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FashionMusicArtCulture

On the Spot

25 February 2025
Elli Acula

We asked seven artists from this year’s Pitch Music and Arts Festival about a recent project, a favourite song recommendation, and the what is exciting them the most.

For producers and DJs, adapting to a changing sound landscape demands both skill and flexibility. The Australian electronic music scene is rapidly expanding, with a new trend favouring a harder, faster, and more industrial sound. We reached out to seven artists—both local and international—performing at this year's festival to learn how they plan to navigate, harness, and embrace this new musical environment on the rugged Moyston terrain.

BASHKKA
DJ
@BASHKKA

What song can you always rely on?
A track that will forever hold its magic for me is ‘Reach’ by Lil’ Mo’ Yin Yang. It’s timeless—always hitting with the same energy, depth and pump. My go to track is ‘My Remix for DR Pleasure’ by Sally C & Eliza Rose

What projects have you been focused on recently?
I’m cooking up my second EP, set to land this Fall, and my debut album, arriving in 2026. This one’s been brewing for a while, but it’s finally taking shape—expect a few outstanding collabs and a sonic world that feels like me in all my dimensions.

Do you tend to plan everything out, or do you prefer to react as things unfold?
As a DJ and performer, I thrive on spontaneity. Pre-planned sets feel stagnant to me—they don’t challenge or excite me. My ministry is about creating something raw and unrepeatable that me and my crowd share in that moment.

OSMOSIS JONES
DJ
@OSMOSISJONESINTHEHOUSE

What do you hope to showcase to your audience?
I really want to show people what the Osmosis Jones experience is all about. I think festivals are a great opportunity to build a new fanbase, so my intention is to play sets that showcase my sound and bring along the best of the best. As always, I want to show people something they’ve never heard before, introduce them to classic tracks lost in time, and drop those cutting-edge DJ promos from my inbox.

What projects have you been focused on recently?
I’ve just finished up a four-track EP for one of my favourite labels, ATW. I’m really happy with the songs we’ve chosen, and I can’t wait for it to be out in the world! I’m in a place right now where I really feel like having fun, mixing things up with other genres, making remixes for the dance floor and playing around with new ideas. Other than my own music, I’m working on a bunch of releases with up-and-coming artists through my label INTHEHOUSE. The quality of music out there right now is outstanding and I’m keen to build up talented underground artists who deserve recognition.

What song can you always rely on?
‘Move Your Body’ by Mark “Ruff” Ryder and MC Vapour. It is such a standout tune that never fails to get a reaction. I heard this song at a festival when I was 18 and it sent me down a rabbit hole…

NED BENNETT
DJ
@NEDBENNETT_

Which projects have been keeping you busy lately?
I’ve been really locked into finishing my next EP, which is going to represent a slight shift in my sound. I don’t want to reveal too much yet, but I’m really excited to spend more time exploding the house spectrum, and start slowing things down a bit, while still maintaining the energy of my usual club tools.

What kind of vibe and style do you plan to bring to Pitch, and will you be unveiling any fresh material?
I’m super excited to dip into my house and Latin bag a bit more, especially since I’m playing a smaller, more intimate stage. I’m excited to dig deeper than I usually would and showcase some more niche selections. My main goal is to create an upbeat, high energy set that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still has people scrambling for track IDs.

Which song do you always turn to?
Without question it will always be Bando’s ‘Mike Input’. There’s something about the tribal drums and rolling bassline combined with the classic vocal sample which always creates a special moment. Honestly, any track from Bando’s entire discography could be used to answer this question. I will one hundred percent be playing ‘Mike Input’ at Pitch so listen out for it!

GUY CONTACT
DJ
@GUYCONTACT

What projects have you been focused on?
I’ve been working on a collaborative downtempo record with Solar Suite, which is being released soon. I’ve also been channelling a lot of my energy into a side project/ new alias that is expanding my musical horizons. I’ve still got lots more to give in the dance music sphere, but lately I’ve been getting a lot of inspiration from trying new things and writing more downtempo stuff. 

What can we expect in terms of style for your set at Pitch?
I’m going to stick to what I know and aim for fun, psychey, propulsive, bush-doof music. I think there’s a bit of a race to play the biggest, loudest, fastest bangers at the moment and that’s not particularly what resonates with me. I’m going to try to be true to myself and play fun mid-120’s stuff with a little more tilt towards tech-house. I’ve got some of my own forthcoming productions that are fun, bouncy house tunes that will definitely get some airtime too.

A song to fall back on?
Luca Ricci’s ‘Una Historia D’Amor (Antoine 909 Remix)’

ANETHA
DJ
@ANETHA_MUSIC

What have you been focused on?
I’m focused on my new visual show EXHIBIT! It’s directed by FEMUR, who is a fantastic 3D/AI visual artist. He’s working on bringing an insane AV show. Art and visual art have always been important to me. We also invited super talented artists such as Kevin Bray, Charlotte Dally and more to explore all of me… literally.

What can we expect to hear in Australia?
You know how to party, Australia, so I’m bringing nothing but cutting-edge bangers to drive the crowd absolutely wild! I will for sure play my usual tunnel-trans-y techno sets, including some techno classics and last gems as always. Also, we will be releasing our new Mama told ya Feu compilation in April, so might test some of the new tracks.

What song can you always rely on?
Lately I’ve been a big fan of Luke Hovey and his upcoming track ‘Guilty Pleasure’ (to be released in March on Mama told ya)

OLLIE LISHMAN
DJ
@LISHOMODE

What projects have you been focused on recently?
I’ve been focusing on a couple of collabs at the moment and getting my sets ready for a big year of touring. I do plan to release another EP in the coming months, but right now, the main focus is homing in on some cool collabs and singles. I have a track called ‘GET JUMPING’ coming out with Hard Records, which I’m super excited for!

What can we expect in terms of style, energy, and any new material you’re excited to showcase at Pitch?
I can’t wait for this set. It’s time to really get down to business. You could say it’s time to go lishomode. I’m super excited to play material I’ve had for a long time that I wouldn’t normally play at other events, as well as some fresh stuff. The energy is going to be pumping. The set length allows me to properly plan out a nice little journey for everyone. I’m keen to showcase some collabs I’ve been working on with artists you’d definitely know. Style-wise, you can expect my usual groove and jumpy “hot” house sound, but with completely new elements and a different level of energy.

What song can you always rely on?
It really depends on the set, the time, and the vibe. It changes often. Right now, a track I always load up, knowing it’ll go off, is my unreleased VIP of ‘2 THA 3’. I made it because I was getting a little tired of playing the original and wanted to give everyone something new—something they think they’ve heard before, but little do they know, is different.

ELLI ACULA
DJ
@ELLI.ACULA

Screenshot

What projects have you been focused on recently?
I’ve been deep in the studio, working on new music and curating my club series ‘Euphoria Sessions’ in venues like Fabric London. It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve had the honour of inviting artists like Planetary Assault Systems for a live set. The series explores techno from an uplifting, high-energy perspective while bringing back the spirit that first drew me and many others to this culture as an escape from society. Beyond that, I’m always working on my label SPANDAU20 and supporting the label CROWD as an Artist & Repertoire. I’m constantly digging for fresh tunes, so send them over!

What can the crowd expect from your set at Pitch?
Pure energy and some first listens of my new track ‘Floating Eyes’ from the upcoming SPANDAU20 010 album. There will also be some secret weapons (freshly exported!). Australia has a special place in my heart; the connection with the crowd is always next level and I already can feel that it’s going to be a wild one!

What’s one track you can always rely on?
Definitely my track ‘BFF’! If I see you going hard on the dance floor, we’re besties by default.

PABLO BOZZI
DJ
@PABLO.BOZZI

How has your year been so far?
I took some time off in January to recharge and spend time in the studio, working on a release that’s planned for later this year. I also composed the music for EgonLab’s Paris Fashion Week show, a brand where I oversee all the musical direction, which has been an exciting ongoing project.

What can we expect to hear in Australia?
Expect a blend of 1990s house influences mixed with modern productions, uplifting energy, and sexy grooves. I’ll probably test out a bunch of unreleased tracks, including some of my own and a collaboration with my good friend Mac Declos.

What song always works?
‘Love Struck’ by The Trip. Always works.

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