Melbourne
2 artists
Local Scene
Raku Ito
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
What I love about Melbourne's music scene is that it feels open to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or background.
It's inspiring as a DJ and genuinely enjoyable as a listener.
Once you're on the dance floor, dancing becomes a natural form of communication, and you can feel people connecting with one another through music.
It's inspiring as a DJ and genuinely enjoyable as a listener.
Once you're on the dance floor, dancing becomes a natural form of communication, and you can feel people connecting with one another through music.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
Bar Waxflower— Brunswick, Melbourne
A place where the balance between the sound system and the space is just right.
You can have a conversation while still listening deeply to the music.
The vinyl selections are tasteful, the speakers sound beautiful, and the atmosphere captures both the warmth and sophistication that Melbourne is known for.
You can have a conversation while still listening deeply to the music.
The vinyl selections are tasteful, the speakers sound beautiful, and the atmosphere captures both the warmth and sophistication that Melbourne is known for.
Record Shop
Alley Tunes Records— Hawthorn, Melbourne
A record shop I visit regularly in Melbourne.
It offers a wide selection of techno, ambient, experimental, and electronic music, with an underground feel that always leads me to sounds I've never encountered before.
It offers a wide selection of techno, ambient, experimental, and electronic music, with an underground feel that always leads me to sounds I've never encountered before.
Café
Plug Nickel— Collingwood, Melbourne
A café where I stopped for coffee one morning, and the music perfectly matched the time of day.
It never demanded attention, but blended naturally with the quiet atmosphere of the morning and the surrounding streets.
It reminded me how music can gently shape a space without overwhelming it.
It never demanded attention, but blended naturally with the quiet atmosphere of the morning and the surrounding streets.
It reminded me how music can gently shape a space without overwhelming it.
Label / Series
Kalahari Oyster Cult
Although it's not in Melbourne, I'm drawn to the way psychedelic freedom and playfulness coexist with strange yet beautiful musical expression.
Toby
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
I only recently moved to Melbourne, so I'm still exploring and getting to know the scene. The past year has been amazing, and the city has a unique energy. There are so many festivals and parties organized by different collectives and labels, and I'd say the scene is thriving.
The scene back in my hometown of Bandung, Indonesia, is evolving at its own pace and on a different scale, but it's definitely making noise too.
The scene back in my hometown of Bandung, Indonesia, is evolving at its own pace and on a different scale, but it's definitely making noise too.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
Rooftop Bar— Curtin House, Melbourne
It's always a great vibe. The music is never too loud, and I always enjoy playing there.
Record Shop
Alley Tunes— Hawthorn, Melbourne
They don't really specialize in any particular genre, so you just have to dig through tons of records. I think a lot of Melbourne DJs buy and sell records there, so it has a great sense of community. They also have an excellent flyer wall for local events.
Café
A Thousand Blessings— Richmond
I'm a barista there ;)
Label / Series
Philip Sherburne - Futurism Restated (Substack)
Artists
Artist Interviews
What are your musical roots?
I'd say many labels and artists have had a lasting impact on me. To name a few, releases from Warp Records and !K7 were my introduction to electronic music, while Kompakt Records completely blew my mind when I first got into dance music.
Other honorable mentions would be 20/20 Vision, Livity Sound, Wisdom Teeth, the indie pop label Sarah Records, and the indie rock band Destroyer.
Every now and then, I come across a piece of music that inspires me all over again.
Other honorable mentions would be 20/20 Vision, Livity Sound, Wisdom Teeth, the indie pop label Sarah Records, and the indie rock band Destroyer.
Every now and then, I come across a piece of music that inspires me all over again.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.Jorg KuningMesmerizing textures that make you lose yourself in a completely different and fascinating world.
What are your musical roots?
The first time I heard Aphex Twin, it felt like I had encountered an emotion I had never experienced before.
His music quietly embraced the hidden sadness and loneliness deep within me, transforming them into something that felt almost like comfort.
That experience remains the foundation of the depth and sense of space I continue to seek in music today.
His music quietly embraced the hidden sadness and loneliness deep within me, transforming them into something that felt almost like comfort.
That experience remains the foundation of the depth and sense of space I continue to seek in music today.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.KugelI haven't had the chance to experience a live set yet, but I'm deeply drawn to the dreamlike, psychedelic atmosphere in her mixes, as well as the way tenderness and sharpness coexist in their music.