Introduction by Christopher Kevin Au // Words by Lillian FlexMami Ahen // Head image by Best Before
Between a nine-to-five, writing weekly columns on LWA and premiering powerful looks on Instagram that stunt on 99.9% of Earth’s population, FlexMami somehow still finds time each and every week to DJ in clubs across Sydney.
The past year in particular has seen FlexMami’s name pop up with greater frequency: She’s played at Halfway Crooks, One Day Sundays, Rhythm Of The Night, Sidechains, The Naughty Noughties, Rapp Payback and many more, becoming one of the city’s more omnipresent selectors. Given that she seems to treat our clubs as a second home, we asked Flex to name nine other young Australian DJs who’ll get the dancefloor poppin’ – and her picks come from far and wide. From Sydney to Perth, hip-hop to future beats, we’re now passing the keyboard over to Flex to give you some sweet sonic education:
Off the back of a vibe-affirming Keep Sydney Open rally which saw more than 10 thousand passionate punters gather to celebrate Sydney’s tortured (yet thriving) nightlife, I’ve been inspired to pour one out for the sensational DJs I’ve been blessed to turn up to. There’s nothing like a pun-heavy, politically-sprinkled Sunday arvo to get you ramped up about hopping into an Uber and into a club! Whether you’re keen to throw hands to French Montana’s ‘Pop That’ or alternatively act out to a rare PC Music remix, ready your palate for this nourishing, delicious list to follow:
ASPARTAME
Often (once) seen taking selfies with salt lamps, potentially ironically praising Will Sparks and reaching enlightenment through the Magic Mike movies, Aspartame is the bridge between commercial rap jawns and hype club tracks.
His enthusiasm is unparalleled, his track selection is inspired and his ability to command a crowd is enviable. How many DJ’s do you know to mix PartyNextDoor’s sickly sweet lullabies into the powerhouse feminist vocals of Thast? I’ll wait.
FOLLOW ASPARTAME: SOUNDCLOUD // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK
DAWS
Curator of slick memes and even slicker DJ sets, DAWS is my spiritual DJ kin. Starting off the year with a huge Le1f support, jetsetting to Miami to DJ along Athletixxx frontwoman Kittens, then racing back to Perth to smash out a fault-free Listen Out set – it’s safe to say that Miss DAWS is at the top of her game with no signs of slowing down.
If a DAWS’ set was comparable to the most delicious smoothie you’ve ever had, it’d be nutrient-rich, photogenic AF and packed with the fresh produce blending R&B, house and jersey that keeps my sonic stomach well fed.
FOLLOW DAWS: SOUNDCLOUD // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK
AMBER AKILLA
A self-professed genre-confused DJ, creator of the most hype occasion-ready mixes and a lover of all things Travi$ Scott – Amber Akilla is the cross continental DJ you need to get amongst.
Known by some (me) for creating the playlist that nurtured the union between pop sensation’s Drake and Rihanna, Akilla’s sets expertly blends upbeat, melodic club tracks with a heavy grime heaters. Off the back of her recent Listen Out set alongside the aforementioned DAWS, head out to Jack Rabbit Slims or The Good Shepard to catch this powerhouse selector in action.
FOLLOW AMBER AKILLA: SOUNDCLOUD // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK
MIMI (CRXZY SXXY CXXL)
There’s an undeniable skilled involved with being an excellent party DJ and Miss MIMI has it down. She is no doubt the busiest DJ I have ever had the pleasure to watch – you won’t find her chilling between seamless mixes or allocating time to dawdle.
Her eclectic taste and track selection weaving through trap, rap, old school, future beats and electro effortlessly, along with her musical and mixing skills, this queen has no doubt cemented her place in Melbourne as your go-to girl for a certifiably good time.
FOLLOW MIMI: SOUNDCLOUD // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK
KRITTY
Keen, enthusiastic and hype AF are words synonymous all things Kritty. If the ‘Midas Touch’ were about turning everything into a high-octane sonic delight – and not gold – then that would epitomise this DJ extraordinaire.
In less than a year, this self-taught DJ has defied the norm and soared to substantial heights opening for Sweater Beats, Novelist and Triple J Presenter turned label head Nina Las Vegas. If she’s not schooling Instagram on how to prepare the ultimate grilled cheese – avocado is the secret – you’ll find her curating hilariously niche playlists via her blog. Have you ever wondered about which Aussie classic would make the perfect alternative for the Australian anthem? Kritty, has and it’s a doozy.
FOLLOW KRITTY: SOUNDCLOUD // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK
ATROVENT (SLIM SET)
Not the asthma puffer, but he’ll take your breath away. Too cheesy – never! Atrovent’s the type of DJ/Producer to take a corny Justin Bieber hit, strip the vocals, slap a wild drum breakdown, sprinkle in a hyperactive synth melody and serve you back in industrial grime heater. Your fave could never!
After smashing his set at Sidechains recent October club night, alongside Matka and FBi Dance Class alumni GIRLIRL, I’m at the edge of my seat feenin’ to smack that attending button to suss his next set.
FOLLOW ATROVENT: SOUNDCLOUD // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK
MATKA (HONEY CLUB)
Founder of inclusive feminist club night and curator of important looks – if you haven’t seen Matka work a MF room then you fell off. Skillfully mixing femme rap, bass and Afrobeats, if it has a rhythmic beat and makes you want to bop those shoulders two times, then best believed Matka has got it playlisted and cued.
Her refreshingly apt ethos revolves around a bigger movement, which sees women dominate the DJ scene, leaving a trail of sweaty dancefloors and a rejuvenated appreciation for femme-centric beats. Let’s get it!
FOLLOW MATKA: SOUNDCLOUD // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK
DENZEL STERLING (SIDECHAINS)
There are very few things I like more than a slashie with a penchant for memes and taste for sensational music. There are very few people who can confidently attest to the aforementioned characteristics, but fortunately I can vouch for Denzel Sterling.
Aside from the fact that there aren’t two complementary tracks he couldn’t mix perfectly, he’s IMHO managed to master the acquired skill of cross-genre mash-ups. When he’s not flawlessly transitioning from baile to trap, or my personal favourite – grime to Norclub – you’ll find him managing club night-cum-label Sidechains or stacking those daytime coins as a graphic designer.
FOLLOW DENZEL STERLING: SOUNDCLOUD // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK
LEWIS CANCUT
The feeling that follows a Lewis Cancut set is comparable to complete sensory euphoria. It’s a head to toe, shoulder bopping, toe tapping good time, and I recommend that everyone indulge themselves with at least a single dose. Mr Cancut is both a producer and DJ specialising in left of field tropical club music, breaking away from the confines of traditional genres.
Fun fact: While you were snoozing, Lewis co-wrote the music of Jennifer Lopez latest single ‘Booty’ featuring Pitbull and Iggy Azalea along with label-mate, Swick. He also managed to secure a spot as one of the elite 1% accepted in Tokyo’s Red Bull Music Academy. If that’s not incentive to see what this tastemaker’s about, then read from the top and try again!
