Naarm - Melbourne
DJ
TRANCE, TECHNO, DnB
How did you end up as a part of the music industry?
A couple of years ago I got home from traveling and moved into a new share house in Geelong (my hometown). A few of my housemates were DJs and I started playing around on their turntables and collecting records. A friend offered me an opening slot at a bar in Geelong and after that extremely nerve-racking afternoon, I decided I wanted to record my first mix and work on my skills (AKA learn how to press play on a CDJ).
A week after I uploaded my first mix Maxwell S sent me an email out of the blue and asked if I wanted to play at the Daydreams season finale. I remember being so incredibly nervous I barely slept for the week leading up to it. At that gig, I met Post Percy who offered me a slot at Mythology (RIP Boney), and following that I started to get booked more and more.
Around the same time, I also began volunteering at PBS. I started in the phone room and eventually began presenting the insomnia program 'New Noise' and a variety of other late-night fills.
Tell us about your sound...
I like to think of my sound as being very genre-fluid, yet distinguishable. The slower music I play draws on a lot of influences ranging from dub, new-wave, EBM and IDM. I also love playing faster techno, experimental and DnB. Bleepy synthesisers, heavy baselines and psychedelic elements generally draw together my sets and make the music I play recognisable, regardless of the genre or BPM I am playing. I love having the opportunity to play a variety of different shows and time slots without being pigeon-holed into playing a certain style. My program 'Spaces Within Space' on PBS also showcases a diverse range of electronic music that I enjoy listening to and playing. Half of the show is usually dedicated to ambient, experimental and downtempo sounds, and the other half is much more club-oriented.
I love having the opportunity to play a variety of different shows and time slots without being pigeon-holed into playing a certain style.
What is 1 mix or show that you've listened to again and again?
Simon TK's Bizarro Mix live at OHM Berlin. The spoken word recording that comes in and out of the mix is absolutely divine. Also, Darcy Justice's Inner Varnika '19 recording.
Do you have any new work coming out that you'd like to tell us about?
I am throwing a party on the 22nd of May to celebrate 1 year of my show on PBS 106.7 FM, Spaces Within Space. The lineup features some past guests on my program - Escape Artist, T-N and MTLDA, and PBS presenters Emelyne, Marley Swain and Pjenne. I also have my friend Sara creating visuals, Katie Zwar making a floral installation and MaggZ performing. All proceeds will be going towards the PBS Make it Home fundraiser, helping us build our new studios at the Collingwood Yards.
What’s the last really fun thing you did?
Closing the Bleus party at 24 Moons was definitely one of my recent gig highlights. I felt so much freedom with my selections and felt like an absolute boss for the whole set. I also had a lot of fun playing at the Butter Sessions Freak of Nature Warehouse Party at the Third Day.
How do you practice self-care?
Getting lots of sleep, cooking meals at home, going for long walks and listening to music.
What’s your favourite record at the moment?
Peter Graf York's 'Expedition Bahn' release on South of North. I love the versatility and changing tempos of the tracks. 'Indonesia' is so steezy.
What are your predictions for the future of dance music and the industry?
I would like to see more intersectional diversity in the music industry. Diversity does not stop at gender. I would also like to see more financial support for creative industries, alongside the extension of Job Keeper supplements.
Diversity does not stop at gender.
What or who inspires you?
Watching other femmes absolutely kill it. My friends are all very talented and watching them succeed is very empowering.
What's the best part about being in the music industry?
Being surrounded by people who have great taste in music. And watching everyone support and create opportunities for one another.
Check out Jazz's WIP Profile Page for more!
