melbourne’s dancefloors and brought generations together.

Brooke Gibbs sat down with Mark to reflect on four decades of the art.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Hi Mark, thanks so much for joining us today. It’s such an exciting time for you, approaching 40 years as a DJ. How are you feeling?

MARK PELLEGRINI: Thanks, Brooke. I’m feeling excited. Honestly, I can’t believe it’s been 40 years already.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Yeah, time really flies. When you first started out, did you ever think you’d be here celebrating 40 years?

MARK PELLEGRINI: Not at all. I thought by my 20s I’d be married, have kids, and that would be it. I’d hang up the headphones and be done. But it just didn’t stop. Next thing you know, here I am, 40 years down the track.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Incredible. Looking back, is there one moment that really defines your journey as a DJ?

MARK PELLEGRINI: There’s plenty of moments, but probably the most defining is seeing the second generation of people I played for back in the day. Now their kids are grown up, coming to clubs and festivals. It’s amazing to see that second wave — it’s a real buzz for me.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: So you’re growing with your audience. They bring their kids along, and you’re introducing a new generation to your sets?

MARK PELLEGRINI: Exactly. I play the music their parents grew up with, but with remixes and fresh energy. It entertains both generations at the same time. It’s fun, it’s great to see.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: What keeps you passionate about DJing after 40 years?

MARK PELLEGRINI: It’s all about the music. House music is spiritual; music itself is spiritual. It’s an escape, a pick-me-up. Finding new tracks, playing classics — it’s that passion that keeps me going.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: You’ve got a Decades of Dance set coming up. How do you even begin to condense 40 years of music into a single set?

MARK PELLEGRINI: I’m putting it all together now — four decades in about three and a half hours. I’m making short edits of the tracks I love, though some get to breathe more. The goal is to squeeze in as many songs as I can while keeping it exciting.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: So, it’s a blend of eras rather than a strict chronological journey?

MARK PELLEGRINI: Yeah, it’s energy-based. I’ll start at a certain BPM, build it up, drop it, and bring it home. I’ll mash up tracks from the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and 2010s wherever it fits. There’s something for everyone, even a few surprises.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: And you’ve got live elements, too — sax and percussion. How important is that energy?

MARK PELLEGRINI: It lifts the night. It just adds an extra element. Live performance draws attention, lifts energy, and makes the whole night feel more alive.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: With a mix of long-time fans and new listeners, what do you hope people take away from the show?

MARK PELLEGRINI: For the long-time fans, it’s catching up and revisiting memories. For newcomers, it’s exciting. Everyone gets to have fun, dance, and enjoy the night together.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: You’ve seen a lot of changes over the years — technology, social media, accessibility of music. How has that shaped your work?

MARK PELLEGRINI: Technology’s been huge — from vinyl to CDs to digital. Social media changed how DJs connect with fans. It’s different, but exciting. And vinyl’s made a huge comeback, which is great. It’s tangible, you can see and share music, which streaming doesn’t really allow.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Looking back, is there any advice you’d give young DJs starting today?

MARK PELLEGRINI: Networking is key. Know promoters, clubs, and bar owners. Social media presence is essential. Learn to read a crowd, back yourself up if a track doesn’t work, and most importantly—have fun.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: And anything you’d do differently in hindsight?

MARK PELLEGRINI: Not really. Mistakes happen, and you learn from them. Everything I’ve done got me to where I am now. Keep rolling with the punches, be true to yourself, and people will support you.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: If you had to sum up 40 years behind the decks in one feeling, what would it be?

MARK PELLEGRINI: Wow. I can’t believe it’s been 40 years. It’s overwhelming, exciting, and still a bit surreal.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: What’s next for you after the 40th-anniversary show?

MARK PELLEGRINI: I’ve got more gigs, festivals, and events coming up. Next, I want to get back into music production and release new tracks. And who knows— maybe even bring cassettes back!

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Any final thoughts for people coming to the show?

MARK PELLEGRINI: It’s going to be a fun night — old friends catching up, new friends meeting, great music, and a chance for up-and-coming DJs to strut their stuff. Just come and enjoy it!