Words by Alex Watts Photography by Anne Moffat To anyone who is at all familiar with Melbourne’s funk/soul community, the afro-headed figure of Chris Gill – live DJ, radio announcer on Triple R’s Get Down and owner of the city’s foremost emporium of funk-associated discs Northside Records – is sure to be a familiar sight. Having held down his spot on Gertrude Street since 2002, Gill has dedicated his time to not only spreading the word about the music that he loves but also to aid the musical community around him however he can. “Basically my role is to spread soul and the umbrella of love and to help facilitate music in town. I just use different platforms for that,” muses Gill. “One of the good things about Northside is its great relationship with musicians. It’s a symbiotic relationship where I will do whatever I can to help promote good music — whether it’s having them play in the store, having them on the radio or selling their records.” This willingness to help is exemplified by his relationship with local soul champions Saskwatch, for whom Gill started a record label — beginning with debut Leave It All Behind in 2012 … Continue reading NORTHTOWN FUNK