Joined by Dublin-based DJ and producer Cody Wong, this episode explores the rise of an artist making serious noise across the international electronic scene. With over 15 million streams and a rapidly growing fanbase, Cody’s breakout track ‘N13’ and his evolving sound — blending progressive house, techno, and euphoric trance — have earned him praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Ben Hemsley, Sim0ne, Hannah Laing, and many more.

Cody shares his experience of arriving in Australia for gigs and reflects on his Irish heritage, family background, and the cousin who first introduced him to DJing. He opens up about his early days, learning to produce music on his own, and the long process of developing a sound that felt truly his. From first gigs with barely anyone in the crowd to the moment ‘N13’ gained major traction, Cody breaks down the milestones that shaped his path.

He offers honest insight into the current DJ landscape — the pressures, the hype, and the need to adapt. Cody speaks to the importance of mental health, self-care, and staying passionate in a scene that can often feel overwhelming. He also highlights the value of setting goals, having strong support systems like a good manager, and how networking continues to play a crucial role in opening doors, getting gigs, and growing as an artist.

This is an inspiring and down-to-earth chat for anyone navigating the music world — or just curious about what really goes on behind the decks.

Thanks for coming on Cody, I can't wait to see what stage you'll be on next time you visit us in Aus.

Joined by brummy legend Joe Hunt. Joe sits down with me outside the Sydney Opera House, all the way from Walsall, Birmingham, bringing nearly 30 years of DJing experience to the mic.

In this engaging conversation, Joe opens up about touring Australia, the evolution of his music career, and how social media has shaped his journey. He shares valuable insights on the role of management, the power of live shows, and offers advice for emerging artists trying to break through. We also chat about his dream venues, early career lessons, and what’s on the horizon for him.

Thanks for coming on Joe, you're an absolute gem and I can't wait to see what the rest of 2025 has in store for you.

Where would you love to see Joe play next time he’s back in Australia (hopefully this Christmas)? Let us know!

🎧 soundsofsud welcomes two rising stars in the electronic music scene—KIRK and MËRO—both hailing from Ireland signed to BUMBLE . The lad's are currently tearing up dancefloors in Australia on their month-long tour. This tour is a testament to their growing international presence, as they gear up to warm up for Will Sparks, Restricted, and Timmy Trumpet at Freakshow Festival.

Though they’ve been doing some back-to-backs, these two are not a DJ duo, so let’s dive into their individual journeys.

🔥 MËRO – At just 20 years old, this fast-rising producer/DJ has been making waves in the Irish techno scene. Starting from scratch in 2020, he quickly found his unique style and has since racked up over 5 million listens in just 9 months on SoundCloud. His track "Somethin About You" has been signed to Warner Music, marking a massive milestone in his young career. With an explosive 2023 behind him, MËRO is locked in for bigger and better things in the years ahead.

🔥 KIRK – A powerhouse DJ and producer from Carlow, Ireland, KIRK has cultivated a distinct sound that has captured the attention of global audiences. His journey started in school, but once he got a taste of the festival scene, he knew music was his calling. Now, he’s headlined shows across Ireland, Paris, Glasgow, Ibiza, and Wales.

With tracks supported by major artists like Hannah Laing, Maddix, Parfait, and Cloone, KIRK’s music has already hit global festivals such as Tomorrowland and Creamfields.

🎟️ If you’re in Melbourne today—Friday, February 14th—don’t miss your chance to catch these two live! Next time you see them, it could be on the biggest stages in the world.

🔊 Tune in now to hear their stories, insights, and what’s next for these two rising stars!

Joined by dynamic Sydney-based DJ and saxophone duo, SaxBeatz, featuring Malina from New Zealand on sax and Tom from Slovakia on decks and production. Known for blending live sax and percussion with everything from tropical summer vibes to high-energy house and EDM bangers, SaxBeatz delivers a one-of-a-kind performance experience.

The duo shares the story of how they met through Gumtree, initially starting as a business partnership, but later mixing business with pleasure as they became a couple a few years into their musical journey. Malina and Tom dive into their creative collaboration, the process behind their high-energy sets, and their shared journey of building a music career in Sydney. They also explore the challenges of working in a competitive industry, the importance of community and networking, and the evolution of their sound as they continue to release new music and collaborate with other artists.

Malina also shares her experience teaching saxophone and the highs and lows of life as a musician. With multiple residencies at iconic Sydney venues and performances ranging from beautiful beachside venues to luxurious super yachts, SaxBeatz is constantly evolving, bringing their signature energy and passion to every gig. Whether it's playing on Sydney’s stunning harbour or lighting up international stages, they’re always pushing the boundaries of what's possible in live performance.

I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing my first and hopefully not last musical couple. I look forward to seeing what 2025 brings you both.

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. This experience ignited a fire within Bingil, setting him on a relentless quest to perform alongside the biggest names in the industry once again. Deeply influenced by house, soul, disco, and funk, Bingil naturally gravitated towards tech house for its unmatched ability to energize a room and create a captivating atmosphere. Bingil's DJing prowess has made him a mainstay on Sydney's club circuit, playing regular slots at some of the city's most renowned venues supporting major internationals including MK, Basement Jax, Faithless, Roger Sanchez and many more. In addition to his work in the nightlife scene, Bingil has also established himself as a skilled music educator, sharing his vast knowledge and passion for house music production with students of all levels. Through his engaging teaching methods and emphasis on creativity, Bingil has helped countless students hone their skills and find their unique voice in the world of music production. An exciting story and yet another reminder to follow your dreams kids. Thanks for coming on Bingil, awesome to meet you and can't wait to see what the future holds.

Joined by DJ Jess Herself , Originally from the UK is another wonderful guest who is a rising star on the Sydney music scene. With a great ear for house music , Jess has a reputation for being a quality selector in the electronic music scene.

Jess is known for her dynamic DJ sets, which blend together elements of house, disco and funk to create a unique and energetic sound. Jess is here to get you dancing with the biggest smile on her face. It’s her energy, passion and music selection that separates her from the rest.

A couple of years ago Jess was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis (MS) which is a chronic illness that affects your central nervous system. Jess is persistent in managing this condition and not letting it dictate her life or restrict her career.

Going on to perform at a variety of venues and events in Australia, Jess has supported some of her favourite international and Australian DJ’s including Biscits, Cloonee, Jackmaster, Michael Bibi, Sam Divine, Ferreck Dawn, Bontan, M.A.N.D.Y, Iglesias, KLP, Oddmob, Little Fritter, Natasha Digs, Catz and Dogs and Shapeshifters! 

Jess Herself has played many events including Defected After-party, Glitterbox, Club Above, Ivy Bar and Pool, Glitterbox, Cult, Label, WeLove, Home Nightclub, Noir and Sinaloa to name a few.

Thank you for coming on Jess, I have a lot of admiration and respect to you and your attitude to move forward. I wish you all the best with your health and can't wait to see what you are yet to achieve in your career.

Joined by Justin Muscat, a well known face across the Sydney scene and beyond. Originally from Wiradjuri (South coast of NSW), Justin has been knocking around behind the decks for what feels like a life time.Whether he's performing in a gritty warehouse, a clandestine rave, or a bustling basement, Justin Muscat possesses a profound grasp of what the dance floor craves. Fueled by his affinity for the swifter end of the underground music spectrum, Muscat masterfully combines elements of industrial ruggedness, entrancing grooves, and unadulterated twisted music.

Being not only the first, but the only DJ from his hometown at the time, it's no surprise that Justins parties were a raging success. Giving him an appetite to take music more seriously it wasn't long before he arranged parties all across the southcoast. Eventually moving up to Eora (Sydney) to experience city life, Justin eventually made the decision to bite the bullet and go into music full time. A brave and challenging position to put yourself in.

Fast forward to now, Justin is the founder of multiple brands including Raw , Allfriends, Allfriends AV. Aswell as supporting artists as a DJ such as 9x9, Amotik, ANNĒ, I Hate Models and Vel. In more recent times Justin and business partner have opened up a creative space within his multipurpose warehouse to facilitate ableton workshops and a record label is on the horizon.

Justin, your drive and more importantly patience is extremely impressive and you have inspired me personally at a time of self doubt, so thank you for coming on. It was fantastic to chat to you, enjoy a well deserved break in Europe and I'll look forward to engaging with one of your many brands soon.

Joined by Jack Brewer and Cillian Butler otherwise known as 'Brewer and Butler' , originally from Ireland & England. A classic Australia Expat story meeting on compulsory regional work many years ago, those who have been through this will understand how a bond was formed. From here they were known to be found on the decks at after parties in the early hours of the morning , eventually Brewer and Butler decided to try their luck on the Sydney scene in 2022 and safe to say they have done a great job of establishing themselves in a short space of time.

The duo are known for there energetic sets eclectic sound and ability to always set a vibe with the dance floor. Brewer & Butler have played for a range of venues & collectives in Sydney and Perth such as Club Above, The Greenwood, Basement, Label, Glass island, One hit agency, Method project, Kode, Welove, Shubz, Senza, and have supported acts such as Jamie Jones, Josh butler, Max Dean, Doorly, Stefano Norferini, Sam Divine, Odd Mobb, Gaskin, Low Steppa and many more.

The dynamic duo have reached beat port top 100 with Baikanoir records and have revived support from Yaya Tomango, Manda Moor, & Arielle Free with their music. Their combined duo energy and passion for mixing always delivers a vibe.

Thanks for coming over legends, that was a fun one and I'm super excited to see where the wind takes you both for the rest of 2024 and beyond.

Joined by Cinty and Doolz , the absolute superstars who coordinate a pool of over 500 dedicated volunteers to bring you the incredible service that is Dancewize NSW. This exists to advance and support the health and dignity of festival goers in NSW. DanceWize NSW is a program of NSW Users and Aids Association (NUAA); the leader in peer-led harm reduction in NSW.

They attended their first festival in November 2017 with funding and support from the NSW Ministry of Health, aiming to increase the safety of festival patrons. Sparked as a result of an unfortunate number of deaths several years ago in NSW festivals. Read the inquest into the death of six festivals patrons here.

Their services include peer education about safer partying and safer drug use, provision of care Spaces and roving teams at festivals, as well as training programs and advocacy. DanceWize work closely with festival promoters, emergency medical, police, and security service to decrease harms experienced by people at music festivals. 

DanceWize NSW has attended 80 festivals since our establishment. Some of these fantastic events include Dragon Dreaming, Knockout, Yours & Owls, Groovin’ the Moo, Lost Paradise, Ultra, Festival X, and Subsonic. We successfully work with many promoters including Architects of Entertainment, Mothership, Secret Sounds, and Matt Sims Events. 

In addition to our festival service, they also offer our community harm reduction support and education, including NSW drug alerts, and a digital peer support service, through our social media accounts and website. 

Thank you so much for coming on, I am so happy I came to your workshop at Lost Paradise and have got to know you both through volunteering and I highly encourage any festival lover to consider volunteering for DanceWize NSW!

Joined by Simonne Cooper a Singer/Songwriter, Recording Artist and DJ from Sydney with career spanning over 3 decades.  Starting in the Sydney scene back in the early 90’s, Simonne moved to London and Ibiza in the late 90s to pursue her career internationally. 

Simonne wasted no time in going to see for herself what all the fuss was about in Ibiza, lets just say the rest is history after gaining long term residencies in the most iconic clubs in the world “Space”, “Pacha”, “Amnesia” and “Lio”, to getting noticed by the one and only ‘Erick Morillo’ who invited her to New York to write and record the widely successful single  ‘’Feels Alright’’ with Richard F, which has since been licensed to Hed Kandi, Ministry of Sound, Pacha Recordings to name but a few. 

Simonne has also been an avid supporter and mentor of young women in the music and performing arts industry, mentoring and training many young singers, dancers. and performing artists through her performing arts academy ‘DIPAC’ Dubai International Performing Arts Collective. 

Later going on to be the founder and creative director of the world’s first all female House Music Orchestra “House Odyssey” performing some of the biggest house anthems both new and classics.

Join me as take it right back and unpack what it is to have worked over 30 years in the electronic music industry, living and touring on the other side of the world and eventually moving back home to Australia after 22 years away.

Thanks for coming on Simonne, I love your drive and passion for this industry and it’s incredibly motivating to hear to you are back home again and only just getting started on your next phase here in Australia. 

Joined by Shivani Sharma, who is the wonderful Sydney [Eora] City manager for Resident Advisor.

Everyone that has come on my podcast to date has all had one very clear value in common, their love for the community. You can feel the commitment and passion through Shiv’s voice and expression through this podcast.

Shiv grew up in Sydney and essentially persuaded a career in music strictly through love and loyalty to the community which landed her with a dream job with Resident Advisor, one of the most well known and respected entertainment publications in the world. Through a natural role as DJ Mommy to her inner circle, Shiv has recently landed her first artist management role!

Join us as we talk about all things music with some special insights on what it takes to succeed and follow your dreams.

Thank you for coming on Shiv, RA is very lucky to have you and you are very inspiring to me and I’m sure many others around you.