4 events
Produced by
Lucas (Boston) Belicovski & Maison Belicovski
Directed by Imagery by
Will Landman
Charles Traynor
Evolution. What does it look like? What does it sound like? What does it mean? Throughout this collection, we delve into the development of CICADA. We look to the brand as it has evolved and transformed itself over the dualistic seasons of Winter and Spring.
The four events which took Winter & Spring by storm are Synesthesia, Lunacy, Rapture, and Insomnia. Our first event for the Winter season, Synesthesia, featured Bella Claxton and Kaytseng. A fiery combination which sparked excitement during the freezing cold introduction we all had to Melbourne’s Winter season. Followed by Lunacy, which headlined Oots and Lucas Boston. A dynamic show with contagious energy and USBs filled to the brim with unreleased originals. CICADA Rapture presented Willem for his CICADA debut. Willem brought the passion and emotion for CICADA’s first event of Spring. And finally, Insomnia. Starring DJ Belle, Bones, and Run For Cover. Each stealing the audience’s hearts for the final showdown.
These past two seasons, CICADA has continued to build on its 90s techno and dance rave culture, influenced heavily by its artists, creatives, and patrons. With a newly constructed creative team, CICADA’s design and creativity is at the forefront of the dance / nightclub scene in Melbourne (Naarm). Vincent Sole (Sole) & Will Landman continue to draw inspiration from 90s graphic archives to further the brands eminence in today’s culture. In conjunction with the use of film photography, it has attributed to the 90s look and feel of the brand.
Charlie Traynor’s persistence to develop CICADA’s image, has led to CICADA’s growth and remarkable transformation. With Charles recapturing CICADA’s events in such succession, it has further amplified CICADA’s image and social media presence as a brand. Furthermore, this collection has been comprised of exclusive interviews with Bella Claxton, Lucas Boston, Willem, and DJ Belle. Each dialogue telling stories and asking specific questions of our disk jockeys. We have aimed to provide a raw and uncut Question & Answer session with each of the DJs, all talking to their experiences in the techno / dance rave scene.
Finally, we talk to CICADA Radio. It presents a new opportunity for the brand, and a diversified channel for us to grow as a community. A new chapter begins as CICADA will host monthly exclusive radio sessions. CICADA Radio will showcase artists and creatives, captured through the form of visual and sound media. The first season of CICADA Radio introduces 6 Sense, Bones, and Mi4aa who have all played significant roles in building the foundation for many CICADA Radio sessions to come. Filmed by Charlie Hurd, CICADA Radio aspires to share many memorable sets through its creation
On behalf of CICADA, New Guernica, and our creatives, we welcome you to this seasonal collection. We thank you, our DJs, artist, supporters, patrons, and viewers of our events and media. Without you, this journey would not be possible. We hope you adore this collection and thank you for taking the time to review it.
An acknowledgement of country is a way to acknowledge and pay respect to first nations people as the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land.
Acknowledgements are often made at the start of an event such as a meeting, speech, orformal occasion. An acknowledgement can be made by anybody - First Nations or Non-Indigenous. An acknowledgement of country will often highlight the unique position of First Nations people in the context of culture and history, and their intimate relationship with the land. There are many ways to make an acknowledgement of country. It can be spoken, written, or signed (Auslan - sign language). The words can vary, and people are encouraged to do an acknowledgement in a way that is personal and specific to place. It’s easy to copy an already scripted acknowledgement, but it’s more meaningful to write one in your voice.
CICADA would like to begin by acknowledging the Wurundjeri people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather for our events. On behalf of New Guernica, we pay our respects to their elders past, present, and emerging. We extend that respect to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are dancing, partying, or viewing our work today.
Synesthesia, presented by CICADA & New Guernica. The first event of the Winter season. Synesthesia is the experience of one sense through another. Specifically, the correlation between sound and colour. Sole pitched the name to us, and it was so fitting because of the recent photos captured by Charles and the recent graphics created by Sole himself. The photographs told a story. It was as if you could hear these stories when viewing and interpreting the colours in the images. Especially the ones which were captured on Charles 35mm point and shoot film camera. The photos were raw, out of focussed, blurred, low light images of the unique lighting show which was on display.
Synesthesia was the first event which we redesigned the main stage and turned it into a warehouse rave party. Due to a late change on the night, we made the last-minute decision to play all DJs in the main room as upstairs was unavailable. It was truly a special experience. The energy was unmatched. Our artists, creatives, and patrons all in the one space meant that the place was filled to the brim. People were fighting for spots on the dancefloor and the madness didn’t stop until the earlier hours of Saturday morning. Synesthesia was led at the forefront by its talented artists and creatives. Headliner Bella Claxton stole our hearts. We welcomed her back post her CICADA Havoc debut. She presented listeners with heavy hitting house and some 150 tekkerz.
We caught up with Bella for an interview which is available post the Synesthesia debrief in full detail. The bill for Synesthesia consisted of mostly new faces outside of Bella & Jem, although these new faces are all well established in the Melbourne / Naarm techno dance scene. Kaytseng, notorious for her supersonic, deep, and driving techno. Her sound travelling throughout the Naarm underground rave scene. Kaytseng performed belters in the early parts of Saturday morning. Opening acts Mi4aa and Bosley started off the night with old school techno and trance from the early 90s, transporting listeners back to the musical archives of early rave culture. Bones followed, with heavy, bouncy techno songs which we all love, and the perfect light show to accompany him.
The 6 Sense boys then put on a hell of a performance, with the support of their mates, filling the stage to the brim. They threw down many unreleased tracks in their 45 minute back 2 back performance. Continued by Jem and Jerb, these two ignited CICADA’s main stage. Both getting the crowd up and reaching for the techno God’s as they closed out the night in fashion. Synesthesia encapsulated CICADA’s first event for the Winter season.
Hi, I’m Bella Claxton, I’m a DJ from Narrm/Melbourne. I’m part of the Associated Artists family and Co Founder and resident of Hyper Hype.
Talk to how you starting DJing? Who inspired you along this journey?
I have always loved music, obsessed even. Ever since I can remember dance music has been in my ears. My mum loved all of the 90s trance and hard house I listen to today. We would play it on the way to school, off the old Wild CDs. I never had the chance to learn an instrument when I was young so when I was introduced to a DJ controller, it was the closest thing I could latch onto that was like an instrument and fell in love with it. A group of my older friends had started driving down to Melbourne most weekends to go clubbing and eventually I got a controller. Like everyone else, I jumped on the decks at a house party and couldn’t get off them, it felt like a natural progression from always being the one on the AUX at parties.
I knew the local bar owner in Albury who had lived in London with her husband for many years and they loved dance music as much as I did. I wanted a change of pace from the guy with an acoustic guitar playing covers, so I started DJing there playing 5-hour sets Friday and Saturday nights learning the craft. I played a few gigs in Melbourne and started doing mixes for different crews when Walter from Novel asked me to do a Mix for their Novelcast series. When I sent the mix, I made it clear I’d love to play a novel event one day. He booked me for most of their events during that Covid period. I’m very Grateful for Walter combing through hours and hours of Soundcloud mixes, finding all of us up and coming DJs and giving us a platform. He and Novel have backed me from day one!
How would you best describe your genre and style when it comes to mixing? How did your style develop as you grew as a DJ?
Fast, vocals and euphoric - I have always loved big build ups, chugging baselines, and heavy vocals, I don’t think I’ll ever change. When I first started Djing, Patrick Toppings Be Sharpe Say Nawt was the greatest track I had ever heard and that’s where I developed my love for house. Then I saw acts like Dennis Sulta, Mall Grab and Jobs Jobse at Pitch 2019 and my ear changed to a bit more trance, techno and hard / rave house. That same year I went to Europe which echoed what I was hearing at Pitch, and that was the sound I played when I stared DJing in Melbourne in 2020.
What have been your favourite events / festivals you have had the opportunity to play at?
Let Them Eat Cake, the two times I have played Lost Sundays and the most recent Hyper Hype have to be the most memorable for sure.To play the main stage at LTEC was a dream come true, I was freaking out the whole day and had to have a cold shower and lay down before I jumped on the decks. The hour flew by… it’s almost a bit of a blur but I can’t wait to do it all again on January 1st. Lost Sundays is always a vibe, the Finely Tuned crew are the best and know how to put on a show. The dance floor has lots of different levels so there are people literally everywhere which creates unmatched energy. I look forward to going back there every time. The most recent Hyper Hype was another surreal moment, turning an empty warehouse into a sell-out rave with all of my best friends. It was epic.
‘My sets normally feature a few genres. And once I found what is working with the crowd, I’ll drive further in that direction.’
Bella ClaxtonPhotography Liam Kavenagh
How are you looking to develop as a DJ in the next 12 months?
I’m currently in two minds with my sound at the moment. I’m known to play a lot of party tunes and well-known tracks but I’m at the point where I no longer enjoy playing them because, well everyone else is... I think there are a lot of recycled tracks in the Melbourne club scene so I’m trying to stay as far away from your usual club bangers as possible. A lot of the music I’m finding or playing now is from random YouTube and Instagram accounts that have playlists of old 90s progressive house and trance.
Have you put any thought into start producing your own music?
YES! I’m hoping to play a track I helped arrange at LTEC next year and start releasing from there. It’s super overwhelming trying to work out Ableton with no music theory knowledge, but I have lots of talented friends helping me out.
How much does a crowd impact your sound? Do they have any control of your track selection?
My sets change depending on the crowd, what I play in Sydney is completely different to what I play in Melbourne. My sets normally feature a few genres and once I find out what is working with the crowd in front of me ill drive further in that direction.
What are you plans for the rest of the year? What exciting things do you have planned for 2023?
I have a few festivals around Australia locked in for Summer and currently planning a euro trip for 2023. Hyper Hype will be back, keep your eyes peeled for the next Hyper Hype ft. International Artist announcement!
Lunacy, presented by CICADA & New Guernica was the second Winter event for the season. We look back at moments, memories, and stories shared through visual design and language media. CICADA Lunacy was led by its two headliners Oots & Lucas Boston.
It was the highly anticipated return of Oots for his first headline show at CICADA post his XE54 headline show. Oots (Kyle) known for his intense baseline and heavy hitting originals, he has been described as a force to be reckoned with. Kyle started off his DJ career performing at both Social House & CICADA back in 2018/19 pre COVID. Oots quickly built a name for himself in the industry, which has led him to perform at the likes of XE54, Black Market Presents, and Eora Sydney. Recently making waves with his brand-new EP ‘Shadows’, featuring iconic melodies, chugging techno basslines and enigmatic 909-soaked drums there was high expectations for his headline debut.
In conjunction to Oots, Lucas Boston who co-headlined at CICADA Lunacy, has built a name for himself as top tier DJ in the Naarm / Sydney music scene. CoFounder of CICADA Australia, Lucas Boston has imbedded his passion for DJing and producing by creating his own techno event. Playing at the likes of XE54, Novel, Bloom, Scenes Collective, Shelter, and Ultra Music Festival, Lucas has built a reputation for himself as a standout DJ and producer.
After receiving many requests to release his long await EP ‘Edit Vol.1’, he has finally dropped it, and it’s a tribute to memorable melodies featuring kicking BASSLINES, and untouchable hihats. With consecutive preeminent EP releases, Lucas Boston has continued to grow his brand, and establish himself as a producer. We caught up with Lucas post the Lunacy review. Catch the full interview in the next section of the magazine.
The CICADA Lunacy line-up was filled with flair. Each DJ on the bill pushing a different sound. We heard a vast range of techno throughout the evening, and it started off with El. El’s pretty new to the rave scene, she debuted for us back at Disturbia. Her song selection and her mixing were first-class.
An individual who has been in the scene for quite some time now, Prizefight! He mixed some of our unreleased favourites. I remember specifically Prizefight dropping MISTR DEAN’s brand-new track ‘50 Nic Vlad’, and it went off! The crowd was up and about for the entirety of Prizefight’s set. Then Oots jumped on the CDJs and took care of business from there. An unforgettable light show when he teased Fred Again and Swedish House Marfia’s ‘Turn on the lights again.’ an unreleased gem at the time.
Lucas Boston opened his set with an original ‘Dizzie (3AM EDIT)’. A standout from his set, but the climax of the night was when he ripped Darude’s ‘Sandstorm’ which took us all back to the late 90s.
We recommend jumping on our Instagram highlights and flicking through for that video! Jim was up next and he transported us back to the early 90s and mid 2000s with his trance artillery – one word to describe his set… wow.
Missé closed the night sitting above 150BPM and finished with a nostalgic remix of Deadmau5 and Colleen D’Agostino’s ‘Stay’. Wow, what a finally. Lunacy closed the gates for our Winter season, capturing a series of unforgettable moments which will be remembered for time to come.
When did you start DJing? Did you have any musical background before becoming a DJ / Producer?
I initially started to DJ when I was around 11 years old, however it wasn’t until I was 18 that I truly fell in love with the nightlife scene and decided to take what was once a hobby, more seriously. Along with this, I didn’t have any musical background before beginning producing in 2020 lockdown. My main source of knowledge came from watching a variety of different YouTube videos based on the art of music production.
How would you best describe your style when it comes to DJing? And how does this influence your music?
I would best describe myself as energetic. Depending on the set I am playing, I usually like to start it more groovy and slower. More recently, I’ve been showing a faster paced side of me. This resonates within my music where I am renowned for creating fast 90s rave and trance inspired tracks.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has definitely been my peers around me on a local scale who are achieving some major personal and industry goals. I feel as if the people closest to meare always pushing me to do better and motivating me to work harder because if I don’t, someone else will. Someone in particular who inspired me was Deadmau5 back in 2012. I loved listening to all his music and more importantly being so memorised by the never before seen mouse costume. After initially hearing his music, it made me fall in love with electronic music and ever since then my heart hasn’t stopped beating for it.
What made you want to start CICADA? What separates CICADA from other events?
The hardest thing when becoming a DJ is stepping out of that bedroom DJ phase and trying to secure a gig in a nightclub. This is one of the main reasons why I wanted to startsound takes flight
‘Hi
CICADA Australia.’
CICIADA and give myself and the friends around me an opportunity to showcase ourselves on the big stage. Another reason was to push a niche sound throughout Naarm, and help be a part of the future of this scene whilst also having a crazy fun time while doing it.
Where do you see yourself and the Lucas Boston brand in the next 2 years?
I’m going to keep this one short and sweet, the goal is to be touring around Europe, playing some amazing shows alongside some of my good friends.
What has been your personal highlight of 2022?
The most unreal highlight of the year would probably be… being able to say that I’ve travelled around Australia to play shows in a different state. When I first started DJing I never would’ve imagined that I’d have such an opportunity to be able to do what I love most and travel at the same time. I’ve had such an incredible opportunity to meet so many new faces and build hundreds of meaningful connections with people involved in the industry!
Rapture presented by CICADA and New Guernica the launch of our spring campaign. The name rapture took inspiration from iio’s hit Rapture a Ministry of Sound German classic. The rapture, we have become more accustomed to in the nightclub & festival scene here in Naarm, is John Creamer and Stephane K’s remix from the 2000s. Inspiration drew specifically from the song, and the lyrics associated to it.
CICADA Rapture presents Willem. Willem has built a name for himself as a DJ of note with a unique sound that blends electro, tribal textures, breaks, and trance influences. In a short amount of time, he has played at Beyond the Valley, Let Them Eat Cake, XE54, Revolver, Glamorama, and supported international artists including Ben UFO, Tijana T, Oliver Huntemann and Huxley. Willem is flying the flag of a fresh, unique sound that fuses old-school rave with neo-trance and proto techno. We caught up with Willem for a oneon-one interview which talks to his career in the music industry. Catch the interview with Willem post the Rapture review.
Our support cast was filled with mostly new faces but returning favourites in Mööch & Missé. We had a late scratch in Bones as he had broken his collar bone abroad in New Zealand on a snowboarding trip! During Rapture, we heard an assortment of genres throughout the evening, from old school techno and trance to electro and break beat plus a bunch of unreleased music created by our artists.
The night commenced with Carla Martinez opening the main stage with a real chill, groovy vibe. New to the Melbourne / Naarm nightclub scene, Carla picked up DJing while travelling in Europe the better half of last year. She set the stage for Mööch, who played an hour and a half of dreamlike Australian prog crossed with strands of techno and old school trance. A pure joy to listen to. Mööch supported Willem as the main act. Willem then proceeded to take over for the next hour with some originals and unreleased tracks he had been working on. The light show was phenomenal as Willem got the crowd up and about. Leading the group into the early hours of the morning.
Mordi was up next, and my goodness that was fun! One of our personal favourite sets to date. She brought back an absolute track in Chris Brown’s ‘Beautiful People’. We loved it, the crowd loved it, and the Instagram highlight reel even loved it. An hour of utter brilliance from Mordi and my goodness the crowd was adoring her music! Cuz-E a producer and song writer here in Naarm.
It was great to finally have him play for us, especially as we have all heard his music going around in the scene for quite some time. One of his most loyal fans being a close friend of his Oots. One of the highlight songs from his set would have to have been ‘Hero Dance’ by GrandV. Outright scenes when this track came on. Eden our lighting specialist timed the visual effects perfectly with the build-up of the song and the videos looked insane! Missé on closing duties, bringing the first event for Spring to a close. She ended her set with a sped up edit of Eliza Rose’s ‘B.O.T.A’ which was sensational and so fun to listen to. A real treat as we completed this first chapter of the Spring season.
Can you tell us a bit about who you are?
Hello, I’m Willem and I am a Producer and DJ from Naarm, Melbourne. I belong to the Associated Artists family, co-run Gold Haus with my partner Austin, and am a resident of the React parties by Novel.
What musical background did you have before becoming a DJ / producer?
Music has always been a huge part of my life from as long as I can remember, and I’ve played a couple of instruments since primary school, so I guess the love for it begun at a young age. I first started DJing, or trying to, after hitting the clubs when I was 18 probably a common tale. and begun to fall in love with dance music.
I remember having a pretty trashy taste at this age but after my first trip to Europe later that year and being able to experience some of the festivals and parties over there, my pallet definitely matured, and I began to take it more seriously.
What has been the key to develop your sound and style? How has this grown over the years?
I think everyone’s tastes and sound naturally change over time, and for me I feel like my sound has constantly evolved over the years I’ve been playing. I’ve listened to a lot of artists and had a lot of musical phases, but I think along your journey you fall in love with a select few artists and the sound they’re pushing, and your sound ends up being a mixture of those inspirations.
What’s next for you as a producer? Do you have any upcoming EP’s or singles?
Up next is an EP coming out with Eclectic in Sydney early next year, it’s a little more on the stripped back, reflective side compared to my last few releases, but definitely something I’m keen to share with everyone. Also features 2 killer remixes from AHJU and Suki. Then another single coming out with Mincy’s Extra Spicy label with release date TBC. I have a few projects in the works that I am working on with some assistance from Hasvat Informant, who’s been an absolute treat to work with, so hopefully you’ll start to hear some of these being played in my sets soon.
Who has had influence on the DJ / producer you have become?
So many to name! For DJing I think the most influence I seem to get is from people you play with, like for me Ricky Nord, Lums World who are some of my close friends, we’re always just playing around and picking up tricks and new tracks from each other when we are mucking around at each other’s houses.
For producing, I’ve had a number of mentors over the years but more recently working on tracks with Danny Bonnici from Liquid Mixes and Mike (Hasvat Informant) has been amazing. Those guys mastery of their craft is so inspiring and influential, and often humbling lol, and has contributed heaps to my production journey. Working with people that closely is invaluable.
What has been your favourite events / festivals to date? Why were these so special?
I love playing at React and our own Gold Haus events in Melbourne. I think the crowds always have a very special vibe and up for anything. I also had A LOT of fun at CICADA last time I played at the new New Guernica. Let Them Eat Cake is pretty special every year too.
Where do you see yourself in the next 12 months?
I’m planning on heading across for a few months next Euro summer and will hopefully score a few gigs with some friends I have made along my travels and label releases. So, who knows, we will just see what happens!
Insomnia presented by CICADA & New Guernica, the final show down for Spring. Insomnia concludes the four events which played part throughout the dualistic seasons. Inspiration for the event name drew specifically from Faithless’s ‘Insomnia’. Released as the bands second single, it quickly became one of their most successful tracks. The song was the official anthem for many euro-festivals back in the late 90s and early 2000s, as it quickly became an iconic record heard all over the globe.
For our final show down of the collection, we were blessed to finally have DJ Belle perform for us. After many attempts to book her, we finally secured her for Insomnia. DJ Belle has established herself in the Melbourne / Naarm music & arts scene with memorable sets from Let Them Eat Cake & XE54. Her mixes and sets involve high energy electro and breakbeat tracks intertwined with old school trance and ghetto house beats. It was such a pleasure to finally have her play for us. We caught up with DJ Belle last month for an interview. Find out more post the Insomnia review. Another DJ which we were buzzing to have back on our bill was Bones! After he had suffered an unfortunate snowboarding incident in New Zealand it was time for his long-awaited return. Bones known for his fast-paced rhythmic techno, and hard-groove house, a spectacle
to watch when performing. We were all really keen to have Bones back, a pure joyto work with.
The bill also consisted of a killer DJ in RUN FOR COVER. He has been around the electronic music scene for quite some time now, performing at the likes of XE54 and being a part of some of CICADA’s first events. Hot off his brand-new single ‘Fuck With Me’ both his sets and productions forge cuts of driving techno and atmospheric escapism. We were really looking forward to having Run For Cover perform at Insomnia. The night kicked off with an epic opening set from Bubba. Bubba is building a name for himself in the techno music scene here in Naarm. It was a treat to have him open for us. His song selection and mixing were pure class. I often found myself loading up Shazam throughout his set!
Next up, Mi4aa. Post her Synesthesia debut, it was a pleasure to have her back with us for Insomnia. Her set consisted of trance and breaks from the late 90s and early 2000s. A perfect introduction for what was to come. DJ Belle sparked riot on the CICADA dancefloor from the moment she hopped on the CDJs. Her set involved high energy electro and ghetto house tracks and an amazing light show to go along with it!
Run For Cover followed with a one of-a-kind performance. If I had to describe his set in one word, it would have to be unforgettable! Run For Cover gifted us all with a spontaneous B2B with Bones which led perfectly into the next set. Bones transported us back to the late 2000s with many favourite songs from the decade. People were up and about, animated over his song selection and mixing. Closing out the main stage was our Sydney act Efesian. Efesian brought the house down with a fiery and fierce concluding set. Efesian drew the two seasons to a dramatic close. A collection to remember.
When did you start DJing, and long have you been playing for? What made you wantto start?
When I was 18 years old, I moved to Melbourne for University and started DJing at University events and parties where I discovered the breadth of dance music genres. I’ve been DJing now for six years, but DJing professionally for probably three. The move to Melbourne definitely ignited my passion for dance music as the scene here is unparalleled, with an abundance of gigs / events you can attend almost any night of the week.
I would say the drive to start building a presence / name for myself started during the pandemic. Because we spent so much time at home, I started to listen to more music than ever and found labels like Textasy & FTP and International Chrome which have been major influences on my music style today.
Once I started to build up a bank of tracks during COVID, I started to record mixes just for my own personal Soundcloud, and since most event organisers implemented online mix series on SoundCloud, I sent my mixes around to certain pages that I was interested in. Big shout out to Synesthetic who agreed to release my first mix that I recorded for somebody other than myself, because it was truly a domino effect following this mix. I thought SoundCloud was an amazing tool during the pandemic because you could promote yourself a lot more over playing at club gigs, as all the metrics are right there on the screen.
Over 2021, I enjoyed recording mixes for lots of different pages (inc. Area 3000, Melt Melbourne, Novel, Gold Cast, 188 Naarm, among others), and as dancefloors reopened towards the end of the year, I found myself with gigs lined up which was a new incredible feeling.
What was the first gig you ever played at? Can you talk to the experience?
My first proper gig was at Glamorama Bar when I used to DJ with my best mate Camilla as ‘Playgroup’. Starting out as a DJ duo really settled the nerves when playing gigs for the first time.
How would you best describe your sound? Who have you drawn inspiration from in your sound’s development?
Electro, bass, rap, jungle, and breaks
I get bored easily, so my mixes reflect a constant dipping between genres. A consistent trait of my mixes and sets is definitely lyrics (whether it’s rap or early 2000s nostalgic lyric samples) and of course lots of BASS.
My sound has definitely evolved over the years, initially resonating with the likes of standard techno and house, however it really changed during the pandemic when I discovered electro / booty house artists including Textasy, DJ Mell G, Amadeezy, Sansibar etc. I had never really heard this style of music played at events across the Melbourne club scene but was instantly infatuated with it once exposed to it by deep diving on Soundcloud / Band Camp during the pandemic.
I feel like this style of sound has generally been received well by the community at events I’ve played at, probably because of the diverse / high energy nature of the tracks and most of the time each track has a sense of familiarity incorporated into it, with either well-known lyrics or melodic samples.
Do you have any plans to start producing your own music?
I definitely do! I have plans to hopefully take a leave of absence from my work (2024 is on the cards), and really focus on learning the ropes with the likes of Ableton and other production tools. My work schedule means I have little spare time (which I currently dedicate to mixing and gigs) but producing has always been a future goal of mine that I plan to act on when my schedule frees up. I already, however, note down ideas and samples I’d like to use when I do start dedicating time to produce, so I am very excited and inspired to make this goal a reality.
If you could play B2B with anyone, who would it be?
In an ideal world, I would definitely select one of my original sound influencers to go B2B with. If I was to pick, it would either be DJ Mell G or DJ Fuckoff (who often collaborate on tracks), as I love their style / energy and think our sounds would bode well together.
What has been your favourite event or gig of 2022?
Hard to decide, but I would have to say any of the 188 Naarm gigs I’ve played. Props to Callum and Tom, they put on a clinic every time and it really shows how much effort they put into curating the line-up, visuals, and vibe. Their events always attract such a good crowd and when you’re playing to an energetic crowd it makes the gig even better! Also, a must mention, playing at the recent CICADA gig at New Guernica as that was insanely fun as well, so thank you again for the opportunity!!!
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
Interplanetary criminal - Take Me Away
Today we introduce a fresh and exciting new project. We want to have the ability to interact with our artists, creatives, and patrons outside of our events. Utilising visual and sound media, we have created this platform which has officially launched by the time you’re reading this.
We introduce you to CICADA Radio. CICADA Radio will host monthly private events, where artists can perform high octane sets, and our job is simply to record and recapture them for you.
CICADA Radio allows us to interact with our people outside of our physical events. We want to showcase artists who have played for us in the past at our events, but also new artists which we hope to play for us in the near future. One of our goals is to feature international artists who we have built relationships with, further promoting our brand outside of Australia. We wanted to create something people could interact with online, but also come and be a part of. Whether you’re a DJ, Photographer, Videographer, or a lover of music, or even new to the scene, we employ you to reach out if you would like to be part of this thrilling new chapter of the brand.
The recordings for our first season can be found via Soundcloud and Instagram. These recordings were captured by Charlie Hurd, our lead Videographer for this season. The first season of CICADA Radio hosted 6 Sense, Bones, and Mi4aa who have all played fundamental roles in building the foundation for many CICADA Radio sessions to come. Their sets were top tier. All pushing different sounds on the night, which made our first season so special. Each month, we will feature new artists. All pushing different sounds in the techno music scene.
CICADA Radio is a super exciting new chapter for the brand. We hope you all love it as it’s been something in the works for quite some time now. For more information check out our
official Instagram pages @CICADA. Radio and @CICADA.aus
Here we are again. 6 months went by and look at where we are. Winter & Spring captured a remarkable transformation of the brand. We thank you, our DJs, creatives, artists, patrons, viewers of events and our media. Without you, none of this would be possible. We appreciate your support through and through. This year has been a real challenge in some respects, but it all seems worth it each time we host an event. The response we get from you all is what keeps us going. We hope you enjoyed reviewing this collection. A lot of time and effort went into creating this. Personally, from CICADA, we wanted to acknowledge and thank Will Landman for his design and contribution to the brand and this collection. Without you Will, this magazine would just be white pieces of paper filled with words in the font ‘Calibri (Body’) size 12. Will, this collection is dedicated to you.
