Groove Terminator: I've DJed the world, here's what I've learnt

Hooked on overseas travel since his first getaway to Bali, Australian based electronic music artist Groove Terminator shares his top travel experiences.

The Australian DJ known as Groove Terminator - aka Simon Lewicki - travels the world to spin decks.

I got my first passport when…

I started DJing professionally while I was still underage and never took a break or a holiday until I was 26. That’s when I got my first passport and took my first overseas “holiday” with my then girlfriend, which in the ’90s meant, of course, going to Bali. I was pretty consumed with DJing at the time, but two things happened – I bought a cool “Rolex” for $50 and I got the bug for travelling.

The place that surprised me most was…

Thailand. I went on my honeymoon and it took a lot of convincing on my wife’s part to get me to go as I felt it was such a cliché, but she was right, of course. I loved it. I love the food, the people, the culture, the beaches, the architecture. All of it.

Simon Lewicki (Groove Terminator) wasn't expecting to like Thailand. He was wrong.

The place I have visited most often is…

Los Angeles. I moved in the mid-2000s and lived there for 10 years, commuting back and forth to Sydney so much over that time – monthly during some heavy touring periods. I don’t feel there is any other better place in the world to be if you’re into the business of, or even just love the history, stories and magic of film and music of the last 100-plus years (and if you love cars, being stuck in and complaining about traffic). Magic happens there and I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

My holidays are mostly devoted to…

Turning off as much as I can and spending time being present and creating memories with my family. Right now, with a six-year-old and seven-year-old, it’s all about where has the best breakfast buffet and the biggest pools or water slides for them and the best massages, beaches, room service and restaurants for my wife and me. I can’t wait for our kids to get a bit older so we can take them to some of our favourite places like India, Europe and Japan and also explore new places like Vietnam, Brazil or Jamaica as a family.

The souvenir I always buy is…

It’s all about fridge magnets for me. My favs (being a kid of the ’80s) are Keith Haring fridge magnets from the Museum of Modern Art on my first trip to NYC. They have survived multiple breakups, house moves, storage units and even moves across the globe and are still on the fridge 25 years later.

Simon Lewicki (Groove Terminator) in Krabi, Thailand

The best thing I’ve eaten while travelling was…

On our honeymoon in Bangkok. We went to Issaya Siamese Club. It’s set in an renovated old colonial-style house. The food was divine, visually a treat and the tastes were vivid. All our senses were being bewitched in that exact seductive combination of heat, spice, sweet, sour and honeymoon you want it to be. We were having the full tasting menu. I can still taste the tiger prawns in holy basil pepper sauce and the mulberry jelly-filled cheesecake dome topped with a ruby white chocolate mirror glaze as I write.

Travel has taught me…

It’s better to do it with a mate or partner because travel can be really lonely at times. We don’t get a huge amount of time on this planet and while I relish a solo long haul every now and then, all my best stories are about shared experiences with friends and loved ones. Do as much as possible with them because these experiences are the things that bind us together. I feel to be mentioned as a character in someone else’s story is one of life’s great gifts you only get from travel.

The Parker Palm Springs is a favourite for Simon Lewicki (Groove Terminator).

The best hotel I’ve stayed in is…

The Parker Palm Springs in California may well be my favourite hotel to stay in. It’s every mid-century style lover’s dream. Whether you’re using it as your base for Coachella or having a weekend away, it’s a timeless, tranquil and effortlessly stylish oasis. I always have a smile on my face the minute I pull up to the entrance to the grounds.

I manage jet lag by…

Jumping in the ocean and soaking up the sun.

My travel advice to music lovers is…

If you’ve ever discovered the meaning of life at 3am on a dance floor with your crew or even just thrown your hands up in the air one time at a house party, you owe it to yourself to make a trip to Ibiza at least once in your life. My wife, Alex, had just had baby number two and it was the first time we were going to be away from both our kids since they’d been born. Somehow it had been decided it was a great idea to do “a cheeky 72 hours in Ibiza on the way” to a wedding in Sicily in 2019. We really put the foot on the gas, didn’t sleep much for days and had an absolute ball as you can probably imagine.

Simon Lewicki (Groove Terminator) at Cale Gracionata restaurant in Ibiza.

Flight, cruise, car or train?

Planes generally but the LA to Las Vegas drive across Death Valley in a convertible is worth doing at least once.

Favourite travel companion?

My Kindle.

 Check-in or carry-on?

Carry-on.

Flights missed?

I hate rushing to the airport and usually give myself way too much time so I don’t miss flights.

Passports/visas/wallets/luggage lost?

I once lost my passport the night before I was about to start a tour for Ministry of Sound in New Zealand. Fortunately I’d recently DJ’d for the Australian consulate in LA so one frantic phone call got me sorted a few hours before take off.

Groove Terminator will DJ at the History of House until September 29 as part of Sydney Fringe Festival.

Originally published as Groove Terminator: I've DJed the world, here's what I've learnt