What are both your names and where are you both from?
Beetrice & Gretchin... but that was before the operation. Now we go by the names: Baltazar & the Greg. We’re from the city of Johannesburg (South Africa), it’s a few voyager miles south of here.

How did you both meet, and why did you both decide to play together?
Long story but the short of it is we were in school together for 6 years, never said a word to each other. We bumped into each other at a few parties but didn't think much of it and it was through a mutual friend's House Party. There was a lot of booze & the usuals and after having our first proper conversation in 8 years of knowing each other we just clicked.

Describe your musical style? Your profile says it's Blissed 'n Twisted. What does this mean?
Whenever someone asks us what style we play – it’s difficult to explain because everyone’s perception of house, techno or electro is different. We dig so many forms of music ranging from the most intricate warm up beats right through to tough, twisted & energetic electronic beats. In a nutshell, we play music you can party to... 'genre unlimted' so to speak.

On your DJ profile you describe playing in the Ice Box at The Fridge as one of your most enjoyable sets so far. Why was this so good?
It was a combination of things really - First of all - it was the Fridge, when you come to London - you hear about certain clubs like Fabric, Turnmills, Ministry and as far as hard dance goes - the Fridge is renowned with its reputation reaching us when we were still back in SA. It was also the 1st Major club we went to after arriving in London 3 years ago. So it got us psyched just thinking about playing there. We had many of our closest friends down for that one as well which really made it quite special. There is no better feeling than opening the floor & rocking it from nothing. It was our first major gig & we were on a natural high for weeks afterwards.

What other cool gigs have you played recently? And have you got anything lined up for the future?
Playtime at the Egg is definitely one that stands out. We played for Bar Riot at the End which was an awesome experience and we co-hosted one of the rooms at HHA which was loads of fun too. Coming up we’ve got a different kind of set planned for Kurruption at Hidden (formerly Studio 33) on the 12th where we’re playing between 2 Live Bands, Aston Harvey from the Freestylers is also playing there so should definitely be a wicked night. Then we've got our Main Room Debut set at the Fridge for Innovate on the 19th which of course we’re really psyched for. Sure to be one of our personal highlights of 2005. Also playing with Tim Sheridan and the Ignition crew at Inigo Bar on the 25th. This is also a big one for us so November is keeping us quite busy. 1st Week in December will be Balt's birthday week-ender where we're warming up for Playtime again on the Friday and at a new event called "Yes" at Hidden on the Saturday. That leaves us with the rest of December to Chillax which we'll definitely need before our NYE Bash with ONE (our Monthly Residency).
For the First 3 Months of Next year - we'll be taking a break from playing out so we can spend time in the studio. But look out for one of our Comfortably Numbed events around February/March time.

What makes you stand out from the crowd?
Between wearing permed wigs & crushed red, velvet pimp suits, - don't know really. We'd like to think it's our music and not because we act like retarded specimens of the Rice Paddies in Ghandah. We just try to do things a little different musically and put on a bit of a show to get people involved, it’s all about having fun really!

What is the best drink for DJs to drink, and why?
EXCESS SEPOSITORY JUICE, because it gives you that "Chewing aWasps Nest" Face when you're cranking up the Bass. But for the Lighter option, Jack Daniels, Tequila & everything that goes with them.

Which international would you most like to play alongside?
Erick Morillo, D. Ramirez, Portia Surreal (But not for her mixing abilities ?), Kai Tracid, Trentemoller, & Stuart Price (Jacques Lu Cont).

Who do you think should have won the DJ Mag 100 poll?
Erick Morillo, but that’s a slightly biased approach because we lean more towards the house front. He's a true entertainer and we hope he wins the House Music awards this month.
GK: Really thought Paul van Dyk was gonna win the votes last year so it was about time. He has been an inspiration for so many people for as long as we’ve known what dance music is.

Which producers are doing it for you at the moment?
Trentemoller is just all Class. Sheer Quality on all his productions and everyone seems to have sat up and taken notice all of a sudden. Mike Monday is also coming out with some brilliant beats and his style is also very unique. Cheshire Catz are starting to do big things production wise as well.

As DJs, how influential and important is your time in the London scene. What lessons have you learnt that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your playing days?
London has been absolutely imperative. Without the exposure and experiences that London provides – there is no way we would have gotten as far as we have in the same amount of time if we had been back in South Africa. As far as lessons go – the days of the superstar DJ are over so probably the biggest lesson we've learnt is that anyone & everyone can put records together (and VERY WELL at that) but the only thing that will get you anywhere unless you've produced a hit is 100% hard work and a love for the WHOLE scene, whether it be when you're networking, when you're playing, or just sending a simple email to keep people updated with what's happening… It's the little touches that stand out especially with every second person you meet owning a set of decks or being a DJ.

2phunkedUp will be appearing at Innovate at The Fridge on 19th November.

Thanks to Bal and Greg for photography