Phil Smart Interview Flow Music | Haven Byron Bay
Few artists have had as profound an influence on Australian electronic music as Phil Smart. From the early warehouse rave days in Sydney to major festivals and intimate club sets, Phil has spent decades pioneering sound, shaping culture, and mentoring the next generation of DJs.
In this Phil Smart interview, we explore his reflections on the evolution of underground music, the enduring spirit of rave culture, and what keeps him inspired to dig deeper, play bolder, and stay connected to the dance floor after all these years.
Interview with Phil Smart
You’ve been a driving force in Australia’s electronic music scene for decades – from Sydney warehouse parties to major festivals. What’s kept your passion for underground music alive all these years?
The main thing is the fact that people keep making amazing music, but I’ve also held a lifetime commitment to being part of the ongoing development of rave, festival and club culture.
Your sound has evolved through so many eras of dance music. How do you stay current without chasing trends – and what still excites you about electronic music today?
I still spend a lot of time digging for fresh and interesting sounds, and I’ve also had a thing for pushing forward, following different threads and experimenting with new music, like the whole downtempo thing I’ve been exploring for the past few years.
And then you also have sounds that come around again, but with an updated approach and utilising the most modern production methods. Breaks is a great example of this. I played breaks a lot in the mid to late 90s, before it fell out of fashion, and then for years you couldn’t play them – you’d risk clearing the floor. Now they’ve come back around and people are into them again and I’m happy about that.
The word “underground” gets used a lot these days. What does it really mean to you in 2025?
I don’t really think there’s much of an underground these days. There’s not really the time or space for a sound or scene to develop in isolation any more. As soon as something cool is discovered, it’s all over the internet and everyone knows about it instantly.
The scene has also been around for a long time, and big corporations are buying festivals and venues and taking over ticketing etc… it’s such big business now.
I can see that changing in the future though, with the next financial crash or changing political landscape. Dance music and clubbing has always been political in its roots, and that will always be a factor in its ongoing evolution.
You’re known for your ability to read a room and build a journey. What’s your secret to crafting a set that keeps people fully present and connected from start to finish?
Haha if I told you that it wouldn’t be a secret!
I can say that always being aware of the feedback loop between the booth and the floor, having patience in the way you construct the journey and, in the case of venues like Club 77 in Sydney, where I’ve played a lot, relying on the trust you’ve built with a room over many years.
You helped shape Sydney’s early rave and club culture. How did that time influence the way you approach music and community now?
I came through when an eclectic, Balearic philosophy around music was par for the course, and that still grounds the way I approach putting together a set today, where you can play different styles and genres together, dropping in a surprise here and there, and playing anything as long as you can dance to it!
Haven is all about connection, creativity, and sound quality. What draws you to spaces like this, and what can the Byron crowd expect from your set next weekend?
I’ve always had a soft spot for Byron and the community there, and I like playing there because the people are generally more open-minded than most places in Australia, which means I can try different things musically.
Also having a quality sound system means you don’t have to compromise or compensate for poor sound.
From vinyl to USBs to AI playlists – the tools have changed. How do you feel about the current state of DJing and technology’s influence on artistry?
At a basic level, playing on CDJs is too easy, as opposed to vinyl, which is why so many DJs have time to dance around, but the technology does open up massive potential for creativity.
You’ve inspired so many younger DJs. What advice would you give to artists starting out who want to build a career with integrity and longevity?
Forge your own sound and don’t be afraid to evolve, lest you get pigeonholed.
Also understand that DJing is always a balance between entertainment and education, so think about how you approach each gig with that spectrum in mind.
This Phil Smart interview feature captures the voice of a true pioneer – one whose journey through decades of underground evolution continues to inspire authenticity, curiosity, and innovation. His perspective reminds us that dance music isn’t just about sound – it’s about community, rebellion, and connection.
