Music
Line-up
We are incredibly excited to announce our international heavy line-up that’s set to make our 15 year anniversary an EXTRA special birthday.
This years musical menu features 86 Live artists and DJs from around the world converging in our beautiful home of Tocumwal to create the soundtrack to your Strawberry.
Check out our official Spotify playlist for a sample of the sounds you can expect to hear this year on the banks of the mighty Murray.
Bertie is a Naarm-based DJ, Radio Host and Event Curator known for her energetic mix of disco movers, house thumpers, and genre blenders across the wider dance music spectrum.
Her musical journeys are exactly that; a guided exploration from start to finish. A fusion of percussive beats, acidic motifs, euphoric highlights, groovy undertakings and when the mood is right, something a little deeper and darker. The result us a synergistically uplifting experience that will get you up and moving and leave you wanting more.
It’s this movement-inducing sound that has seen her perform regularly across Naarm and Eora, be invited to some of Australia’s biggest festivals including Strawberry Fields, Pitch Music & Arts, Sugar Mountain, Gaytimes, and Beyond the Valley, and support the likes of CC:DISCO, Denis Sulta, Bradley Zero, Kornél Kovács, Leon Vynehall, DJ Koze, Dave Lee and Patrick Holland.
A newly emerging producer, Bertie draws inspiration from her queer identity, and her love of classic disco percussion, 90s house, thumping basslines and euphoric soundscapes. The result is dancefloor-ready, punchy groovers, gently carried by warped vocal elements. Bertie’s debut song ‘Pillow Queen’ was launched on the ‘Phenomenal Vol. 2’ compilation in 2022 via Naarm/London label Phenomena Records.
Outside of performing, she shares her ever-expanding collection of laid back groovers via her show ‘Cup of Bertea’ on Skylab Radio, as well as regularly appearing on Hope St Radio. Launched in 2022, she's also the co-founder of Club Aqueous, an event series shinning a spotlight on underrepresented talent in the Naarm scene.
College Of Knowledge is the partnership between Lachlan Stuckey and Jethro Curtin. As DJs, musical collaborators and friends, they endeavor to represent the soulful side of the record racks; through thoughtful DJ sets; through the cinematic soul sound they push as Surprise Chef; and through their label imprint that represents the instrumental movement they operate within.
Stuckey & Jethro’s DJ sets are a reflection of a strong musical bond and deep friendship; enthusiastically and intuitively navigating the sounds of deep soul, super-funky-jazz, leftfield disco, foundation dancehall and boom bap hip hop records that fill their shared crates.
dj pgz is a Gunai/Kurnai & Yorta Yorta artist, DJ and producer, harnessing a deep love for underground club sounds from around the world. His sets explore the contemporary works of Black and Brown producers in dance music, fusing hard techno with dark, sparse and bass heavy drum syncopations. With an appetite for anything that makes you move, dj pgz’s genre bending style is truly all killer and no filler.
Alongside an illustrious DJ and production career, dj pgz has cemented himself as a mainstay in the Australian music scene through his work as a radio presenter (Good Static on Triple R), filmmaker (Young Mob Questioning Treaty), drummer (DRMNGNOW & Kee’ahn) and co-curator of the BLK ICE event series with many new and exciting projects on the horizon.
At SF24 dj pgz will curate a showcase featuring the Ecstatic Mob (Afrodisiac, Mikalah Watego, Naycab, Pataphysicas and Zjoso)
Evening News is the new moniker of the instrumental dance/ electronica group formerly known as Beatnik Collective.
As band members have changed so has the music and the name. Dan Rock (Beatnik Collective, Gymnastics in the Seventies, Cantrips) & Winton Findlay (Godoggo, Birdsnake) are now joined by Christy Wositzky-Jones (Skinny Wizard, Empress) and Miles Henry (Honey, Claps). In the short year the band has formed they have performed together at The National Gallery of Victoria, Wonder Mountain Festival, A sold out EP launch in Melbourne, curated a live Aphex twin tribute show as well as a high selling east coast tour in 2022.
Drawing from their experience curating dance floor musics, live and through djing, Evening News have been working to create a sound that is familiar, yet unique. The influences for their upcoming EP ‘New World’ of course incorporate the Melbourne peer influenced house and nu-jazz sounds that you know and love, whilst focusing on, and expanding the sonic landscape of the band. With strong nods to Jungle, 2 step and IDM legends Squarepusher, Aphex Twin and u-Ziq they push boundaries of what a live band can do in crossing over to the realm of the electronic. What was previously exclusive to each art form is now encased in one sound.
Jaubi (pronounced “Jaw-Bee”) is an instrumental quartet from Lahore, Pakistan. The band is named after an Urdu word loosely translated as “whatever/whoever”. Creating whatever sounds good and whatever feels good is the groups guiding principle. This has led to the growth of the band, who collaborated with Tenderlonious (22a) and Latarnik (EABS & Bloto) for their debut album Naf’s At Peace, released on Astigmatic Records in 2021.
The collaboration began back in April 2019, when 22a label founder and multi-instrumentalist Tenderlonious and EABS/Bloto keyboard and synth maestro Marek ‘Latarnik’ Pędziwiatr travelled to Lahore in Pakistan to take part in some improvised recording sessions with Jaubi. Nothing whatsoever was written down during the recording sessions – no sheet music, no song titles. It was sincere. All egos were left behind and hearts and souls were open and poured into the music. Two remarkable albums came from those recording sessions, both of which have been metwith mass acclaim. The music has been described as spiritual jazz-fusion meets psychedelic Hindustani classical with nods to golden era hip hop. Both albums were featured as The Guardian “Global Album of The Month” and were included in their album of the year lists in 2020 and 2021 respectively. They received coverage and support from some of the worlds key tastemakers and publications, including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Gilles Peterson, Downbeat, The Guardian, Mr Scruff, Jazzwise, Mojo, Iggy Pop and many more.
Bulgarian techno producer KiNK is highly celebrated for his dynamic, spontaneous live performances during which he commands an army of analog synthesizers and controllers in real time. His numerous recordings are both playful and experimental, effortlessly switching between house, techno, and acid, informed by the improvisatory spirit of jazz as well as the energetic rush of the early rave scene. Since his work began attracting international attention around 2008, he has performed at a never-ending list of clubs and festivals across the world, and has remixed tracks by Trentemøller, Nina Kraviz, Matthew Dear, and countless others. His extensive discography, with releases on labels like Ovum, Rush Hour, and Running Back, includes crowd-pleasing techno anthems such as 2015's "Cloud Generator" as well as eclectic, experimental full-lengths like 2017's Playground.
livwutang sits within a modern continuum of DJs whose sound can't be contained to one particular style or genre - she instead delivers a distinctly eclectic array of exuberant kinetics, introspective strength, & chaotic dexterity to any dancefloor she's a part of. Beginning her DJing journey amidst the liberated frequencies of pirate radio & the psychedelic embrace of DIY rave in Seattle, her expressive practice has only continued to evolve & connect her inner world to those around her.
Underpinned by elegant buoyancy & an unrestrained sense of manifestation, her mixing accesses a constantly shifting point of serenity - subtly creating full fledged sensory experiences, always attuned to immersive narrative building & delivered with a keen sense of danceability, confidence, & poise. It's within this spellbinding maelstrom that she brings a unique & adventurous flare to DJing, constantly reinventing her present surroundings to create innovative glances into the past & future.
While her style is grounded within the unifying spatial awareness of dub and the joys of dance music's renegade sound, lifelong influences from her musical upbringing are channeled into her enthralling musical vision - an enchanting sonic palette deftly maneuvering between the jubilant rhythms of Central & Western Africa, the innovative momentum of Black American music, & an expansive love of timeless vocal flourishes and earworm melodies from the last 60 years of popular music.
Based in New York City since 2021, she's already hit a stride playing beloved sets at the dweller, Honcho Campout and Sustain-Release festivals. Having captivated airwaves the world over with a slew of mixes for Dekmantel, Truants, Animalia, & Dimensions Festival, her international profile is only set to bloom further throughout the future.
Mikalah Watego is a 22 year old Indigenous DJ based on the Gold Coast, situated on Bundjalung country in Australia. Mikalah has a passion for blending a variety of genres such as Techno, Breaks and Electro in unexpected ways. Mikalah draws inspiration from the raw energy of breakbeats, tribal rhythms to bass heavy and electronic sounds that drive the dance floor. Her passion for discovering both new and old underground sounds in unexpected and surprising places has led her down paths that resonate with her, gradually shaping her taste and creating a sound that is truly hers. Emerging from the underground music scene, she has supported artists such as Kettama, STUM, Salute and Moktar, showcasing her talent and versatility behind the decks. Watch as she defies expectations, effortlessly blending fun and danceable with dark and heavy. Keep an eye out for Mikalah Watego as she continues to shine a light on her culture through her DJ sets and performances.
A self proclaimed Black music historian and dance floor queen, Mothafunk hails from the birthplace of house music, bringing all the funky Chicago vibes and deep cuts with her.
Her DJ journey began at Rutgers University’s student radio station 90.3 The Core, eventually graduating to the decks from a desire to play parties. Frequenting events in New York, Chicago, Naarm [Melbourne], and Detroit over the years has molded Crissy’s sound and her approach to curating music and lineups.
Currently based in Naarm, Mothafunk has shared lineups with heavy hitters such as Ruby Savage, Marcellus Pittman, Sadhar Bahar, DJ Manny and many other local and international acts.
Crissy always has dancers in mind when selecting, which has led her to regularly DJ in Naarm’s dance battle scene. She’s played events for City Sessions, L2R Dance, MPavillion and even created her own dancer-focused party series ‘Cypher Theory’. Mothafunk is committed to preserving underground club culture by cultivating spaces centered on dance, connection, music, and community.
As a DJ, Poli-Pearl combines a wide variety of genre, from world music, and hip hop to experimental and electronic soundscapes, and they’ve warmed up dancefloors at major festivals and events around the country, including Suncycle, Freedom Time and SPASTA!
Moving up from Lutruwita to Naarm, Sam Alfred has swiftly carved a space for himself in the local scene. He’s one of Melbourne’s newest and most exciting DJs, known for mixing jazz-tipped house with deep cuts & UK garage.
With a signature house and techno sound that is reminiscent of the 90s. Sam has made a name for himself releasing music on amazing labels such as Love Above Records, Phenomena Records, Spinning Around and Happy Wax records. You will find yourself uncontrollably dancing and moving when Sam takes the stage slinging the finest house cuts and a rare selection of techno to get your heart racing.
Simona Castricum is one of Melbourne’s unique live electronic acts and producers based on Wurundjeri land of Kulin Nation. Through darkwave and synthpop flavours, she has been a regular in Naarm's queer music scene for over 20 years.
Signing to Dinosaur City Records in 2023, Simona released her fourth album SINK. Conceived as a live performance in collaboration with visual artist Carla Zimbler, it was a career-defining milestone, with sell-out seasons on debut at Arts House, touring to VIVID Sydney and Midsumma Festival.
Simona has been recognised as a nominee for two Music Victoria Awards in 2020; Best Electronic Act and Best Solo Artist. Her third full-length studio album—Panic/Desire—debuted at #1 on the AIR 100% Independent Album Chart.
With her band featuring m8riarchy and Light Transmissions, Simona’s percussive live performances include Golden Plains, Dark Mofo, Soft Centre, VIVID Sydney, Sydney World Pride, Melbourne Music Week, BIGSOUND, HYBRID, Something Unlimited, Paradise, Midsumma and Gaytimes. Simona has remixed and produced music for acts m8riarchy, Courtney Barnett, Cong Josie, Pillow Pro and Nite Fruit. Her music has been remixed by Berlin’s Aérea Negrot, Melbourne’s Chiara Kickdrum and Various Asses.
As rave babies, Eli and Charlie learned the history of dance music from Boston legends DJ Bruno, Kon and Caril Mitro, who taught them that "house wears many hats”. Then at the Marcy Hotel in Brooklyn, they joined forces with Wolf + Lamb to form Crew Love and blasted off into the stratosphere.
Since their intergalactic journey began, Soul Clap has released three albums, curated editions of DJ Kicks, Fabric and Watergate mix series’ and collaborated with some of the greatest: George Clinton, Nona Hendryx, Louie Vega. They also run Soul Clap Records an home for all things funky and host the touring party and label House Of EFUNK, while paying beyond musical boundaries to make a positive impact on people and planet by working with non-profits DJs For Climate Action and Give A Beat.
Now, continuing the journey from space to Earth, growing deeper roots for community and environment, Soul Clap strives to be more and more intentional with each action. Working towards making music and inspiring positive change and strengthening ecosystems all over.
Theo Parrish is a Washington D.C.-born, Chicago-raised DJ, producer, selector, arranger, keyboard clunker, machine beater, writer, sculptor, car lover, visual artist, lecturer, and father that loves creativity. Detroit’s creative community has recognized his input since 1995, the era of Buy Rite Records, Saint Andrew’s Hall, the Rhythm Kitchen, and Alvin’s. He started Sound Signature Recordings, which has manufactured vinyl records independently from 1997 to this day — exclusively using the legendary Archer Record Pressing Co. on Davison Avenue. He continues to engage, challenge, and redefine the limits of what we call Black dance music, serving as an example of creative independence. Parrish holds a BFA in sound sculpture from Kansas City Art Institute.
In under 2 years, Vanna has made a name for herself in the Australian music scene.
Utilising 250 days of lockdown to hone her production skills into something incredibly special, her sets can only be described as high-energy techno, house & electronica with every set peppered with a wide array of her unreleased material.
Vanna has recently shown that her sound is the perfect inclusion for big festival stages such as Beyond The Valley, and her recent tour through New Caledonia.
Vanna has been hand-picked to support artists to the likes of German master Oliver Schories & UK techno legend Eric Powell.
After road testing a wide variety of her original material on dancefloors, the future is set for a significant release schedule and accompanying tours over the next 24 months for what will undoubtedly result in Vanna being one of Australia’s “women to watch” in the near future.
Botswana-born, Perth-raised, and now Sydney-based, xmunashe is an emerging artist, at the beginning of his journey, who is unafraid to explore new artistic horizons. As a live performer, xmunashe’s artistry seamlessly fuses jazz and soul with poetic lyricism, resulting in genre- agnostic experiences. In the studio, xmunashe’s distinctive, self-taught production style gives birth to intricate sonic tapestries; a window into profound musical realms. As of this moment, xmunashe remains an unreleased and wholly independent artist.
Remarkably, after just a handful of performances in almost exclusively unconventional spaces (public parks, warehouses and artist studios), he has managed to captured the global music community’s attention and earned a place on stage at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE 2024. At the heart of these musical happenings is the art of improvisation - a raw musical conversation that unfolds between the musicians and audience. xmunashe, along with his multi-instrumental collaborators, Jonti and Joshuah, are masters of sonic spontaneity. Their performances are a potent reminder that, in the midst of the chaos of life, there’s incredible beauty, meaning and shared emotion that binds us all together.
A noteworthy endorsement from the legendary band, The Avalanches, points towards a future in the highest echelons of musical artistry. In the words of one observer, “The performance is effortless, intriguing, and quite possibly unlike anything I’ve witnessed in recent years.”
Ailsa Mitchell, an emerging talent in the folk scene, crafts imaginative melodies influenced by bird song and the diverse music around her. With a curious spirit, she weaves heartfelt compositions, reflecting the diverse music scene around her. Her playful approach infuses her sound with a unique charm, captivating audiences with its tender simplicity.
Byron Yeates is a DJ + label head of Radiant Records and is a co-founder of La Noche.
Based in Berlin, he has in the last years served his signature sound at Panorama Bar, Tresor, and Shelter Amsterdam. Yeates’ recent mixes have been featured by the likes of DJ Mag, in which he was profiled for the ‘Fresh Kicks’ series; Honey Soundsystem, Club Quarantäne, Beats In Space, and Cómeme. He also holds a bimonthly residency at Berlin’s Refuge Radio.
Yeates’ sets, which have been known to span over 8 hours, bounce, tease, punch and often soar. They are inflected with an attitude that can at once be incredibly playful and theatrically sincere, a duality that animates the queer lineage of electronic dance music in which Yeates places himself. The femme vocal is mixed into thumping progressive trance, which in turn meets a throwback house track, or swerves down to the nod of downtempo. What remains consistent through Yeates’ selections is a heady depth, keen and delicate melodies, and a forcefulness that never lets surprise step off the dancefloor.
Since November 2019, Yeates’ label Radiant Love has released an array of trance-oriented EPs by artists both local and abroad. The catalog is filled with floor-ready cuts that also reward a close listener – the RL sound is rich with unexpected timbres and textures, clever melodic lines and rhythms pivoting far off the 4/4. A sampling can be heard on the label's annual international women's day compilations, which arrange tracks from the community cohort of DJs and producers and direct profits to charities around Berlin.
There are very few people in this world who can legitimately claim to have influenced a generation, but Grant Marshall, a.k.a Daddy G, is most definitely a member of that elite group.
Proudly born and bred in the south west of England to West Indian parents, this Bristolian is a founding father of the incredible blend between hip hop and electronica that became known globally as 'Trip Hop' and went on to soundtrack many lives throughout the 1990s and beyond. This unique and new genre came straight out of Bristol with not only Massive Attack flying the flag but also other, now industry heavyweights, such as Tricky and Portishead.
Throughout his career Daddy G has been a hugely respected DJ, one who has always shone a light on multiple genres during his DJ sets. From his roots in Reggae to Punk, US House and Hip Hop, his sets are an eclectic mix of music that inspires and motivates him - a style he has championed and proudly stuck to for over four gigantically successful decades.
Alongside his sets in clubs across the globe, Daddy G has also been part of many different projects. From the jointly made film called 'Ring The Alarm' made with DJ and Director Don Letts, about the legendary DJ Derek to BBC documentaries such as 'Soul Britannia' and the 2016 documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of 'Blue Lines'. Daddy G has also provided critically acclaimed mixtapes for the likes of BBC 6Music and produced his own DJ Kicks album.
For an artiste that has experienced so much, one who has a discography many envy and a gig list of dreams, it's astonishing his passion for underground talent and the raw connection to his audience that comes with DJ'ing remains so strong - but it most certainly does. Daddy G is the same true blue music champion that he was 40 years ago and will forever be every ounce that.
Don Letts’ days as a DJ started accidentally when he was asked to play at The Roxy Club (the UK’s first live punk rock venue) back in 1977. This was so early in the scene there were no UK punk records to play as none had been made yet. So in between the fast and furious live punk sets Don played what he liked - some serious reggae. Lucky for him the punks liked it to and this mix gave rise to the ‘punky-reggae party’. When the Roxy closed Don was the go to man when it came to nice-ing up the place with some heavyweight bass. He was the original Clash DJ for many of their live gigs up and down the country. Entering the eighties Don deserted the decks to pursue his film career.
Following the release of his 2001 compilation ‘Dread Meets Punk Rockers Uptown’ (tunes he played during his Roxy days) he was persuaded to return to the decks. From that time till this he’s continued to DJ nationally and internationally with a set that’s very much in the spirit of his days at The Roxy – we’re talking the history and legacy of Jamaican music – with an emphasis on moving the crowd.
Along with clubs set Don has performed at Glastonbury – Bestival - Lovebox – The Big Chill – Stussy 25th Anniversary – Adidas - Doctor Martins - Latitude - The Rough Trade 25th Anniversary - Lee Perry’s Meltdown – Rizzla – One Love Fest - Island Records 50th Anniversary - Massive Attack’s Meltdown – Vintage At Goodwood - Womad and Festival No.6 to name a few.
Record connoisseur, label boss, and sleight-of-hand specialist – Dr. B promises a rabbit-hole record bag, labrador-like energy, and a light-hearted, left-field approach to the dance. Dr.B’s roots are in UKG, growing a globally-recognised label slinging out toasty cuts from new producers and re-issues from the golden era, but this is just a slither of the London-born DJ’s eclectic collection. You only need to flick through his recent bumper to bumpers to see how far and wide he can go. Whether it’s meaty chunks of electro, techno, and minimal with Evan Baggs, cross-genre party starters alongside Bradley Zero, straight shellers with Interplanetary Criminal, or just throwing it down alone, he’ll bring a bag of belters whatever the weather, wherever the crowd.
After establishing himself as one of the UK’s most in-demand selectors, the London-born DJ has taken operations worldwide. From the floating intimacy of Berlin’s Hoppetosse to the sheer scale of Glastonbury, Fabric’s brutal brickwork to the iconic caverns of Kiev’s
Art Club Closer and Mkvtvarse in Georgia – local, national, and global venues are the workshops for Dr. B’s versatile trotters.
If he’s not getting his stirling’s worth out of a treasured travel pillow, playing venues and festivals across the UK and beyond, you’ll find him shooting three-pointers, digging into next week, or kickin’ it in front of the box with a moderately-priced pho.
Studio producer, Remix master, Funk synthesist.
After making a name amongst Melbourne’s electronic underground, musician and producer Mike Katz released his first cassette under nom de plume Harvey Sutherland. Blending a broad array of crate-digging influences, his bubbling and neurotic machine funk has made international waves since his early 12” singles. Releasing via his Clarity Recordings imprint, Sutherland’s distinctive electronic soul and leftfield disco cuts have been championed by Gilles Peterson, Jamie xx and Bradley Zero amongst many others. Alexis Petridis at the Guardian described the music as “full-tilt, lasers-hitting-glitterball mayhem”, and he has been featured by Resident Advisor, NPR and Boiler Room. Sutherland tours extensively alongside his acclaimed live band, recently finishing up a successful national tour of his newest album, ‘BOY’.
A record obsessive and occasional club hound, his eclectic DJ sets span dub, disco, post-punk, oddball techno and the full spectrum of UK club sounds.
“A fine balance between ruthless functionality & experimentalism,” Luke Alessi says of his current creative output.
Influenced from an array of different styles, Luke Alessi’s music sits in its own lane, not to be pigeonholed into any conventional genre. Instead, intentionally blurring the lines between house, indie dance, afro, prog & techno via bending synth lines, earworm hooks and an underlying groove that keeps you locked in on the dance floor. Luke Alessi’s productions have become a must-have tool for the biggest touring DJ’s, with his music reaching global audiences on the most renowned dance floors. It’s these releases with labels Rose Avenue Records, Life & Death, Watergate and Buttress that have seen Luke Alessi become a household name, collaborator and ally with the likes of Chloe Calliet, DJ Tennis, Carlita and RÜFÜS DU SOL.
To the stage, booth and dancefloor, as a DJ the demand met the hype in 2023, as Luke took on debut tours of Mexico and Europe, hitting clubs in Mexico City, Madrid, Ibiza, Istanbul, Tulum, Croatia and Copenhagen to name just a few, playing sets alongside the likes of WhoMadeWho, Desiree, RÜFÜS DU SOL and Black Coffee. Upon returning to Australia, Luke buddied up with collaborator and longtime friend Jordan Brando for a mammoth 7-date tour of Australia going B2B in extended and intimate settings in support of their ‘N64 / Affogato’ release on Life & Death.
Melbourne born-and-raised DJ & producer Jordan Brando constantly turns heads with his musical ambidexterity and far-spanning range of talent, heating up dance floors across the globe.
The impressive depth and breadth of his musical style is demonstrated through 2 full-length EP’s on Shall Not Fade and a single on No Art.
Jordan’s original productions and remixes have heavily featured on dance charts around the globe and his talent recognised by international taste-maker Pete Tong – who requested Jordan to feature on his infamous BBC Radio One show ‘All Gone Pete Tong’.
After a string of standout performances across Australia, New Zealand and at ADE, Jordan has solidified his name in the dance music community & is one of Australia's most promising dance music exports.
Kobie Dee is a 26-year-old Gomeroi artist from Maroubra in South Sydney, Bidjigal Land. With an innate gift for storytelling and connecting with young people, Kobie Dee is one of the exciting new voices in Australian hip hop. As an artist, Kobie is deeply engaged in his community through performance and community work, and his passion for his culture and people is inspiring new generations.
In 2023 Kobie kicked off the year supporting US rapper Joey Bada$$ on his Australian Tour, backed up by hosting the Triple J Hip Hop Show and was nominated for Artist of the Year at the 2023 National Indigenous Music Awards. Alongside serving as an Ambassador for Weave Youth & Community Services and being named “The Voice of a Generation” by GQ Australia Kobie also wrapped up several national live appearances, including performances at VIVID LIVE, SXSW SYDNEY, LISTEN OUT, and BIGSOUND 2023.
In 2022 following on from the release of his AIR Awards-nominated debut EP, Gratitude Over Pity Kobie embarked on a huge headline regional tour through Gomeroi Country in NSW, and played his first headline shows in both Sydney and Melbourne in September, joined by UK rapper and The Guardian’s Ones To Watch artist, Jords. Kobie also showcased his new material in Germany in September as part of the Import Export Open festival program, Wor(l)d Connects presents: Conscious HipHop, Roots & Spoken Word between Sydney, London and Munich.
Kobie closed off 2022, with winning FBi SMAC Award for Best Live Act, the triple j Done Good Award for Enriching First Nations Communities and performing at the inaugural First & Forever Festival at Hanging Rock. Kobie was signed to Bad Apples Music in 2019 and has performed alongside artists including Briggs, Jessica Mauboy, Nooky and Barkaa as part of Yabun, Sydney Festival and at the Bad Apples House Party at the Sydney Opera House.
In her short but explosive DJ career, the born and bred Berliner LOVEFOXY is emerging as one of the most exciting new faces in house music. Submerged in the world’s most exciting electronic music scene since she was a teenager (her mother opened Berlins first house club frequented by David Bowie) ––and paired with her characteristic Berlin edge, LOVEFOXY bestows deep, historical knowledge and appreciation for the uplifting, inspiring and euphoric sounds of 90s house.
In a 2022 feature, MIXMAG praised her stage presence: “While the ecstasy of the music Lovefoxy plays hinges on the unapologetically Black and unapologetically queer energy that undulates throughout it — so, too, does her unique brand of stage presence. Lovefoxy doesn’t just play, she performs. At each of her sets, she dances with full energy for its entire duration – at times on the speakers, occasionally in the crowd, and always in heels.”
The warm punch of her distinctive sound and her larger-than-life stage presence is rattling the industry. After just two years behind the decks, LOVEFOXY graced Boiler Room (2023) and Berghain debuts (2023) and shared lineups with headliners like Omar S, Jacques Greene, Ben UFO, Joy Orbison, Ben Klock, Seth Troxler, Ellen Allien and Solomun.
LOVEFOXY is now an internationally touring DJ that has played at Pollerweisen and Eastern Electronics festivals––and currently holds radio residencies in New York and Berlin. With her unique perspective on house music, her unparalleled charisma, and a devoted following overlapping with LSDXOXO and Honey Dijon, Lovefoxy is proving to be more than just a DJ: she is the making of a superstar.
Since oozing onto the scene, Mildlife’s mellifluous mix of jazz, krautrock and demon grooves has fast become a word of mouth sensation among open-minded DJs and diggers searching for the perfect beat. The Australian 4-piece’s live show is built on the last 2 years of constant touring around the world, bolstered by legendary improvisational passages and encores extending into the wee hours. Their new album Chorus is harmonious in its togetherness and celebratory symbiosis. Prepare to be indoctrinated into Mildlife’s unified theory of groove. Strawberry is their only VIC festival appearance of 2024.
Naycab is a Gunai/Kurnai, Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta writer and DJ. With a background as a screenwriter and essayist their sets are about building a narrative, grounded in place and the relationship between the DJ as performer and audience as community. Jumping behind the decks in 2022 with blends of techno, house and acid and a focus on championing particularly black and queer producers, they have an ear for the whimsical and take joy in trawling through the archives to honour the history of dance music. Their sets are fun, surprising and take the energy where it needs to be. They’ve supported international acts INVT, Jyoty and Saliah and local legends like Dameeela, DJ PGZ, Bertie, and Sleep D.
The Chilean dj and producer Paula Tape is best known for her intricate knowledge of balearic sounds whilst also mastering the skill of working-up dancefloors across the globe with her distinct style and extensive sets which cross the bridge between underground floor-fillers and indefinable synth house sounds.
Growing up in Santiago De Chile, before moving to Europe, she started her musical journey by playing drums for multiple indie bands in her hometown which then sparked her dj inclination for polyrhythmic patterns. The percussive sounds of the drums are a distinct sound which she’s brought into her own productions, remixes and are a key feature of when she plays out dj sets across the globe.
“Agua Congas” which was Paula’s debut EP on SOBO gained great support from key selectors and opened the door to her distinct sound, becoming recognized across the globe from tastemakers and fans alike. Following on from that Paula has signed onto esteemed labels such as Rhythm Section, Permanent Vacation, Ransom Note, Planet Trip and Alzaya which included her “Octava Dimension” EP which was remixed by Elias Mazian and Tornado Wallace.
She became part of the Rhythm Section family in 2021 with “Panamericana” and then subsequently her full 4-track Ep titled “Astroturismo”. Paula who now resides in Milan, is actively involved in the label ‘Tempo Dischi’ which is a label dedicated to reissuing Italian rarities & a resident presenter on Worldwide FM where she hosts her monthly show ‘Astral Jam’, which is journey into odd rhythms, leftfield sounds and organic dance with regular guest appearances of Vladimir Ivkovic, Budino, Joakim, Caravan.
Inclusive and immaculately curated, Rainbow Disco Club is Japan’s best-loved underground music festival — regularly welcoming revered worldwide DJs and producers to perform for open-minded crowds in a breathtaking festival environment. Their forthcoming appearance at SF24 will see them take over the Beach Stage for a showcase featuring Kikiorix, Sisi, and Kuniyuki (live).
Kikiorix is a Resident DJ and the graphic designer of Rainbow Disco Club. His DJ career started in the 2000s with Tomoki Tamura, as a resident DJ for an event called HOLIC which was taking place in London. For a few years, he developed his career at various parties and venues around east London.
In the 2010s, he made appearances at Fuji Rock Festival and held regular parties at Shibuya WOMB as a member of TRESVIBES SOUNDSYSTEM. KIKIORIX has also performed at multiple festivals and prestige venues, such as ADE (RUSH HOUR x RDC), Potato Head Bali, Dusk Camp Los Angeles, Fabric London, Space Ibiza, Tresor Berlin, Wonderfruit Festival Thailand and more.
Born in West-Psy Tokyo, Sisi started the label/DJ collective ”Timothy Really” under the influence of rave culture. He has been involved in the development of Tokyo's dance music scene from the 00s onwards, as a resident Rainbow Disco Club. Deepening his impulse towards dance and his oblique interest in history, he is constantly searching day and night for unknown obscure sounds that have not yet been heard.
Based in Sapporo, Kuniyuki Takahashi's music has always had a unique worldview regardless of national borders and has been highly acclaimed by producers and DJs from all over the world. He also released a remix release of Ananda Project's classic 'Cascades of Colour' and a single 'Earth Beats' on Mule Musiq, which received overwhelming support from various DJs. He has also collaborated with international artists such as DJ Nature and Vakula. In 2017, he released a new album with Newwave Project. In 2018, he released his past work from the 80s and early 90s on the Dutch label Music From Memory. In 2021, he released a remix of Fumio Itabashi's 'WATARASE'. In recent years, he has been performing live around the world in a unique style that combines improvisation and dance music.
A true devotional Sitarist and Vocalist: Sarita McHarg has earned several prestigious recognitions including All India Radio Artist, Talent Award from the University of Vikram (India) and State Government – Madhya Pradesh for contribution to the Malwa (folk) music to name but a few.
During her thirty-five years of musical journey, Sarita McHarg is well known for her spiritual and heart-rending playing style, strong grip on classical ragas, staggering instrumentation, and bringing audience as they are part of the compositions, both in India and Australia.
Sinj Clarke is a Melbourne based pianist and composer. Known for his
understated and laconic style of composition, Sinj Clarke’s music evokes a cinematic dreamscape redolent of late seventies Italian film scores and sun drenched exotica. 2023 saw Sinj Clarke release his sophomore album ‘The Height of Love’ to critical acclaim, with an Aria nomination and PBS feature, as well as a run of live dates across Australia. For more information on where you can catch Sinj Clarke live, or to purchase physical or digital music visit www.sinjclarke.com
Stev Zar weaves worlds when she performs. She defies conventional genre borders and draws inspiration from diverse musical references, creating a singular and engrossing sound environment. Her distinct percussive and bass-heavy style blends familiar sounds of house and techno with experimental electro and southside rap folded into the chaos. The aim is body euphoria, her sets intend to balance playfulness and a tiny bit of chin-stroking to create a sound that deeply resonates with dancefloor champions. Her goal is to uplift trans bodies and challenge her audience to move beyond genre to connect with the heart of the sound.
Currently based in Narrm, Stev Zar’s spans DJing, production, and co-curation for QT/BIPOC collective, UMAMI.
Music is made to be claimed by its listeners as their own. Connecting singular moments and feelings, it enables a collective tribe to lose itself in the moment. TOWNSHIP REBELLION is a collective creating music and experiences since 2012.
Versace Boys create sun drenched soul mixed with hip hop and surf froth. Always good for a laugh and great for throwing big shapes. The sound is kind of like if Anderson Paak married The Chats, who was related to Remi Wolfe, adopted by the Flight of the Concords and cousin to Mark Rebillet.
Making fun of life, The Versace Boys make bedroom soul/pop/surf-hop that will make you sing, dance and laugh so much that you cry a little bit.
They lace their shows with freestyle cheekiness, huge dance moves, juicy bangers and talk a lot about the struggles of being incredibly rich, famous, gorgeous and humble.
Versace boys love to make satirical high energy hip hop with brass and sass.
You’ll dance, laugh and sing with these guys, get ready to have your mind expanded from these Byron based shamans.
Over the course of lockdown Ausecuma Beats, a nine-piece, Melbourne-based ensemble comprised of members from Senegal, Mali, Cuba and Guinea spent weeks recording and sharing material remotely with Z*F*E*X - comprised of drummer Zeke ‘Ziggy’ Zeitgeist, keyboardist and producer Lewis Moody, bassist Matthew Hayes, and a rotating cast of guests. The result? A match made in musical heaven.
As a DJ/Producer and Founder of event/mix series/music blog Re-Leaf, Aldonna has rightfully marked her position as one of the most exciting new talents to come out of Australia in recent times. Coming off the back of her debut international tour through the summer months in the EU/UK and successfully playing 12 shows across the continents, she shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Name checked as an experienced ‘selector’ well beyond her years and carrying along a rapidly growing discography of her own productions, Aldonna holds a keen ear and talent for bringing light to those uncovered lost gems which inspire her the most. She wanders slickly through 90s and early 00s euphoric electronic soundscapes, touching on trance, breaks, psychedelic, progressive house, and techno. However, pigeonholing her sound would be giving her work a huge disservice. She conjures unique sonic palettes yet brings together one vast yet identifiable sound and culture - rave music.
Aldonna’s staggering debut EP ‘Morph’ on New York Imprint ‘Homage’ was no mean feat. Empowering, immersive, bubbling. Following on recently with her second EP ‘Angel Numbers’ which came in the form of 4 joyous hits of euphoria, released on Bristol vinyl only imprint ‘Sex Tapes From Mars’. The record excitedly bounced through its track list and the numerous blissed-out progressive and percussive grooves within it. Alongside these releases she has also contributed tracks to numerous highly successful VAs on labels such as Permanent Vacation, Semi-Delicious, Terrazzo Trax, Maai Records & more. Her unique approach to music production has led to incredible credits, premiers, and reviews from the likes of Mixmag, Trommel, Resident Advisor and support from many esteemed artists such as Job Jobse, Palm Trax, Saoirse, Sally C, Cromby, Jennifer Cardini, Eris Drew, Octo Octa, Eclair Fifi, Fantastic Man & more.
Evidently, Aldonna is one to watch. She continues to prove herself as a powerful figure in dance music with a momentum and following that is swiftly expanding.
A coalescence of old and new with her own twist, Cinta creates a comforting musical reminiscence with a flavour one can’t quite put their finger on.
Cinta sings the blues with wandering versatility and conviction. At times with smooth, sensual vacancy, at others with acceleration and power. Just as the off-shoots of the blues became genres of popular music in the 20th Century, Cinta’s sound charts a similar progression. While in debt to jazz, to soul, to r’n’b, hip-hop, to dub and disco, it's wholly realised as an amalgamation threaded together through the voice of an empowering woman. Hypnotic optimism pervades Cinta’s songs, offering listeners an empathetic hand in which to hold as we navigate a world of ever-increasing loneliness.
Transcending temporalities with unbelievable fluidity, dameeeela. As anyone could attest to, dameeeela is an impossible artist to label. She creates unforgettable dancefloor moments in parties, festivals and clubs across the continent, dameeeela captures the ears and hearts of all of those around her and takes the audience to an otherworldly-like state of music euphoria. With an extensive catalogue and wealth of experience, she has carved out a niche experience built from her passion for expanding music tastes world-wide.
Dameeeela has previously supported acts like Fred Again…, Erika de Casier, Bicep, Tsha, Bambii, Skepta, ASAP Rocky and more, and performed at festivals and events including Splendour in the Grass, Boiler Room, Listen Out, Meredith, Falls Festival, Beyond the Valley, Wildlands, Sydney World Pride, Rising Festival and Pitch Music & Arts.
With more than a decade of experience already under his belt, 23 year old DJ & Producer Ed Kent has been steadily cutting his teeth across both his home country of Australia and beyond. An exceptionally measured and deep-digging selector, Ed maintains an uncomprimising approach to the craft which has seen him grace the booth at a number of institutions across the globe, in- cluding Manchester’s revered Warehouse Project and Berlin’s RSO. Countless shades of House, Techno, Dub, Jungle and everything in between sit comfortably within his record bag at all times; a range which is seldom seen in even the most accom- plished of artists’ arsenals. Ed’s musical contributions also extend beyond the dancefloor, whether it be through his limited tape- based label Sleeper Tape or his radio appearances across plat- forms such as London’s NTS Radio.
Classic Chicago ride or die style DJ/producer influenced by The Warehouse, technology, and straight up techno, it’s no wonder she has been named one of Chicago’s top 10 DJ’s by XLR8R Magazine.
Technology and exploration are at the roots of Hiroko’s core. Equally enthralled by the beat and the machines generating them, her sound is an homage to every circuit, resistor, patch cord and application that brings voice and inspiration to her work. Her gothic and industrial roots are evident in her music, as well as her punk rock DIY drive. Taking inspiration from classic science fiction and dark anime, Hiroko’s studio can often be confused for a booth at a comic \convention.
Currently calling labels such as Trax Records, Impact Mechanics, Slap Jaxx and Klectik as home, she just recently returned from a long hiatus from music. Her previous projects under the Bio-Booster and as a member of Monologic have not ceased, however they have taken a back seat to a more focused techno vision. As a midwest rave staple, Hiroko has toured the globe spreading the sounds of Chicago including gigs at the famed Detroit Movement Festival as well as regular Berlin and Ibiza shows. Hiroko currently calls clubs such as Spybar and Soundbar home.
She actively contributes jacking Chicago techno with an edge all its own, along with her like-minded colleagues and collaborators including Heartthrob, Seth Troxler, Hyperactive, Angel Alanis, Kate Simko and the Submerge. Find out why XLR8R named her one of Chicago’s top 10 DJs.
JUPiTA has been luring audiences in Naarm with her live performances and music releases, crafting a vibrant tapestry where sonic elements seamlessly intertwine. Weaving genres like reggaeton, dance, drum and bass, R&B, and more, she showcases her versatility as both a producer and songwriter. Joined by SWAMP, a live experimental jazz band, they will captivate you with reimagined songs from JUPiTA's upcoming debut album, iO.
Kia has a taste-making ear for digging, sophisticated knack for storytelling and bubbling energy that draws people to her whether she’s backstage, behind the decks or on the dance floor. As label boss of Animalia and Cirrus, she is a Naarm/Melbourne local who’s one of the influences driving organic, kaleidoscopic shades of electronic music around the world. Behind the decks, she’s a master of playing to her surroundings, in a context-driven connection of time, space and sound. Her decidedly community-driven approach to her Animalia platform has created a global network of forward-thinking producers. Kia’s sense of curiosity underpins all of her output and drives her ability to throw curveballs into the mix with instinct, confidence and energy.
Pioneers of Kinshasa’s sonic revolution, KOKOKO! have captivated global audiences with their striking sonics and energetic performances since 2017. Their accolades include best live band award by AIF, NPR Tiny Desk and Boiler Room slots, appearances at festivals including All Points East, SXSW, Green Man and Pitchfork Festival, and a placement on the Grand Theft Auto and FIFA soundtracks. Their critically acclaimed debut album Fongola achieved global praise, with DJ Mag labelling it “quite unlike anything else you’ll hear”, while The Guardian called the group a “commanding new voice”.
Mandeng Groove are a 5 - piece ensemble co-created by Guinean-Australian multi-instrumentalist Amadou Kalissa and Melbourne guitarist and producer Kyle Muir.
Mandeng Groove’s live show centers around the music of the kora, the traditional harp of the Manding people from West Africa.
Mandeng Groove’s performance blends traditional repertoire with jazz, soul, funk and all places groove. This music is for dancing.
MINYERRA (Neil Morris) is an ever present buzz that emanates forth from the sacred biyala (redgum) and wala (waters) of Kaieltheban land. MINYERRA is sonic lore manifest, a meeting of country and analog synth textures. MINYERRA is a sound project of Yorta Yorta artist Neil Morris (aka DRMNGNOW) that is built around sound as an expression that sits in the ethereal spaces between woka (country) yenbena (ancestors) and mulana (spirit) of all living beings on Yorta Yorta woka expressed through sound collages centred in atmospheric textures and pulsing rhythmic voicings.
Renowned for her considered sets that meet at the intersection of contemporary UK dance
music and sounds from the past and present of the underground, NIKS can only be defined by her devotion to the scene. As co-founder of Black Artist Database (B.A.D) and Black Electronic Music Association (BEMA),
NIKS is an artist and facilitator who is driven by her dedication to the culture that continues to nurture and uplift her.
Physical Therapy is Daniel Fisher, the Queens-based New Jersey-born producer, DJ, and head of the Allergy Season label. Fisher is known for a constantly shifting and abstracted take on club music, from bongo-infused techno to breakbeat science.
Over the last 15 years, Fisher has gained a cult following for his dynamic DJ sets and playful productions. From unassuming beginnings in New York City dive bars, Fisher carved a path through the Brooklyn warehouse scene before moving to Berlin in 2013 and starting his own label, Allergy Season. In Germany, Fisher absorbed the sounds of the scene and developed his own, singular interpretation of dance music — closer to the jocular energy of the 90s than the heads-down thumpers Berlin is known for. Regular slots at Berghain and Panorama Bar soon followed. Meanwhile Fisher kept a presence on the New York scene with Allergy Season parties at warehouses and venues like Bossa Nova Civic Club. In 2018, after settling back in New York he began his residency at Nowadays, the club run by Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter of Mister Saturday Night, where he plays genre-spanning sets of up to 9 hours.
Since his first 12″ on the now-defunct Hippos in Tanks, Fisher has put out over 35 releases on a dozen labels and under several aliases including Car Culture, Kirk the Flirt, DJ Overnite, and Fatherhood- his duo with fellow NYC DJ Michael Magnan. Though stylistically diverse, his tracks are bound by both a sense of humor and their dance floor readiness.
RONA. is a Mparntwe and Naarm-based producer, Kaytetye artist and DJ. Moving between these two spaces, RONA. explores connections between the industrial dance floors of Naarm to the soundscapes and rhythms of her home.
Already having made appearances alongside Four Tet, Bradley Zero, Leon Vynehall, Jon Talabot and Chaos in the CBD, as well as featuring on line ups across Pitch Music and Arts Festival, Sun Cycle, Strawberry Fields Festival and Falls Festival, RONA. launched her debut EP on tour with RÜFÜS DU SOL alongside fellow support act, Jon Hopkins. In 2023, RONA. made her Splendour in the Grass debut, and supported UK duo Overmono on their Australian tour. RONA.’s debut EP, Closure prioritised finding balance in the chaos of life via meditative dance music. Closure scored widespread acclaim on release, including airplay from community radio nationally, triple j, Double J and press accolades from the likes of Mixmag and The Guardian.
RONA. shapes sounds for the ongoing journey of finding connection between many worlds, combining the soundscapes of Country and place with synths and melodies that pack emotional punch. Drawing from these distinct spaces, her infectious sound can stir any dance floor through thoughtful and moving electronica. With 2023’s release of “Aperleye”, stay tuned for more to arrive from one of Australia’s most talented and astute producers, RONA.
Co-founding Co-founding Bound in Kaurna (Adelaide) before heading back to Mparntwe (Alice Springs), DIMA is a photographer, designer, deejay and has more recently entered the depths of producing. His eclectic manner and style has seen him burst onto the Naarm scene, as well as playing at Inward Goods and Sonder Festival.
2020 has been a year we'd all like to forget. But for Sébastien Léger, it has been an opportunity to connect with his growing community of fans, and an ever larger collection of like-minded artists who have tuned into what he is doing with his Lost Miracle label. Part of that is down to the continued radio show he hosts, which is syndicated to more than 100 stations round the world and has helped to crystallize the Lost Miracle sound. "People know what we're all about now," he says of the now two year old label, adding "it's about music that has a strong melody, a timeless lead that is standout and unforgettable, but b-sides are always reserved for more experimental, hard to categorise and playful sounds."
Once the dance music world opens up again, Lost Miracle will host its own carefully curated events. Headlined by Léger himself but with a crew of label artists playing each one, they will be a perfect way to experience the label's sound - house music that has real meaning and musicality, as well as the ability to transport you to another world. The parties will come with the same Asian aesthetic, production and lighting that has defined the label's artwork. It is a style that Léger, who visits Asian as often as possible both privately and professionally, has long been drawn to thanks to its enchanting charms.
Lockdown has also been productive for Léger on the production front. He has made enough music "for the next five years", with some of it a continuation of previous releases on All Day I Dream and Lost Miracle, and some of it heading in a new direction that will be revealed soon. Also to be unveiled soon, for the first time, will be his stunning new live show. Each one will find him playing on a hybrid modular set up with sequencers enabling him to serve up remixes of his own back catalogue next to fresh new cuts. That means the shows will serve up the sort of house you would expect from this long time maestro, but always with a subtle twist. The first one will be exclusively live streamed by Cercle from the breathtaking Pyramids of Egypt.
Léger's last release was on All Day I Dream and was the most successful to date. There will be more on that label at some point in 2021, and the bootleg Stevie Wonder remix he has often played will also get a full and official release.
For an artist who has achieved as much as him in the last quarter of a century, it would be easy for Leger to keep trading on past glories. But not him. He admits he "gets bored easily" so is constantly reinventing himself and his sound. He has never paid heed to trends or fly-by-night fads, instead making whatever sort of music he fancies. Right now, that music is some of the best he has ever made. It is emotional and melodic, laden with exquisite pads and the sort of sonic subtleties only an artist of his experience can achieve. It also moves global dance floors, of course, and like the man himself, can be stormy and moody as well as more uplifting. In 2019, his 'Lanarka' track was the overall Number 1 on Beatport for the best part of three weeks. The deadpan, dry humoured artist himself is rather unmoved by that fact. "Dogs," he says, when asked what truly makes him happy.
He is being coy, of course, because you don't spend 25 years DJing around the world and making essential club grooves if you don't have a passion for what you do. His inspiration comes from the moments he is in the studio. He never goes in with set expectations or specific ideas, instead going wherever the sessions take him. As a DJ, Léger says his first commitment is to "keep the dance floor full", but he also says he has to keep himself happy, and only plays music he loves. "That's not always easy," he says, "I don't pretend to want to educate people, but I do like to try and show them some new sounds and styles."
He has once again set about proving this during lockdown, the result of which are sure to keep Sébastien Léger right at the vanguard of the scene
Sky High Trio is the DJ collective of John Bailey, Mike Guerreri, and Woody McDonald. The culmination of their own journeys in music - their sets typically stretch into epic 10 hour marathons, blending the aesthetics of live radio with traditional DJing. The trio's programs - Stolen Moments, Mystic Brew, and The Cave have been staples on
Melbourne independent radio. Showcasing their eclectic tastes and digs into soulful, jazzy, and psychedelic sounds.
Suze Ijó is a house DJ. She works in the lineage of that word not just as a name for a genre of dance music, but a mood, a way of moving, an ethic and cultivation of spirit. Ijó grew up in Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport, and was surrounded by hip-hop, Caribbean music and Eurodance - products of cultural import and synthesis from the house sounds of Chicago and New York. By the time she was 18, Ijó began going out to clubs with an orientation towards these very sounds; she also started working on local nightlife production teams and as a door host, and later on as a booker. Through these experiences, she developed her taste for the genres she often plays out today: deep-cut RnB, warm and pulsing soul house, interlocking waves of polyrhythms and vocals and timbres all speaking to a profound transhistorical groove.
After beginning to study for a degree in social work, Ijó pivoted to working full-time in music and nightlife: for three years she did sales at Rotterdam's Clone records, as well as being part of the former collective First Floor. These days, she curates the podcast series for United Identities along with Carista, and is playing gigs full-time. However close to the heart, her sound has been ringing out in industry-lauded European venues such as Panorama Bar, De School, Lux Fragíl, Kaiku and regular slots at Dekmantel Festival; additionally, the last years have seen Ijó make tours of Oceania and South America.
Despite the busy schedule, her club sets reflect an intention and focus granted to each individual space and evening - again, this is "house" as a feeling, not necessarily a musical structure of BPM-range. Ijó almost always brings incense to her gigs, wrapping the space in a sensual vividnes: her take on the club night is not just a series of DJs showcasing tracks or finesse, but a collective bodily and spiritual event crafted by all those involved, from the bar staff to the crowd to the lighting to the soundsystem. Likely one won't have to wait too long before Ijó plays in a club nearby, but luckily, one gets a sense of this even in her numerous radio shows, with broadcasts on NTS, The Lot Radio, and the Dekmantel Podcast series.
Hotly tipped by everyone from Zane Lowe, Diplo, Bonobo and Gorillaz to Billboard, NME, Crack, Mixmag and DJ Mag, London-based artist TSHA is one of the most exciting talents coming out of the UK.
2022 was a blistering year that saw the release of her critically acclaimed and award-winning debut album ‘Capricorn Sun’ on Ninja Tune; collaborate with the likes of with Diplo, J Balvin, Silk City & HONNE; and play 100+ shows across the globe including supporting Disclosure (at Alexandra Palace & O2 Brixton Academy), Flume (at Red Rocks), and Glastonbury. She graced magazine covers and billboards across the UK and US for the likes of DJ Mag, Spotify and Amazon UK and the album was rightly lauded by both industry and fans, named “Album of the Year” by DJ Mag and BBC R1 Dance, appearing in plenty of End of Year lists including NME, The FADER, Loud & Quiet, Clash, PopMatters & more. She’s now a BBC Radio 1 mainstay with several playlist adds under her belt and heavyweight support from Pete Tong, Danny Howard, Arielle Free, Clara Amfo, Jack Saunders and more.
French producer/ DJ and musician, Viken Arman crafts a distinctive sound that blends the timeless and the modern, from a collage of samples, modular grooves, and acoustic composition.
A musical maverick with a progressive yet grounded approach, who subtly melds his vast influences of jazz, house, minimal, hip hop, and world music.
His hypnotic live performances and DJ sets have left a mark on some of the world’s most iconic dancefloors and festivals from Fusion (DE) to Burning Man (USA).
West African in heritage, Naarm (Melbourne)-based Zjoso has quickly become an essential thread weaving through the city’s musical tapestry.
He is the founder of Tribqu, a platform celebrating underground music and culture, where at the helm, he has successfully carved out a distinct role as a DJ, radio host and curator. His monthly radio programme presented on Skylab has become a cult favourite, whilst the dance cultivates a space where music is not led by a specific genre rather a feeling and exploration in sound and movement. Tribqu has energised a community movement of like-minded music lovers.
An accomplished and versatile DJ, Zjoso explores his love for soulful music across the spectrum. In a relatively short time span, he has quickly asserted himself as a prevalent figure on Naarm’s clubbing circuit. With discerning taste that touches on sounds like Street Soul, Dub Reggae, 90’s House, Broken Beat and Detroit Techno. He is able to navigate both dance floors and radio frequencies with perceptive ability and a sharp skill-set. The recherché selector’s recognition proven with invitations to play on bills alongside the likes of Ron Trent, Glenn Underground, Marcellus Pittman, Errol (Touching Bass), Hagan, Shy One, Bradley Zero (Rhythm Section), Ruby Savage, Steve Spacek and Dreamcastmoe and as a key support at Flow Festival setting the mood between acts Digable Planets and KAITT.
A love for dancing, a passion rooted within discovering and sharing music and an inherent motivation to bring people together through these forms lay as the foundation for Zjoso’s creative focus. A vibrant voice who is helping define the shape of Australian dance culture.
Head honcho behind “reasons to be cheerful” on Skylab Radio and a well known fill in on PBS FM, Babycino may be one of the most uplifting characters in Naarm. Always a “glass half full” kinda guy, this positive energy feeds into his selections and hit like the ultimate injection of a good time.
Circle Of Live is an experience unhindered from any formal structure, allowing both the performers and audience to explore the boundaries of electronic music improvisation in all of its raw beauty. Sebastian Mullaert curates a collective of acclaimed, electronic live artists who express themselves and interact at leading venues around the world.
Since the launch in July 2018, each of the all-night-long, freeform improvised jam sessions comprise of both collaborative and solo performances, with no set times decided in advance, allowing the natural flow to lead the way.
The Circle Of Live record label releases selected cuts from the live jams, offering a snapshot into the weird and wonderful fruit of collaborative live performance.
At SF24 Circle of Live will feature Sebastian Mullaert, Sleep D + Kuniyuki.
DJ EZ (Pronounced DJ EEE ZED) is widely - and rightly - regarded as one of the finest, most gifted DJ’s to grace planet Earth. The “DJ’s favourite DJ”, EZ has been a musical force of nature for over two decades, saluted by the industry for his creativity, instinct and technical prowess - not forgetting one of the quickest fingers in the trade with his trademark cue action displays during his sets.
A set of decks simply isn’t the same without DJ EZ.
Based in Naarm/Melbourne, EMMYK & Tilly are renowned for their dynamic and adventurous sounds that effortlessly blend funky, groovy, and deep tracks, ensuring every performance captivates and keeps the crowd moving.
This dynamic duo has carved out a prominent place in the local music scene,securing coveted sets and residencies at Naarm/Melbourne’s most esteemed venues including Revolver, Electric, Glamorama, New Guernica, Circus, Bloom and Captain. They have also showcased their skilful mixing with notable releases such as a mix for Area 3000’s ‘Ryheem Invites’ and an appearance on ‘Tilt Shift’s’ weekly live stream at New Guernica.
EMMYK & Tilly’s rapid ascent has seen them share the stage with an impressive array of international and local artists including Audiojack, S.A.M., Wax’o Paradiso, Black Loops, Fantastic Man, Barbara Boeing, Dee Digs, and Loods.
Described as “The Very Definition Of Culture Clash” by Don Letts (BBC Radio), Immy’s ‘Afrodelik’ music draws influences from Psychedelia, Zamrock and Highlife.
His debut album LO-LIFE!, created with members of Surprise Chef, Karate Boogaloo, and The Senegambian Jazz band, was album of the week on PBS, SYN and French Independent Radio.
Recently voted Music Victoria’s 2023 Best Musician and Nominated for Best Regional Act, Owusu is an upcoming force to keep an eye on.
Papua New Guinea born, now Naarm/Melbourne based, Kaiit (pronounced Ky-yeet) burst onto the scene in 2017 with her debut single "Natural Woman". Creating waves online and commanding the attention of soul and hip hop tastemakers, the subsequent release of her debut EP Live From Her Room (and, in particular, the smoother-than-smooth love ballad "OG Luv Kush Pt 2") fuelled her first sold out national tour and established her as a must-see act at Bigsound 2018.
Kaiit has gone on to build a truly global community of fans, amassing over 30 million streams and 90,000 followers on Spotify alone. She achieved a career highlight when she took home Best Soul/R&B Release at the 2019 ARIA Awards for the sun-speckled bop "Miss Shiney". On the live front, Kaiit has sold out multiple national tours, performed at Splendour in the Grass and Laneway Festival, and supported a number of international heavyweights, including SZA and The Internet. Her passion for jazz and soul is evident in her music, and was confirmed by neo-soul queens Jill Scott and Erykah Badu who personally claimed her as their 'musical love child from down under’. Kaiit draws musical inspiration from her idols Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill, as well as contemporary peers Noname and SZA.
Kaiit is an artist in every sense of the word, with a creative vision sustained by a deep spiritual connection with her ancestors. Her music is timeless, with its shimmery feel-good vibes and nostalgic production. The contrast between Kaiit's old soul voice and fierce, contemporary rhymes set her apart, painting a vibrant picture of gratitude and community, amidst honest and relatable story-telling relevant to her generation. Kaiit’s infectiously positive demeanour shines through in everything she creates; everything about her aesthetic is bold, beautiful and awake with colour and experimentation. Hers is a compelling and joyful world in which everyone is encouraged to be themselves and speak their truth.
The short-story version of Kim Ann Foxman’s trajectory is pretty simple: An island-born kid dreams of a life in clubland, hits the big city and, with a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work, emerges as one of dance music’s leading figures. But it’s the details that transforms her singular tale into something far more fascinating than the standard-issue success story. After all, what other DJ can lay claim to the title of Miss Teen Filipina Hawaii? How many can say that their first job in nightlife was when in high school, serving as the in-house dancer and serving rave smoothies at an all-ages club? How many, after moving to New York by way of San Francisco in the early ’00s, can say that they helped to rejuvenate the city’s then-stale nightlife via her residency at one of the best parties ever held in a hole-in-the-wall gay bar, the Mad Clams affair? How many have tasted stardom as one of the original members of the scene-making dance-music collective Hercules and Love Affair?
Exactly one, and it’s Kim Ann. But it’s a safe bet that she would have made it to where she is today without those biographical eccentricities, because her near-classical take on jacking club rhythms is hard to resist, sounding as fantastic at a full-scale mega-rave as it does at a grimy basement bash. It’s a universally appealing sound that’s taken her around the world—the past few years have seen her playing such hallowed halls as Fabric, Berghain, DC-10, Concrete and Contact, all while holding down a residency at her hometown’s Good Room.
A lifetime in clubbing has informed Kim Ann’s studio work as well, with her music—much of it coming out on her own Firehouse label—synthesizing the best elements of raw house, propulsive 303 material, emotive techno and even the occasional hint of trance into a hugely satisfying whole that lives somewhere between the weird and the wonderful. And then there’s her latest project, Pleasure Planet, which sees her teaming with Andrew Potter and Brian Hersey to add sparkling touches of extraterrestrial new wave to the mix on her new sublabel, self:timer. It’s yet another twist in the continuing saga of Kim Ann Foxman—and, we’d wager, there are plenty more to come.
Laura has grown to become one of Australia's most talented and sought after techno artists.
Paving the way in the underground scene and emerging as a true star.Her sound is anchored by techno and rave energy, merging new elements of contemporary hard dance, tribal hard-groove, psychedelic techno, prog-trance and all things fast, quirky and fun!! She has well and truly become an integral part of Australia’s techno scene.
Marie Montexier's sound is slick and dynamic, bringing together electrifying grooves from all eras and corners of the globe—classic rave cuts and modern club sounds, thumping party-rockers syncopated beat experiments, all of it mixed seamlessly on vinyl via elegant blends, tight cuts and the occasional cheeky spinback. She has graced top clubs, including fabric, Berghain, and De School, as well as festivals like Pitch Australia, DGTL Amsterdam, Lente Kabinet, Butik, Waterworks, and Love International, while holding a residency at the Berlin party Warning and hosting a show on HÖR. She is a co-founder of Précey, a collective dedicated to supporting women, queer and non-binary artists in the world of dance music and a founder of Paryìa, a label pushing a striking blend of club and experimental sounds. Like her DJ sets, her label makes it perfectly obvious: Marie Montexier is an essential new voice in today's electronic music landscape.
A proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman, Miss Kaninna is a Naarm-based (Melbourne) First Nations artist, hailing from lutriwita/Tasmania. Making waves with her breakout debut single Blak Britney in May 2023, the rapper/singer/songwriter has been on a meteoric rise, emerging as a potent voice of punk and power in so-called Australia.
Raised on the shores of Bruny Island, Miss Kaninna has been commanding stages from a young age, carrying forward the storytelling of her ancestors and fearlessly bringing them into the present. Her art serves as a powerful expression of her experiences as a young Black woman on stolen land, drawing from her rich cultural heritage and paths paved before her by her Matriarchs.
Blak Britney arrived to critical acclaim, immediately captivating audiences with Miss Kaninna’s ferocious charisma. An anti-establishment anthem written to amplify the voices of Black women, the single garnered widespread acclaim, landing full rotation and within a fortnight was the #1 most-played song on triple j.
In the wake of its success, she commanded stages across the nation, her electrifying live performances spreading like wildfire. Securing coveted spots at premier festivals such as Meredith Music Festival, Haydays Music & Arts Festival, Beyond the Valley, Wildlands, Sun Cycle, and a spot on the national 2024 Laneway tour alongside Stormzy, Raye, and Steve Lacy, she solidified her status as a rising star. Her standout performances at the inaugural SXSW Sydney earned her the inaugural Justin Cosby Award for Best Emerging Artist, further cementing her as one to watch.
Unmistakably, Nooriyah has paved her own lane when it comes to dance music. Connecting dots between diverse global music cultures; Nooriyah has made it her focus to blur those same lines, focusing on creating vivid musical diversity in her work without being told she can’t merge those vast musical communities.
Born in Saudi Arabia, raised in Japan and now based in the UK, Nooriyah, known for her work as DJ, audio producer and presenter, has spent the past decade championing sounds of the diaspora. Founding SWANA focused collaborative in London ‘Middle of Nowhere’ which went on to host her debut Boiler Room—achieving over 3,000,000 streams since.
Since her emergence into dance music, Nooriyah has gained international acclaim and performed at venues and festivals globally such as Glastonbury, Nitsa and sold out her headline shows in London at KOKO, EartH, Jazz Cafe and Colour Factory. As well as her debut European headline tour Middle of Everywhere. Nooriyah has also produced work for BBC 4 and continues to build upon her deep musical knowledge with other audio- visual projects, including work within soundtracks for film and tv.
It is no surprise that Nooriyah has built a following that not only celebrates what she is trying to create, but wishes to build it with her.
PNNY, is a symbiotic force of seven vastly unique artists originating from the tropical shores of Bali.
Picture this: a ragtag band of libertines, each wielding their musical arsenal, converging into Bali’s widely known music collective. They are the undisputed juggernauts of Bali's nightlife.
But how did this madness begin? Let’s go back to 2014, a time when Bali's air was thick with the stale stench of EDM. TodaysRenaissance (Gilang Asmara) and Dubwill (William Wahyu), two renegade visionaries, looked upon this sonic wasteland and said, "Enough is enough." And just like that, PNNY Collective was thrust into existence.
These seven individuals—TodaysRenaissance, Dubwill, Alex Verdacchi, Andy Chunes, Trigan Young, Equalwho (Ekky Suryanegara), and Daffabedamned — are not merely musicians; they are masters of chaos, each channeling their own distinct brand of sonic sorcery. Together, they weave a tapestry of love-infused disco and house, punctuated by the beats of techno, rave, and bass music.
PNNY has brought BOILER ROOM not once, but twice, and are responsible for bringing HOR BERLIN to the island. Today you can find them playing Desa POTATO HEAD’s bi-monthly sessions, the infamous Luigis Hot Pizza’s Metto Monday, and La Brisa’s monthly series Basement Love X PNNY, where we've seen industry heads such as DJ Koze, Denis Sulta, Giegling, Theo Parrish, Octa Octa, Roi Perez, Eris Drew, ATA, Haai, Cromby and Multisex make thirst quenching parties over the years.
As the sun sets on another day in paradise, the collective has also ventured into the realms of food and fashion, launching PNNY Bites and House Of PNNY, respectively. Soon they’ll launch on a label and embark on their annual Euro tour.
Growing up on an island population of 2,500 people, Sachém holds both ancestral ties to Noonuccal (Stradbroke Island) and African American with his family roots currently leading to Florida. His story, experience and approach to music are ones that the Australian community has not seen before, reflecting both front-line First Nation / African American perspectives within the Australian environment and a deep understanding of the hip-hop community and its culture.
Networking and producing his own connections, Sachém has opened at the 2022 Queensland Music Awards, AFL Indigenous Round 2022, RPAC theatre and soon-to-be QPAC with his recent theatre show ‘The Bigger Picture’. He was also awarded the 2017 Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize (Queensland Poetry Festival), the 2020 Brisbane City Council Best Original Song Award and was nominated for a 2022 QMA Award.
Seun Kuti is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father's political and musical legacy as the leader of his father's former band Egypt 80.
Kuti was born in early 1983. He showed interest in his father's music from the age of five, and at nine began opening Fela's shows, singing a select group of songs with Egypt 80 before his dad took the stage. As a developing saxophonist and percussionist, he entered the formal ranks of the band before he was 12. Fela passed in 1997, and Seun, in fulfillment of his father's wishes, assumed the mantle as head of Egypt 80; he has run it ever since.
Soichi Terada has long been a bastion of charming house music in Japan. A recent showcase of his work by Hunee - "Sounds From The Far East" - on the Rush Hour label, though, has turned a western audience on to his pleasingly
naive yet emotionally resonant sound, and as such he is now touring with a full live show.
Over the course of a long career that dates back to the '80s, Terada has been responsible for the soundtracks of computer games like Ape Escape, as well as for countless great releases on his Far East Recordings label alongside good friend Shinichiro Yokota.
With a sound that bares the subtle hallmarks of 80s and 90s New York, Terada has continually cooked up his own melodically rich slant on house, and for that reason he has always stood out. Ranging in style from personable and fun to more moody and soulful, he has a broad sound palette that is full of humour and real character. Tracks like the Larry Levan backed "Sun Shower," which he produced in 1989 for the Japanese singer Nami Shimada, are full of melody and string arrangement so never fail to connect with dancers and DJs alike. His live show will re-create these classic old tracks - as well as those from the Rush Hour compilation - in captivating fashion.
SWIM is a Naarm-based (so-called Melbourne) DJ, producer and engineer exploring spaces between techno, house, and emotive electronica.
After a string of critically acclaimed independent releases, SWIM toured across Australia in support of his EP Years On Years, performing and collaborating with fellow underground stars Pretty Girl, X Club, CRUSH3d and Skin On Skin.
u.r.trax is a Producer and DJ from Paris, France.
She delivers eclectic DJ performances defending a diverse sound, de facto made by diverse profiles of artists. From trippy techno to rough and cold electro and “backroom” dark trance, u.r.trax advocates an “immersive music for the mind”.
Her first language was music. Drummer since her very tender childhood, she started producing in her early teenage years and focused her self a few years later on techno. In 2020, she releases her first record “Folge Mir” on Hector Oaks’ KAOS. In 2021, she releases her debut EP “Moral Krisis” on the sub-label she was given : “KAOS-URTRAX”.
Her early tracks have been tinted with a classic and driving techno sound. However, her release on Nina Kraviz’ trip (Atom Heart) marks a more psychedelic turn, and her single “Br0ken” on Ellen Alien’s BPitch annonces a wider range of sonic experiments for the future...
In Yorta Yorta language, Wulumburra means Communal Fire. Wulumburra’s vision to develop just that. A sense of fire to energise and connect community to be both empowered , and grow in a way which honours all the sacredness of which we descend from.
Zourouna is a Melbourne based band specializing in authentic and contemporary Middle Eastern, Greek and Eastern Mediterranean music. Their repertoire is authentic, uniquely entertaining, and can dwell between traditional and modern tunes from Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Syria and beyond. Zourouna likes to take its listeners on a cultural journey with no borders.