In this exclusive interview, we sit down with a DJ whose craft is as much about personal transformation as it is about moving dance floors. His latest contribution to the 333 Sessions is more than just a mix—it’s a deep, reflective journey that marks a significant chapter in his life, including the birth of his second child. A storyteller through sound, he has seamlessly woven genres like progressive, melodic, deep, and afro house into a set that captures both his evolving style and the strength he’s found during this time of transition.
We dive into the meaning behind this mix, the challenges and rewards of balancing fatherhood with creative passion, and how a life-changing moment at Burning Man reshaped his approach to DJing. From co-creating the Sacred Hearts Festival to curating unique events like Sunset Reverie, his dedication to community and the power of music shines through in every project.
You described this 333 Sessions Mix as a deep and personal journey. Can you tell us more about what this mix means to you and how it reflects your current musical style?
This mix will forever signify a special time in my life—a moment of transition and the birth of my second child. I’m in an era of ‘I can do hard things,’ and this mix represents that strength. I set the bar pretty high for what I wanted to deliver and kept refining it until I felt satisfied. This mix had mental real estate for at least three months within my mind.
You mentioned that crafting this mix coincided with the birth of your second child, Cruz. How has becoming a father influenced your approach to music and the creative process?
Stepping into fatherhood has been incredibly purposeful and has also led me to invest time in music as a healthy escape from the pressures of dad life. When I have free moments, I immerse myself in creating, discovering new music, refining my playlists, and dreaming of dance floors. In terms of my creative process, I now have less time, which forces me to be certain that each track is worth my attention. This has led to very refined playlists.
Your selection of tracks spans progressive, melodic, organic, deep, and afro house. What draws you to these genres, and how do you curate music for your sets?
The slower, vocal-driven, and bassline-heavy styles of music actually saved my DJ career. I stopped DJing in my mid-20s, feeling uninspired by the monotonous underground scene, until one morning at Burning Man when I heard Eduardo Castillo play a life-changing set. It was the first time I’d heard the style of music Burning Man is now famous for, and I instantly started diving deep into it—finding all the artists, downloading the music, and fully immersing myself. When curating a set, I focus on tracks that move me. I don’t care if they’re brand new or 15 years old, as long as they touch me deeply. I can’t stand complacent DJs who rely on long intros and outros. I’m always looking to bring in the next track at just the right moment and cut out the unnecessary, boring bits.
As the co-creator of the Sacred Hearts Festival, how has the festival evolved since its inception, and what makes it unique within the electronic music scene?
Sacred Hearts Festival has always been about more than just the music. We’re a community of like-minded legends, artists, creators, and entrepreneurs. We’ve mostly grown through word of mouth, keeping things under the radar—if you know, then you know. This approach has fostered a rich, vibrant, safe, and expressive community that has grown and evolved in incredible ways over the years.
What’s been your most memorable experience from Sacred Hearts Festival so far, and how has it influenced your growth as both a DJ and a festival organiser?
One of my most memorable moments was taking Sacred Hearts to Burning Seed. It was a massive undertaking, only made possible by our tight-knit community of DJs, creatives, friends, and family. Our original stage, ‘The Hive’, was purpose-built for this festival because we secured a spot with the sun setting perfectly behind us. We brought in a full festival-sized sound system and ran four days of the wildest sunset parties, drawing over 1,000 attendees. Seeing our dreams come to life in such a big way gave us the momentum we needed to shape Sacred Hearts into what it is today.
You have an exciting event coming up—Sunset Reverie at Durrumbal Hall on the 19th of October, which you run with Lostboy Ludo. Can you tell us about the line-up and the theme this time around
Yeah, we’re pretty pumped for this one! We’ve got up-and-comer SamBam opening, followed by Isaac West from Brisbane, and then a three-hour journey from head honcho Lostboy Ludo, with Hugo on closing duties. The last event was ‘Pirates of the Golden Hour,’ and this time it’s ‘Desert Rebels.’ Playing with themes like pirates and rebels lets us tap into our dark sides in playful, lighthearted ways. Reverie has exploded over the last year, and I’m stoked to be part of such an exciting project. (Limited tickets remaining, secure yours here!)
With Sunset Reverie blending music, atmosphere, and community, how do you and Lostboy Ludo ensure each edition feels fresh and meaningful for those attending?
Lostboy Ludo is the creative genius behind Reverie, and I’m his right-hand man. We usually catch up for a few hours each week to brainstorm, bounce ideas around, and divide tasks. We’re both community-minded with big hearts, so creating magic and attracting the right people comes naturally to us. (Tickets)
There’s a clear sense of flow and magic in your mixes. How do you find inspiration for your sets, and do you have any rituals or practices that help you tap into that creative energy?
I search for new music daily—it’s built into my routine. I listen while running in the mornings or when I’m driving. I’ve learned to only put tracks I’m sure I want to play into my playlists. There’s a lot of good music out there, but great music is harder to find. These days, I always prepare for my sets, spending as much time as possible tuning in and letting the magic flow. Sometimes, I find a track that bridges two different sounds perfectly, just hours before I play. Tapping into creative energy is less about a ritual for me and more about how my mind works. It’s a form of problem-solving—holding a high intention with low attachment, trusting in the unfolding magic of the journey.
We’d love for you to add two tracks to our Flow Music Suggest playlist! Whether they’re all-time favourites or the tunes that have been inspiring you lately.
Love Letters From Sicily – Mathias Meyer/Ryan Davis
Nine Moons – Guhus
Lastly, if there was one message or feeling you’d want listeners to take away from your music and mixes, what would it be?
I want to make people feel something, and it doesn’t always have to be ecstasy. Sometimes, I choose tracks that pull at the heartstrings or send the listener into introspection. I want them to feel the whole spectrum of human emotion and facilitate a personal journey for them.
