At Plat4orm, our mission is to elevate local talent and provide a platform for both local and international artists to connect with the greater Sydney electronic music community.
As part of this initiative, each month we will be showcasing a rising DJ within the Sydney community. This month we met with local legend Trent Hadid!
how did you begin DJing/producing music?
It all began when I found my mother’s cd collection and started ripping tracks from MOS, Hed Kandi & PACHA CDs and playing them on my Nokia to my classmates back in 2007 which then led to house parties and eventually Sydney Nightclubs.
What are some of your most notable moments over your musical career?
A game changing moment was my first gig with T1000 events playing at the Bank in Kings Cross. I had no idea what time I was playing I was told to be there at open so I was and when I met with Damo he told me I was playing upstairs at the same time as the headliner ( Matador) I was thrown in the deep end but I was ready for any slot time that came my way! It was my first big gig in front of a full dance floor and I loved every bit of it!
Another moment I won’t forget is playing b2b with Eats Everything at a kick-on in Perth after Electric Gardens Festival. That was pretty cool!
What has changed within your production process since you began?
A big thing that has accelerated my production skills is learning to be persistent and to practice every day. Production is a part of my everyday routine now. I go to work, come home and do an hour of music, get some fitness in, eat and go to bed. I think once you can get a good routine going and stick to it the rest will happen naturally.
What do you feel is the best song you’ve released and why?
That’s a hard one to answer because by the time a release comes out you are already onto bigger and better things so I would say my best work is yet to be released but if I have to pick a favourite it would have to be a track from my Runway EP out on MTZ Noir Records called ‘Runway’ Go and check it out!
What is the best part about being a DJ/ producer in Sydney?
Sydney is a hard place to be an artist, especially with the recent pandemic and not to mention the lockout laws which forced over 300 venues to close their doors. But in saying that it gets you to work hard for those sets just because it is so competitive now within the scene so you become an absolute workhorse which in the long run builds you to be a stronger artist.
If you had one message to give to other producers/DJs this year what would it be?
Quit procrastinating, be supportive, humble and work on something every single day. Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t get where he was sitting on his ass watching Netflix and scrolling the gram, get to work!
Top tip for DJs/ producers trying to break into the scene?
This one is very simple but it’s also draining and takes a toll on the wallet. Go to every event you want to play at, pay for tickets, don’t ask for guestlists, share the flyer, hype up the event, and get to know the promoters – after a few interactions with them mention that you’d love to get onto a line up soon and submit a warm up mix to them.
Tell us about an artist that you are loving right now and why?
I’m loving SAMA lately, he’s an absolute weapon. I guess his style is a little between that mailroom techno/ Raw Drums it’s a proper vibe, go and check him out. Also on a local level, I’m loving stuff coming from Ghostlike who’s signed to Armada & a monster track coming out on Diynamic. Absolute fire from this man.
How did you begin DJing/producing music?
I began my journey into DJíng by playing for hours in my bedroom. Eventually a good friend asked me to play at his 21st Birthday Party. That led to playing other gigs and it was fair to say I was hooked. I started producing music later on into my career. Namely collaborations with my good friend Matt Rowan, plus some of my own originals and remixes for other artists.
What are some of your most notable moments over your musical career?
Over the years, I have had a lot of notable moments which I am very grateful for; Sasha & John Digweed asked me to warm up for them a few years ago for both of their Sydney – Ministry of Sound shows at the Ivy which is definitely up there. Playing on the main Stage at the Electric Gardens Festival, slotted between Armand Van Helden and MK was also a highlight. Also, my Spice Cellar residency was always notable and was a dream residency.
What is one of the biggest changes you’ve noticed since you began DJing?
How DJ’s deliver music to dance floors. For years I lugged around records boxes from gig to gig. Now I carry a usb around in my pocket!
What is one of your favourite tracks to play out and why?
There are so many. One that comes to mind is Bent – Always (Ashley Beedle Mahavishnu mix). For me it’s the perfect set closer and I feel like I’ve played a good set when I can finish with this!
What is the best part about being a DJ/ producer in Sydney?
Sydney has always had a thriving dance music scene and some very iconic spots to throw parties and be a DJ. And when we are not playing there’s a good chance you’ll find us at the beach!
If you had one message to give to other producers/DJs this year what would it be?
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Top tip for DJs/ producers trying to break into the scene?
Practice, persistence and patience. It’s a long-life journey. Nothing happens overnight. Just enjoy the ride, set goals and work towards them and remember… have fun!
Be sure to catch Robbie Lowe this Saturday the 21st of May performing an exclusive 6-hour back to back performance with DJ royalty Mark Dynamix!
Meet CASETTE!
How did you begin DJing/ producing music?
I was working in events and touring at Fuzzy many years ago and also co-producing a dance music radio show on FBI when a lot of people around me kept suggesting I start DJing. I bought decks, Gabby gave me my first lesson then I just kept practising! Producing came years later when I decided to study Electronic Music Production at Tafe Music.
What are some of your most notable moments over your musical career?
Warming up for Detroit legend and pioneer Derrik May at The Opera House was a career highlight. Sash breakfast Jun Long weekend last year was such a vibe – the energy in the room that morning was electric! I’ve played some amazing gigs in the USA and Europe that will never leave my mind, Return to Rio festival here in NSW is always incredible.
Next month I’m warming up for Dixon & Ame which I’m super excited about
In the last 2 years, it has been very rewarding starting a party/record label Bodywork (with Danni B) and having the opportunity to play to the wonderful community we have created! We did a warehouse party with John Dimas and Camp Paprika in Goldcoast recently that was off the chain! Over 500 people showed up and we were so full we had to turn people away – was such a wild night.
What has changed within your production process since you began?
I had no freaking idea what I was doing in the beginning and was just winging it and making so many mistakes, in a way this hasn’t changed haha but I think there is always more to learn so you just have to stay inspired and keep creating! I studied electronic music production at TAFE music for a couple of years so have come a long way since before that but sometimes I feel I learn the most when I work with other producers and observe their processes…so I’m hoping to do more of that soon!
What do you feel is the best song you’ve produced and why?
A driving house track called ‘Dreamstate’ that I actually never released but is coming out soon on Bodywork Records. It was created during the first lockdown and has a distorted Martin Luther King sample talking about “freedom at last”. I have been waiting for the perfect time to release that one as there have been a lot of restrictions on our freedom over the last 2 years but Bodywork Records is now coming together and it feels like the perfect time.
What is the best part about being a DJ/ producer in Sydney?
I think Sydney is an amazing place to live for many reasons. The climate and natural beauty allow for a lot of day parties, doofs and festivals and I find the music community here to be super inclusive, loving and friendly. Aussies know how to party and I love the Aussie sense of humour! I also like having the best of both worlds with the city and beach so close together, it’s a great lifestyle
If you had one message to give to other producers/DJs this year what would it be?
Stay inspired and never stop creating! Your career will have a lot of ups and downs, especially in the initial stages but that’s just the nature of the biz – you gotta roll with the punches and trust your taste.
Top tip for DJs/ producers trying to break into the scene?
My advice would be to create a community and start your own thing!
Whether that’s your own party or music, record label or both – it’s a great way to define your sound instead of trying to adapt to someone else’s. Once promoters see that you have built your following they will admire and respect you so much more. I take my hat off to anyone that has done well at promoting parties here, especially over a long period. Guys like Kerry Wallace (Sash), Ricky Cooper (Return to Rio) Damien (T1000) and Rodd Richards, Tim Reeves (Mantra), Marco (Subsonic / Tabularasa), Scott Robertson (Division) have all been in the game for as long as I can remember and as I said it’s no easy feat so they are all inspirations to me! Big love and respect.
Meet Dr Mendez!
The French-born turned local legend has given us some insight into the best practices for upcoming DJs/producers, his favorite releases and some background on how it all began for him in our interview below.
Be sure to catch Dr. Medez this Saturday the 5th of March at our Plat4orm Mardi Gras Special and take a listen to his special guest selector mix on our Soundcloud now!
How did you begin DJing/ producing music?
As a little boy of only eleven, living in the south of France, I fell in love with House Music and the club culture via the incredible French producer Bob Sinclar and his album CHAMPS ELYSEES . Luckily my parents were supportive of my young dream, and I started doing sessions for school friends with a Numark DM1650 mixer and 2 DVD players. I got the bug and never stopped! Growing up, my style naturally matured into a mix between Beach house, Disco, Dance and Latin tech house, embracing for me a perfect Mediterranean hot summer vibe!!
What are some of your most notable moments over your musical career?
Two Incredible moments shape my music career so far. The first, as a 19 year old in my home town of Montpellier. The owner of a local bar/club called the Macadam Pub offered me my first season residency. I loved it! I found my home up there on the stage and stayed for 5 years, where I built a network, learnt the behind the scenes business, and gathered all the necessary tools to keep pushing forward.
The second moment came eight years ago with the opportunity to play within the Sydney electronic music scene. I did not know anyone so could not rely on my network, and had to be patient and trust in my music and talent. I am always grateful to each opportunity as it comes, approaching each gig with the same passion and enthusiasm no matter how big or small.
What has changed within your production process since you began?
When I started I found myself altering my style to suit the trendy direction, rather than following my gut feeling. What I have since learnt is the pure magic in creativity. As artists, we have to harness that magic if we are lucky enough to find it, and then express that message outward. Being authentic to who we are and what we want to say is what makes the music special. Your vibe attracts your tribe!
What do you feel is the best song you’ve released and why?
‘Try To Get Away’ is a very emotional song for me. Created during the first Covid lock down when, for the first time since I left home, I could not go back. I was missing my summer, my beach, my French rose and family, and I just wanted to get away. So I wrote about it. The track was signed by French Label Onirism, who also created a brilliant video clip filmed on the beach in my Grandmother’s hometown. They captured exactly the vibe I was going for.
My new release ‘’Night by Night’’, due for release soon on MEGAO Music Label, looks set to become my favorite IBIZA anthem for Summer 22 .
What is the best part about being a DJ/ producer in Sydney?
We have the sea, the beach, the sun, the pretty girls, the pretty boys, and it just feels like home… The scene is very eclectic as in addition to Australian Dj/Producers many come from all over the world, making the scene a giant incubator for talent. As technology becomes more accessible, everybody is looking to become a DJ. Which makes everyone replaceable, right? So we have to consistently rise to the occasion to make sure the public is satisfied by the vibe we offer if we are to stay relevant. I’m up to the challenge!
If you had one message to give to other producers/DJs this year what would it be?
The last three years have been rough, that is a fact! However, we must keep dreaming hard, keep believing in our music every day, and transform this positivity into production (tracks, mixtapes, mash ups). The public is waiting for you, and If music truly is your passion, you will know exactly what to do .
Top tip for DJs/ producers trying to break into the scene?
Patience, and delivering every single weekend. You should approach a small gig the same way you would with a big one. For me, the best way to get noticed is for example doing a great warm up. Do not look necessary for your name on the line up, or playing at a peak time. Believe in your music, your own style and start your journey afresh each weekend. People in charge of the music industry pay attention to this type of commitment.
Tell us about an artist that you are loving right now and why?
Right now… waooooo! I listen to so many artists each week!! If I had to name one, I would say Rafa Barios from Sevilla, Spain. He describes his style as Fiesta, pure latin tech house with lots of drums and incredible vocals. His latest EP Bandidos Crew 2 is pure fire