DJ BEAST MODE (DMC World Champion) dropped into FBi Radio to chat with Stephen Ferris on his Souled Out Radio Show (23 Nov 2025).

Interview + DJ Mix now live.

He speaks on his journey as a turntablist, coming up in the Sydney scene, and drops a set packed with 80s and 90s hip hop, heavy funk and bboy breaks.

Catch him playing this Sunday at the Soul of Sydney 14th Birthday Jam.

An afternoon of feel good funk, soul, disco and old school hip hop vibes.

Final tickets and info: from $20.00

http://www.soulofsydney.org/events

#DJSydney #FunkSydney #SoulOfSydney #Turntablism #DMCChampion #HipHopSydney #FBiRadio #SouledOutRadio #SydneyMusic #BboyBreaks #FunkMix #SoulMusicSydney #OldSchoolHipHop #SydneyEvents

Good Vibrations Festival 2011 – Roots Tent Mixtape by Samrai (BEAST MODE)

🎶 DJ SAMRAI (aka BEASTMODE) Good Vibrations Festival 2011 Tribute Mix 🎶

A special warm-up tribute mix celebrating the legendary Good Vibrations Festival, one of Australia’s most iconic summer music events. This set pays homage to the Roots Tent vibes from 2011, blending timeless soul, funk, reggae, hip hop, and groove that defined the festival’s golden era.

Curated and mixed by our special guest BEASTMODE (previously known as DJ Samrai), this mix channels the feel-good energy, sunshine, and community spirit that made Good Vibes unforgettable. Perfect for anyone who was there or wishes they had been.

Feat the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Damian Marley, The Pharcyde, Jill Scott, Common, Lauryn Hill, Mos Def, and more soulful selectors from the Roots Tent era.

Turn it up, feel the nostalgia, and relive the magic of Good Vibrations Festival. 🌞✨

🎧 Stream the mix

💿 Inspired by: [Good Vibrations Festival 2011 – Roots Tent Lineup & Info](https://www.oztix.com.au/news/archive/2011/02/16/good-vibrations---ticket-special--info/)

Catch BEASTMODE doing it large at SOUL OF SYDNEY 14th BDAY (Nov 30 2025)

Info at [www.soulofsydney.org/events](http://www.soulofsydney.org/events)

#GoodVibrationsFestival #DJBeastmode #DJSamrai #SoulOfSydney #OldSchoolVibes #RootsTent #ClassicFestivalVibes

DJ D at SOUL OF SYDNEY (Oct 25) | Funk, Soul, Hip Hop Party Vibes | SOS#434

Catch this dope extended set with DJ D & MC mirrah playing right after DJ MOTO last Sunday at the SEASON opening party with a dope selection of FUNK, DISCO, HIP HOP & BBOY breaks playing Vinyl, truck set and more.

Next Party Sunday Nov 30 feat. DJ BEASTMODE

www.soulofsydney.org/events

big LOVE.

🎶 NICKODEMUS Live at SOUL OF SYDNEY – March 2018

Funk, Soul, Afro Latin Global Funk Vibes | Podcast #433

When Nickodemus (of Turntables on the Hudson) stopped by Sydney during WOMAD 2018, he blessed us with a two-hour journey through unfiltered funk, soul, hip hop, Afro, Latin, and global rhythms. Recorded live at SOUL OF SYDNEY, this unforgettable afternoon captures the essence of magical day with good people, sunshine, and deep, soulful grooves that move the spirit, getting down to 🥁 Afro Latin percussion, funk basslines, soulful vocals & hip hop breaks. 🌍 Global flavours from Rio to Lagos to New York

About Nickodemus:

A NYC-based DJ, producer, and founder of [Turntables on the Hudson], Nickodemus has been spreading global dance floor magic since the late ‘90s. Known for his uplifting, culturally rich sets and productions, he’s released music on [Wonderwheel Recordings](https://wonderwheelrecordings.com/) — home to artists like Quantic, Chancha Via Circuito, and The Spy From Cairo.

🌍 More Nickodemus:

https://soundcloud.com/nickodemusnyc

https://www.instagram.com/nickodemusnyc

https://wonderwheelrecordings.com/

#afrobeat #funk #cumbia #worldmusic #global funk

Soul of Sydney Podcast: Ron Carroll Tribute Mix (House, Gospel & Soulful House & Preacher House)

A heartfelt tribute to the late, Ron Carroll (Rest In Peace), the legendary Chicago house producer, gospel singer, songwriter, and DJ who passed away earlier this week.

Ron Carroll’s powerful vocals, and preacher voice as well as his uplifting productions shaped the sound of soulful and gospel house for over three decades. From collaborating with house greats like Louie Vega, Ron Trent, Hardsoul, and E-Smoove, to penning timeless anthems such as Lucky Star and Back Together, his music carried the message of love, faith, and unity straight to the dancefloor and always resonated with us.

For us at Ron Carroll’s unique blend of Chicago house and gospel were the reason we first fell in love with Gospel House, and his influence runs deep in everything we do. We remember first seeing him play on a NYD in Sydney when he did a very special live PA & DJ set over 15 years ago. He showed us then how power GOSPEL HOUSE could be on a dancefloor & it has always stuck with us as a very special moment.

This mix is our way of celebrating his life, legacy, and the joy he gave to dancers and dreamers around the world.

🙏 Rest in Power, Ron Carroll. Your voice lives forever in house music.

#RonCarroll #BMC #GospelHouse #Gospel #soulfulhouse #soulful #house

Shan Frenzie Live DJ Set @ Soul of Sydney 13th Birthday (Nov 2024)

SOUL OF SYDNEY PODCAST #431

Celebrate with us as Sydney Hip Hop Don, DJ Shan Frenzie takes over for the 13th birthday of SOUL OF SYDNEY, delivering a live set that spans funk, soul, disco, boogie, house & classic party vibes a touch of 1980's Hip Hop & Disco Rap vibes that he is so well known for.

Warming up for KEYIM BA, this was such a dope set in the courtayard, it was so special seeing him do his thing again behind the decks as he is one the true icons of dancefloors in Sydney, his radio show & podcast inspired & schooled us at Soul of Sydney and countless music lovers globally with his deep knowledge and passion for the music. He is one of the reasons we started to get into and fall in love with FUNK & SOUL music way before we started doing events.

Check out more of his links and info below, and be sure to follow him.

About Shan Frenzie / Groove Therapy

DJ Shan (aka Shan Frenzie) has been spinning for over 30 years, building a reputation for deep crates, authentic selections, and unforgettable party energy.

His weekly show Groove Therapy has aired every Friday on 2SER FM since 2002, bringing fans around the world a timeless mix of funk, soul, disco, hip hop & house.

Over the years, Shan has also supported legends such as Grandmaster Flash, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Soul II Soul, and many more.

Groove Therapy website & podcast: https://groovetherapy.com.au

Listen back / tune in on 2SER FM: https://2ser.com/programs/groove-therapy

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/groove-therapy/id493144842

Get in touch / shoutouts:

https://www.instagram.com/shanfrenzie/?hl=en

https://linktr.ee/djshan_

https://soundcloud.com/groovetherapy

https://surreal.live/en-au/entertainer/dj-shan-frenzie

If you like this mix, please share, repost & follow!

Keep the soul alive.

#funk #soul #disco #soulofsydney #shanfrenzie

SOUL OF SYDNEY #430: PHIL TOKE @ SYDNEY FESTIVAL at the SOUL OF SYDNEY showcase featuring OYOBI | Jan 2025.

This extended opening set starts with a special homage to our Lebanese roots, featuring the timeless voice of Fairouz opening up the venue before weaving into rare groove, soul, and slowly building the dancefloor with funk, disco, and a touch of hip hop goodness.

Recorded live on the beautiful wharf dancefloor at Moonshine, Walsh Bay, for Sydney Festival in January 2025, our own Lebanese soul brother Phil Toke sets the tone as people arrive slowly warming up the exposed timber dancefloor for the incredible Oyobi, who followed with their live showcase.

Much love and respect to the team at KATMA for inviting us to soundtrack the afterparty for their dance showcase.

We covered some musical ground for this one, check out the playlist below:

Track List |

1. Fairouz – Al Bint El Shalabiya

2. Jamiroquai – Corner of the Earth

3. Marvin Gaye – I Want You (John Morales Mix)

4. Terry Callier – Holdin’ On to Your Love

5. Al Johnson – I’m Back for More

6. Bionic Boogie – Hot Butterfly (Remix)

7. Average White Band – I’m the One

8. Hubert Laws – Family

9. Deodato – Pina Colada

10. Attic Tree – Voar

11. Sivuca – Ain’t No Sunshine

12. The Isley Brothers & Studio Rio – It’s Your Thing (Rework)

13. The Brides of Funkenstein – Disco to Go (Mothership Reconnection)

14. The J.B.’s & Fred Wesley – Funky & Some

15. The Honey Drippers – Impeach the President

16. Michael McDonald – I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)

17. Warren G & Nate Dogg – Regulate

18. Skee-Lo – I Wish

19. De La Soul – Breakadawn (Remix)

20. James Brown – The Payback Pt. 1

21. Maceo & the Macks – Cross the Tracks (We Better Go Back)

22. Fred Wesley – House Party

23. Edwin Starr – I Just Wanna Do My Thing

24. The Stone Roses – Fools Gold

Big LOVE.

PHIL TOKE @ SPIRIT OF HOUSE TRIBUTE Jul 2025 | 90's House & Garage Vibes | SOUL OF SYDNEY #429

PHIL TOKE – Spirit of House Tribute • July 2025

Soulful House Classics • 90s House • Garage Vibes

Longtime Soul of Sydney resident Phil Toke returns with a deep, uplifting mix packed full of soulful house gems, 90s house anthems, and garage grooves that defined an era. From warm vocal hooks and jazzy keys to classic NYC and UK club sounds, this set captures the spirit of house music at its most timeless and emotional.

Expect lush melodies, feel-good rhythms, and deep, dancefloor energy — a tribute to the golden years of house music, delivered with Phil’s signature flow and deep musical knowledge.

Perfect listening for lovers of classic Defected, Masters at Work, Grant Nelson, early Strictly Rhythm and Frankie Knuckles era sounds.

Stephen Allkins (Love Tattoo) Live at SPIRIT OF HOUSE Tribute July 6, 2025 | SOUL OF SYDNEY #428

Sydney legend in full effect! For fans of Feel-Good Funk, House, Garage & Disco, here’s a special live recording from Stephen Allkins—the original “Mr. Disco” and mastermind behind [Love] Tattoo. Clocking in at two hours, this set captures a deep dive into the soulful heart of Sydney dance culture, recorded live on the Greenwood dancefloor at our beloved SPIRIT OF HOUSE tribute.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who came down to the SPIRIT OF HOUSE jam. This beautiful community is what makes these parties so special. We’re proud to share the first of our live recordings from the event—a set from a true Sydney original, Stephen Allkins, also known as Love Tattoo.

Stephen’s legacy is woven through decades of Australian club culture. Starting his journey in 1978, he played a crucial role in bringing disco—and later house music—to Sydney’s underground. Affectionately called “Mr. Disco,” his legendary record collection, adventurous selections, and pioneering sets broke new ground across the city’s gay clubs, warehouse parties, and iconic venues, inspiring generations of selectors and dancers alike.

As a producer, Stephen’s releases as Love Tattoo pushed Australian dance music onto the international map. His single “History of Disco” was an instant classic, and “Bass Has Got Me Movin’” in 2001 earned ARIA nominations and global attention for its soulful, modern spin on house and disco. With a career spanning over 40 years, his contribution to the evolution of disco and house music in this city is unmatched.

This two-hour mix, recorded on the fly at Greenwood Hotel for the SPIRIT OF HOUSE tribute party, dives deep into early house, uplifting garage, and those soulful, grooving disco vibes that have come to define Sydney’s dancefloors.

Track Listing (incomplete):

1. Juliet Roberts – Caught in the Middle (David Morales Def Classic 12″ Mix), Cooltempo, 1994

2. Unknown – Never Giving Up on Love, Unknown Label, Unknown Year

3. Grace Jones – Feel Up (Danny Tenaglia Remix), Island Records, \~1994

4. Roxy – Love to Do It (Danny Tenaglia Mix), Unknown Label, Unknown Year

5. Inner City – Good Life (Steve “Silk” Hurley Remix), 10 Records/Virgin, 1988

6. Nicole McCloud – Rock the House, Oceana Records, 1989

7. A Guy Called Gerald – Voodoo Ray, Rham! Records, 1988

8. River Ocean feat. India – Love and Happiness (Yemaya y Ochun – 12″ Remix), Strictly Rhythm, 1994

9. Funky Green Dogs – Reach for Me, Murk/Tribal America, 1992

10. Unknown – Let There Be Love (In Your Life), Unknown Label, Unknown Year

11. Eileen Flores – Gotta Have Your Love (Remix), Sleeping Bag Records, 1987

12. Blaze – If You Should Need a Friend (Friendship Mix), Quark/Debut, 1987

13. The Absolute feat. Suzanne Palmer – There Will Come a Day (Epic Gospel Remix), Tribal America/UK, 1995

14. George Morel – This Is My Party (Bitch Get Out – Sound Factory Remix), Strictly Rhythm, 1994

15. MD X‑Spress – God Made Me Phunky, Hi-Life Recordings, 1994

16. Lorimer, Mijangos & Vision – What You Doing to Me, Cutting Records, 1996

17. Mariah Carey – Dreamlover (Def Club Mix), Columbia Records, 1993

18. Sunkids feat. Chance – Rise Up (Rework), Soundmen on Wax, 1999

19. The Two Tons – I Got the Feeling, Fantasy Records, 1980

20. George Morel – A Groove Thang, Groovilicious, 1996

21. Voices – Voices in My Mind (CJ Mackintosh Mix), Sound of Ministry, 1994

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Recorded at SPIRIT OF HOUSE TRIBUTE PARTY (A Celebration of 30+ Years of House Music & Its Disco Roots) \ Updates at the nex party > Info at www.soulofsydney.org/spiritofhouse

#disco #soul #jazz #stephenallkins #garagehouse #protohouse

SOUL OF SYDNEY PODCAST #427: Our special guest playing the legendary Nudge Nudge Wink Wink parties up in Northern NSW near Byron Bay, dropping a dope selection of high-powered DISCO SOULFUL HOUSE vibes in the shed for the closing set in June 2019.

We would have loved to be there for this one, the parties are some of the finest in Australia, pure music heads hosted by our good friends at Cunning Stunts. Check out the page for upcoming parties if you are ever up in the region for a dope afternoon.

https://cunningstunts.com.au/

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While Stephen Allkins is in Sydney, we are lucky to be able to have him play the SPIRIT OF HOUSE tribute jam next month in July.

Check out the mix and come down and enjoy the vibe as we pay homage to 30+ years of house music with an afternoon of SOULFUL HOUSE classics, 90's House & a solid dose of DISCO ROOTS.

Sunday, July 6 @ 2pm at GREENWOOD HOTEL (North Sydney)

Info at www.soulofsydney.org/spiritofhouse

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About STEPHEN ALLKINS :

‘New York had Larry Levan, Chicago had Ron Hardy, Sydney has, Stephen Allkins..’

It is safe to say that Stephen Allkins aka [love] tattoo could rightly claim the trademark of “Mr.Disco”, his extensive record collection & his infamous sets over the years.

Stephen Allkins—aka [Love] Tattoo—is an undisputed icon of Australian dance music. A DJ, producer, and pioneer, he has been shaping the sound of disco and house music in Australia since the late 1970s, laying the foundations for the vibrant club culture that followed. From the earliest disco nights in Sydney’s gay clubs to underground warehouse parties and mainroom raves, Stephen’s sound has consistently pushed boundaries and inspired generations.

Affectionately known as “Mr. Disco,” Stephen began DJing in 1978, spinning vinyl in a scene still forming its identity. He was among the first in Sydney to champion disco and later house music, earning a reputation as the “DJ’s DJ” for his impeccable selections, deep crates, and intuitive ability to work a dancefloor. His sets were spiritual experiences, blending deep disco grooves, vocal house, and electronic soul with an effortless mastery that helped define the sound of a city.

As [Love] Tattoo, Stephen stepped into the studio and brought his musical vision to life with a series of genre-defining releases that bridged the golden era of disco with the pulse of modern house. His breakout single “History of Disco” (2001)—a lush, soulful tribute co-produced with Paul Mac—was quickly signed by Pete Tong to Essential Records and released on the legendary UK label ffrr. The track resonated internationally and marked Allkins as not just a DJ, but a gifted producer with a reverence for dance music’s roots.

Today, Stephen Allkins stands as one of the most important figures in Australia’s dance music history. His influence is felt in every corner of the scene—from crate-digging selectors and disco revivalists to mainstage house DJs and producers. With over four decades of contributions behind him, his legacy continues to inspire the next wave of artists and dancers alike.

We are honoured to welcome him back to play the SPIRIT OF HOUSE tribute parties again at one of the seminal homes of the sound through the 90s.

About the SPIRIT OF HOUSE:

Spirit of House is a tribute party paying homage to an era of house that sits close to our hearts, a platform to get down to SOULFUL HOUSE sounds of 90s & 2000’s & 90’s House classics & of course the disco roots that form the foundation of that sound.