soundsofsud

Joined by Tokyo Sexwale, the high-energy DJ duo made up of brothers Dane and Ryan, who are known for their infectious vibe and genre-blending sets. Originally from South Africa then growing up on California’s West Coast, they seamlessly move between house, acid, Italo, funk, and everything in between.

Since their 2019 debut, Tokyo Sexwale has become a staple at iconic Sydney venues like Lost Sundays at The Ivy, The Abercrombie, Carousel, and The Island, while also performing internationally in London, Fiji, the U.S., and Nicaragua.

Their journey has led them to support legends like Roger Sanchez, Anna Lunoe, and Luke Alessi, and with a background in film composition, they’re now focusing on their own original productions. Tokyo Sexwale is also the driving force behind House Plant, a thriving collective that champions local talent through pop-up parties, event takeovers, and a live mix video series.

As they prepare for their second appearance at Lost Paradise and celebrate House Plant’s second birthday, Tokyo Sexwale is ready to kick off the summer with fresh energy. In this episode, we dive into their journey from house parties to headlining festivals, balancing day jobs with their DJ careers, and their creative work with House Plant.

We also explore their aspirations for the future, including upcoming events, the rise of UK Garage in Australia, and strategies for booking gigs. Tune in for insights on collaboration, networking, and their unique approach to music production.Thanks for coming on , my first interview with siblings was so much fun and I look forward to everything you have to come.

Joined by the lovely nats, the Yorkshire-born DJ who’s making waves in Sydney's vibrant music scene. Her self-taught DJ journey took off during lockdown, and she quickly secured regular gigs at some of Sydney’s hottest venues, including The Ivy, Sussudio, The Island, Seadeck, and Sutra.

In 2023, nats expanded her reach with her first interstate bookings at Elsewhere Bar in Gold Coast, and New Guernica and Storyville in Melbourne. This year has been her biggest yet, highlighted by her electrifying NYE set at The Ivy for Defected, where she shared the stage with legends like Carl Cox and Riva Starr, as well as a stunning performance for Basement Jaxx at The Greenwood Hotel on New Year’s Day. This summer, she returned to her roots, rocking the decks in Leeds, UK, and supporting artists like Sem Jacobs and Sam Curran at the ‘TILL?’ event at Distrikt.

Now, nats is diving into music production, putting the finishing touches on her highly anticipated debut EP set to release by the end of the year. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to shine!

In our conversation, nats opens up about her experiences as a DJ, touching on her evolving musical preferences, the importance of networking, and the thrill of festival culture. She shares unforgettable memories from festivals in Europe and Australia, emphasizing the power of community and connections in the music world.

Additionally, nats reflects on her love for Spain, her journey into music production, and the joy of the creative process. She discusses the significance of building relationships in the industry, her future aspirations, including touring and music releases, and the delicate balance of pursuing a music career alongside personal commitments. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation with a true talent on the rise!

Joined by talented DJ and producer Daniel Tonik, a prominent figure in Sydney's vibrant electronic music scene. Known for his unique sound—a seamless fusion of melodic house, deep afro rhythms, and progressive euphoria—Daniel has quickly become one of the most sought-after artists in Australia.

Daniel takes us on a journey through his career, starting from his early days DJing at just 13 years old. He reflects on the challenges of making a living as a DJ, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and the need for artists to value their craft in a competitive industry. He also discusses his notable achievements, including his yearly European summer residency with Mykonos Boat Club, and how his experiences have shaped his artistic identity.

As the mastermind behind “The Area Collective,” Daniel has become renowned for orchestrating unforgettable parties and raves that have left a lasting impact on the local House and Techno scene, partituclarlly targeting those in the Western suburbs. Recently, he launched his own event imprint, “Curated,” right in the heart of Sydney, expanding his influence and commitment to creating memorable experiences for music lovers.

The conversation also highlights Daniel’s impressive collaborations and support for top artists like Alan Fitzpatrick, ANNA, and CamelPhat, along with his remarkable success on streaming platforms, boasting over 1.2 million Spotify streams and reaching #1 on Apple Music in 25 countries with his track "Desire."

Jasmine and Daniel delve into the evolving nature of music genres, discussing the necessity for DJs to differentiate themselves in an increasingly saturated market. They share insights on their relationships within the industry, their experiences at various events, and their shared passion for building community through music.

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation that explores the artistry, resilience, and future of electronic music, filled with personal anecdotes and professional wisdom from one of the industry's rising stars!

Joined by Nick Murphy (aka Ni.Mu), an Irish electronic music artist who has been making waves in the industry for decades. Nick learned his craft on vinyl, cutting his teeth playing residencies at clubs, bars, and on radio in Dublin. He also ran events, produced ambient music, and wrote software for DJs. After taking a hiatus, Nick returned to DJing, updating his skills at SubBass London, Camden Academy Dublin, and London Sound Academy. He quickly got back into the groove, becoming a resident DJ on NoWay FM, Phever FM, Ibiza Club Radio, and at The Ivy Dublin.

In 2017, Nick found himself on a spontaneous trip to Defected’s festival in Croatia. This festival can be particularly challenging to navigate, so Nick took it upon himself to start a community page to share tips and tricks, which has since grown to over 15,000 members. Nick and I connected through his 2024 Croatia group, which I found extremely helpful as a first-timer to this particular festival.

Join us as we discuss Nick’s journey in building Ni.Mu Music and his musical evolution. From DJing in college to creating radio shows, while also emphasising the importance of community and support at festivals. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, practical tips for festival-goers, and insights into the music industry.

Nick and I explore our shared passion for music and festivals, discussing how our experiences have shaped our love for the scene. We delve into the evolution of Ibiza and other music hotspots, the vibrant community surrounding Defected events, and the unique traditions of Defected Croatia, such as Flamingo Friday. Nick offers insights into his DJing journey and the importance of connecting with others through music, while also reflecting on the changes in the industry and his aspirations for the future.

Thanks for coming on, Nick, and for everything you do for the Defected community and beyond.

Joined by DJ, Promoter, Bar owner and all round entrepreneur , Ben Nott.

Ben's musical journey began in the USA at the end of the 90’s, where Chicago house and Detroit Techno legends showed Ben the light and lead him to the decks then into the promoter world, There was no turning back, the next 5 years saw Ben touring the states playing vinyl at raves and clubs while also throwing his own Xanadu shows which had up to 5k people in attendance! The new Millennium saw Ben relocating to the UK and regularly DJing all over Europe plus hosting his own Club night; Ultra, which was based in Birmingham and at one point was a feature on Pete Tongs BBC radio one show as one of the best nights in the country!

After a decade of being heavily involved in all aspects of Europe’s club culture, A new adventure was calling–Sydney Australia was next, where he worked with Funktion OneAudio at all the big festivals and built his own party BLUEPRINT, considered one of the city’s best underground parties today. Which ironically enough was my first music event in Sydney 9 years ago at the Bristol Arms which has reopened it's doors after a long closure in recent weeks!

In his own words 'I’ve always looked for melody and journey in all music I listen to and play, DJ sets are a story” Since the conception of Blueprint 10 years ago Ben has held x300+events all over Sydney and Melbourne, has featured some of the world’s best underground artist, held weekly Saturday and Sunday events at Kings Cross and Barangaroo, Plus Bunka! An 800 person carpark under Sydney city, while also playing for S.A.S.H, CicoLoco, Electric Gardens, Subsonic, Burdekin, Revolver, Breakfast Club, We Love, Return to Rio, Strawberry fields, kissFm and just about every other promoter and club around Sydney and a far!All this while running his own Restaurant in Sydney The Lucky Cat!

Recently the restaurant has moved from the beaches and now taken on a new form, after years of experience in events and the restaurant game the Lucky Cat 2.0 was born, a new creative hub in the heart of the city bringing some much welcomed life back to Oxford Street now consisting of a restaurant, cocktail lounge and nightclub.

Thanks for sharing your story with me Ben, I loved hearing everything you've done through the years and congratulations on your recent milestones. I'll look forward to a night our in the Lucky Cat 2.0 soon!

Joined by Becc owner of Elysian Creative Productions.

Her mum would say Becc could dance before she could walk. Since she was 4 Becc’s life has always been about dance, training multiple styles. Later in her life she found her new passion of cheerleading, where she competed at worlds representing Australia 3 time. When she turned 18 her life started to revolve around the Wollongong nightlife scene, which lead to her very first dance audition for a Pacha dancer @ the Ivy in early 2014. On the 24th of May 2014 she stepped on stage for the first time in the Ivy nightclub. Whist her time dancing she studied as a high school PDHPE teacher.

It was in this hustle that she discovered a passion and love for all things creative and production. Including choreography, costumes, stage managing and talent handling. It only took a few months for becc to start conceptualising and managing her own mini team of dancers back in 2014 which began the begin of her company.

In 2023 Becc has over 40 dancers under her brand Elysian Creative Productions and has worked and performed with companies, clubs and Artists of the likes of Merivale, Glitterbox, The Sydney Swans, Listen Out, Field Day, This That, Martin Garrix, Will Sparks, RNB Fridays Club, Cargo Bar, El Patron, Oscar’s Group, Novotel, and Kid Laroi, Bow wow, and Sean Kingston just to name a few. Becc does this all whilst still being a full time teacher passionate in female education, inspiring and mentoring young females that there is nothing stopping you from having it all!

Thank you for coming on my love, it's great to see another women killing it in an industry / world dominated by men. Love your attitude and strength, to the moon!

Joined by Connor Hart, who contrary to popular belief is not actually Irish (doesn't have an accent anyway - Connor Murphy Hart is definitely Irish somewhere down the line). Aussie born and bred Connor started off his career in a different direction before doing a 180 down the musical path in 2020. Releasing his debut EP ‘Every Step’ which was followed by an onslaught of shows throughout his hometown of Sydney, before picking up interstate gigs and a long list of esteemed residencies from boat parties & rooftops through to basement clubs across the city.
Connor has earned his place on line-ups for global brands like Defected Records in the early stages of his project, as well as support shows for his early influences such as Sonny Fodera, Sam Divine, Kormak, Offaiah, Noizu, Jax Jones + more.

I absolutely loved talking with you Connor, you have a such a great attitude and I'm super pumped to see whats in store for you. Thanks so much for coming on, you are such a lovely person.

Joined by Bella Backe, Swedish born and Sydney based DJ and all round performer.

Bella has quickly become a noticeable figure in Sydney's growing music scene. With over a decade of experience as a professional dancer, choreographer, model and creative artist, Bella brings a unique blend of artistry and energy to her DJ performances. Regularly sharing the stage with top-tier international artists such as Carl Cox, Chris Lake, MK, Sonny Fodera, Darius Syrossian, Chris Lorenzo and more, Bella has established herself as a versatile and dynamic performer.

Making waves with her residency at Club Above - Ivy, to high end luxury brands, to the festival scene. She loves anything groovy, especially beats with a touch of afro and latin influences. Her captivating sets run through anything within the house genres, tech, minimal, afro & soul. 

Later this year Bella is supporting on both Defected and Listen out line ups which is an incredible achievement so early on in her DJ career.

I absolutely loved hearing your story Bella, it was so lovely to meet you and i'm looking forward to witnessing everything still to come.

Joined by Bingil, a familar face in the Sydney's scene, known for being a DJ, producer, promoter, entrepreneur, and music educator. Bingil is recognized not only for his trademark rainbow-coloured propeller hat but also for his unyielding energy and dedication to delivering top-notch parties to Sydney's clubbers. With over fifteen years of experience behind the decks, Bingil's path to success began at a young age when he won a DJing competition at 16, earning him the opportunity to perform alongside acts like LMFAO, Afrojack, Bloody Beetroots, and Armin van Buuren.