‍You had a massive start to the year, featured on triple j's Mix Up & supporting DJ Boring for your Boiler Room debut! What's this rollercoaster been like from you, going from lockdown to gigs every weekend then back into lockdown?

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It has been super surreal! I still can’t believe how fun and busy that period was between lockdowns. There was a lot of adrenaline at the time, so many gigs both played and attended. Some memorable moments were of course the Boiler Room set (i still can’t believe that happened tbh?) and another special mention to Lovejoy at the bridge!! I’ve heard many similar accounts but it was several hours of true joy!

I think the more I play out (a mixture of gigs and friends house parties because that’s where I have the most fun I reckon) the more I let go of that imposter syndrome feeling and have really started to feel a lot more confident in myself. I’m excited to see what the next year will bring but it’s also really hard to predict what will happen. Manifesting good shit only though ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  

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What are you most thankful for this year?

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Lots of things! Thankful for my lovely roommates and having a house with a backyard (last lockdown we lived in an apartment so this is a level up). Thankful that we have created a fun space that is a delight to be in but also a space where you can not be okay. That’s important too. Thankful to live and create on Dharawal and Eora land!

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Your sound is very percussive and drums heavy, what draws you to these types of sounds and who are some of your influences?

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I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I really can’t describe the feeling but I’m sure we all know it, that excitement you get deep in your being when you listen to something you like for the first time. I think I am attracted to big drums and percussive elements because they give the tracks a lot more character in my eyes. A bit more chaotic to mix sometimes but the reward is higher when you nail it. One of my favourite DJs is Naarm based C.FRIM. Her ability to yield a variety of different genres, energies and speeds all in one set while keeping everything tight left me pretty speechless when I saw her at 4D (Naarm based festival) and that is something I’ve always aspired to do. In terms of production, I am a big fan of the intersection of classical instruments and electronic music. Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 is pushing boundaries in this respect, making gorgeous and interesting soundscapes drawing on her Chinese heritage and classical training. Another of my influences is the duo 700 Feel who I can’t fault. Their self titled album was my absolute favourite release of this last year or two.

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Something people may not know about you?

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I really enjoy wearing socks outside without shoes, on grass, on concrete, wherever. It feels naughty. (This feels like a hinge prompt hehe)

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Track you're waiting to rinse back in the club when dancing is back?

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So many to choose from! The track I just had on while writing this and can’t wait to play in club mode is Mechatok’s remix of Yellow by mobilegirl. It’s really dynamic and the melody is fun. I would categorise it as dark hyperpop. I’ve been bopping around to it at home and I think it deserves a crowd. I’ve also been buying a lot of 160bpm footwork and fast edits so I’m keen to get silly.

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What's the best part about being in the music industry?

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I have felt so much love and support from the little pocket of the music industry that I have fallen into. I know there is a lot of work to be done in terms of inclusivity in the whole industry and a lot of ways that we should be keeping each other accountable but it still stands that most of the people I have had the pleasure of meeting through music stuff have been genuinely the biggest sweethearts! I find solace in knowing there are lots of people in the industry that do care about lifting each other up, creating space for diversity and investing in our communities to keep them alive.  

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You present Thursday lunch on FBi radio. Has presenting a playlisted show widened your music scope and does this flow into your DJing?

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Absolutely! I learn just as much as the listeners do. Listening to the playlist every week has meant that I can really get a taste for so many different genres and I think that flows into my sets. That and the fact that I like to jump around genres a lot when I play. I’ve discovered some of my favourite artists from other presenters at fbi (and more broadly other radio stations) and I’m really grateful that I am in the position to be able to support these artists with airplay and encourage others to buy their music/merch/tickets. All community radio stations are just doing the most for culture.

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You've been producing your radio show from home during lockdown, walk us through your set up and what this has been like for you?

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Yes, lots of creative setups going on here! I have been putting my shows together on ableton and then climbing into my cupboard to record my mic breaks with a zoom recorder. The other day I built a bit of a blanket fort because I was sick of cramming into a small space - it’s that strive for good quality audio! It has been a fun experience to know that we can adapt the ways we make radio. It’s interesting because I’ve found recording from home a lot more demanding and on top of having lots of work to do from home despite the lockdown, it has been draining to be honest. I think these feelings are naturally a product of living through these last 2 years though so I’m trying to not expect too much of myself.

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My setup for recording mixes is even more ad hoc haha. I’ve got a controller which I use with rekordbox and I usually go between setting it up on my kitchen table or outside in the backyard with my controller and laptop being propped up by whatever cardboard box or stand I can find at the time. I think it is time to invest in some better equipment soon so that’s something I can look forward to!

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What's been your most important self care activity during covid?

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hmm I would have to say going in the ocean everyday (and I’m super lucky to be able to do that)! The water has been so cold lately but I’ve been trying to get in at least once a day because I always feel better afterwards. You never regret a swim!

It has been a wild time for everyone (and actually an insanely busy time for me despite lockdown) so when things open back up slowly and we are allowed to see more people I am hoping to be conscious of not returning to the feeling of burn out that I had before lockdown. As much as I missed live music and being on a dance floor with friends, this time has been a good reminder to value rest. I did say this at the end of last lockdown so we’ll see how I go this time. Again I have been letting go of that need to always be busy socially - and actually get a decent night's sleep aha one day I might find the right balance of rest, work and play.