BOORLOO - PERTH
DJ, PROMOTER/BOOKER
HOUSE, TECHNO, ELECTRO
How did you end up as a part of the music industry?
Back when I was at uni I reached out to my local community radio station RTRFM 92.1 and became an office volunteer. I had absolutely no interest in presenting and barely knew anything about dance music at that stage but being involved absolutely changed my life. I'm really grateful that they took me on as such a baby, and since have been fortunate enough to continue to work and play in our small but very special music scene ever since.
Tell us about your sound...
I'm a radio host, DJ, event promoter and arts worker living on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar here in Boorloo (so-called Perth). I co-run the collective Crab Claw and the Shell Tapes mix series, and co-manage the DJ workshop and event series Club Jewelz. I also host a weekly new music show called Out to Lunch on community station RTRFM 92.1, as well as hosting the After the Afterparty series with my partner Matt on Nomad Radio. Somehow in between all of that, I squeeze in my actual full-time work in the performing arts industry! The sounds I'm drawn to are fresh and boundary-pushing both in the dance music realm and outside, and I have an affinity for anything trippy, chuggy or with a big drum beat.
I also hope that there's more visibility and opportunities for people with disabilities within the dance music community and direct action towards making venues accessible for all folks
Do you have any new work coming out that you'd like to tell us about?
I have a couple of exciting unannounced bookings and mixes on the cards that I'm looking forward to (watch this space), but mostly looking towards the rest of 2022 as a promoter. We've had some really sick interstate bookings we've been sitting on with Crab Claw that I can't wait to finally get over here once borders are open again here in WA, and Club Jewelz is ramping up for a pretty huge year with more parties and workshops.
What’s the last really fun thing you did?
One of my favourite recent dance floor moments was floating out on the river on a boat with friends, dancing to 'secret guest' Roza Terenzi and sipping natty wine while the sun set around us. Was a massive vibe.
How do you practice self-care?
This is a tough question! I'm honestly quite bad at taking care of myself and balancing work and life, but I think one thing I'm getting better at is taking time to reflect and be proud of my achievements. Sometimes there's so much going on and life gets a little hectic so finding time to breathe, kick my feet up and have a laugh with friends is nice too.
What’s 1 mix or show you've listened to again and again?
Eris Drew's mix for Chicago-based mix series Daisychain is a huge favourite of mine recently, perfect for chill home listening. Something a bit more uptempo that I've spun a few times now is DJ Fart In The Club's Sustain Release recording which I've tried to Shazam every single damn song from with little luck, it goes absolutely off.
What or who inspires you?
People who think outside the box, push boundaries and advocate for change. There have been heaps of really important figures in my DJing journey so far but I definitely wouldn't be where I am now without people like Rok Riley, Ephacy, Girlname, Sepsi, Soul Alphabet, Lucky Pete, Mintox, and so many more leading the way for our dance music community here in Boorloo.
What's the best part about being in the music industry?
I've been very fortunate to meet so many friends through dance music and being able to share moments with them on dance floors, in a studio and anywhere else really helps motivate me and reminds me why I love what I do. I never thought it was possible, especially during COVID times. I'm really appreciative of community groups such as WIP and community radio that has helped keep us all connected and also introduced me to so many new friends along the way.
What are your predictions for the future of dance music and the industry?
There are already some really incredible initiatives in Perth that are making huge waves in the diversity of our scene, both behind the decks and dancing in front of them, such as Soul Alphabet, House of Bok, Netwerxx, Homopolitan, Boorloo Justice, Ndawonye, and NestFM which I hope continue to build and innovate for years to come. I also hope that there's more visibility and opportunities for people with disabilities within the dance music community and direct action towards making venues accessible for all folks.
Check out Kailyn's WIP Profile Page for more!