Stayin' in Black

The Zoo Crew, a vibrant collective of hippie DJs, is currently spinning the infectious mashup "Stayin' in Black" by Wax Audio from the album Mashphonic on THE ZOO radio station, delighting their devoted listeners, the Zoo Freaks. This track is a clever blend of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" and AC/DC's "Back in Black," creating a seamless fusion of disco grooves and hard rock riffs. According to a 2010 interview on ABC Radio National, Wax Audio's Tom Compagnoni revealed that the idea for "Stayin' in Black" sparked from noticing the rhythmic compatibility between the two songs, despite their vastly different genres. He spent hours meticulously aligning the tempos and keys, ensuring the vocals of the Bee Gees danced perfectly over AC/DC's iconic guitar riffs. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, a testament to Compagnoni's skill in mashup artistry.

One intriguing piece of trivia about "Stayin' in Black" comes from its unexpected viral success. In a 2012 post on Wax Audio's Facebook page, Compagnoni shared that the song gained traction after being featured in a YouTube video that paired it with a synchronized dance routine, amassing thousands of views within days. Fans on X have since praised the track for its ability to bridge generational music tastes, with one user noting, "It's like my dad's rock records and my mom's disco tapes had a baby!" The song also caught the attention of music blogs, with a 2011 article on Boing Boing calling it "a mashup masterpiece that shouldn't work but absolutely does." Its enduring popularity is evident in fan discussions on the Mashup Freakz Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other mashup enthusiasts share remixes and debate the best Wax Audio tracks.

Wax Audio, the brainchild of Australian producer Tom Compagnoni, began as a creative outlet in the early 2000s. According to the artist’s bio on his official website, Compagnoni's journey into music production started with his fascination for sound manipulation during his teenage years in Sydney. He experimented with tape decks and early digital audio software, blending snippets of radio broadcasts with vinyl records. His passion for mashups grew after discovering the genre through artists like Danger Mouse and Girl Talk. Compagnoni launched Wax Audio in 2004, releasing his first mashup, a blend of Led Zeppelin and The Doors, which garnered local radio play and online buzz. His meticulous approach—layering tracks with precision while preserving their emotional impact—set him apart in the mashup scene.

Compagnoni’s career evolved alongside the rise of digital music platforms, allowing him to share his work globally. His Instagram feed showcases behind-the-scenes glimpses of his studio setup and teasers for new projects, while his X account engages fans with witty commentary on music culture. The Wax Audio Facebook page remains a hub for updates and fan interaction, with posts often highlighting live DJ sets or new releases. For dedicated fans, the Mashup Island fan website offers a deep dive into Wax Audio’s discography, including fan-made remixes and forums where Zoo Freaks discuss tracks like "Stayin' in Black." Compagnoni’s commitment to creative freedom and fan engagement has solidified Wax Audio’s place in the global mashup community.