𝒫𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒩❁𝓉𝑒𝓈 𝒢𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑀𝒾𝓍𝑒𝓈

𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓡𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓼

✽𝒫𝒿𝑒𝓃𝓃é 𝑅𝒶𝒹𝒾𝑜✽

✽𝐿𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓇𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈✽

✽ 𝒫𝒿𝑒𝓃𝓃é 𝑀𝒾𝓍𝑒𝓈✽

@guycontact

Guy Contact is the alias of Perth-based producer and rising star Callum Chute.  Specialising in his own contemporary brand of hardware-focused progressive house, Guy Contact has been hard at work refining his sound since his EP ‘Liminal Space’ dropped on Butter Sessions nearing the end of 2019. The result is a unique and unquestionably cohesive sound palette of pulsating grooves, trance-like overtones and blissful pads - all wrapped up and raring to energise any dancefloor. Following a run of stand out 12” EPs on the likes of Coymix Ltd, Haws Music and Craigie Knowes, Guy Contact is also plotting a follow up release on Butter Sessions due by the end of the year. With quality output to boot in 2021, Guy Contact is commanding the attention of local and global audiences - evidenced also by recent and inspiring contributions to both esteemed Amsterdam based Oddysee mix series and home grown stalwart series Melbourne Deepcast. Callum shared some thoughts and a guest mix for episode 129 of Passing Notes.

Guy Contact - PN 129

@claudiasin
With a penchant for off-kilter drum and bass, bass, dub and dubstep, sina meticulously curates sets that mix and match elements of atmospheric trip hop, murky post-DnB and the mischievous 2-step sounds of the 90/00s. Witnessing sina grace the decks at Inward Goods festival was a nostalgic luxury - I felt like I’d stepped into some form of magical Y2k swamp party, where only the best of early 2000s drum and bass were being thrown down. Sina’s contributions to the community extend beyond the decks and into the realm of party planning and label curation (Secret World) whilst also forming ⅓ of the band dregs. Sina’s bass-centric Framework parties create a much needed bro-free zone, an inclusive space for us lovers of the high energy sounds that sina is becoming so well known for. sina joined me to celebrate for episode 156 and 3 years of Passing Notes with a deep, dubby guest mix and written interview here -> https://passingnotes.radio

sina - PN 156 (3 Years of PN)

Next up, a very special international guest and inspiration of mine, Sybil (@syberkid). Sybil has an impressive track record of pivotal parties and festivals under her belt - Berlin Atonal, Berghain’s Säule, Fabric, Honey Soundsystem and Timedance all come to mind. However what’s perhaps even more impressive is the way that Sybil approaches her time in the studio. Sybil’s mixes have landed on platforms such as Discwoman, Dimensions and Crack Magazine as well as her own ambient outlet, Deep Mind Music. 

Sybil’s style of DJing really resonates with me. On the one hand, she creates wonderfully immersive soundscapes, textured collages of meditative and deep ambient music. She’s equally adept and commanding a dancefloor with high-energy, euphoric techno and trance leaning sounds. Of course, Sybil touches on the energies in between, but there’s an undeniable symbiotic relationship between her duality of styles - achieved through a common transcendent quality of both. Regardless of style, Sybil’s mixes are inherently thematic, guided by visual concepts and narratives which are inspired by her “very synesthetic relationship to music”. Sybil’s creative approach to DJing, deep love for music and inimitable ability to craft a story, mean whichever avenue she takes you, you know you’re going on a journey through space, time and texture. I had a wonderful time connecting with Sybil from abroad, all the way from London about all this and more for episode 157, 18-03-2022.

If you're interested in hearing our interview, you can check it out here:
https://www.pbsfm.org.au/program/passing-notes/2022-03-18/20-00-00

Sybil - PN 157 (3 Years of PN)

Live recording from the two beloved @companionmelb bosses @milluu & @pjenne at the inaugural Tabula Rasa Music Festival over NYE. The sonic transition from diurnal to nocturnal on the final evening of 2021.

@milluu
@pjenne
@companionmelb

Millú & Pjenné Live @NYE 2021

@upsammy
Since the release of her debut EP ‘Another Place’ on Rotterdam's premiere Nous’klaer record label, upsammy has emerged as one of the most exciting contemporary electronic artists of our time. Known for her boundary-pushing vision of music and sound, upsammy’s string of releases on the likes of AD93, Die Orakel and Dekmantel have manifested into a back catalogue that give the sense and feeling of gallery of artworks. With a background in arts, it’s no surprise that upsammy works from a foundation of unbridled imagination. As is a common theme amongst many of my most admired artists, the power to present works that simultaneously champion both the weird and the functional is at the forefront of upsammy’s sound. It seems to me that the space between is where the magic happens - crystalline electronica, otherworldly ambience, hypnotic glitch and deconstructed club sounds morph to produce upsammy’s unique brand of contemporary, psychedelic idm. Her more recent and first long-player ‘Zoom’ showcases a somewhat softer side - warm crunchy textures, bouncing sub bass and at times-playful melodies are bound together with both quirky and functional rhythms. Zoom bestows upon us a beautiful and engaging collection of sounds which tell the story of both organic and digital realms. I once read a Bandcamp fan describe upsammy’s work as ‘fairytale idm’ and I couldn’t agree more. At the heart of every fairytale is a sense of magic, and everything upsammy does is just that. 

Alongside her productions, upsammy is an expert DJ who crafts brilliantly creative mixes and live sets with laser like precision - dynamic blends of experimental electronics weave between dreamy soundscapes, spacial percussion, psychedelic drum and bass and breaks - you can always expect the unexpected and this mix is no different! upsammy joined me live in the PBS studio on the 14th October 2022.

upsammy - PN 186

@worktheperipherals
@companionmelb


Guiding weary travelers through an enchanting interdimensional odyssey, WTP’s debut long player ‘Like Lava’ finds a treasured home on Companion. Building on the foundation of four exceptional self-released EPs, WTP continues his exploration into the world of ambient trance. ‘Like Lava’ unfolds across nine tracks that expand and contract through imagined astral landscapes, showcasing WTP’s deft ability to create deep and absorbing techno trips. Hypnotic in manifold ways, ‘Like Lava’ is a release made for getting lost in. Each track referencing the next, this hour-long journey glides through blissful realms of trance, ambient techno and house - deep basslines, muted breaks and spacious subdued percussion are unified by WTP’s characteristic ubiquitous and sparkling atmospheres. 

This is an expert expression of the Companion ethos. By drawing inspiration from the likes of Robert Leiner, Speedy J and Index ID, WTP wields the language of tripped out 90s electronica to allow spellbound listeners the time to contemplate, space to travel and a place to dream

BC: https://companion.bandcamp.com

Mastered by C. Kikos
Artwork by B. Podrasky
Design by J. Wells

pi pi pi premiere: WTP - Horizon (Companion)

@charlie-yerondais
An all-star selector who builds sets from the underground up, Chaz is a deep digger, classy collector and all-round purveyor of rare finds and classic tracks from the bygone eras of house, techno, trance, electro and iterations in-between. Having played host to international artists including Kabuto and Mark/Klon Dump under the Syrup Records banner, Chaz is well acquainted with throwing a damn good party. In more recent times, Techworld (run alongside @sandpit_alias) has risen like a technicolour phoenix from the ashes of lockdown to cult-like status. As the scene’s taste for faster tempos grows and accelerates, Techworld offers monthly reprieve from the chaos by taking us back to basics. Good records, long sets, a rotating roster of the country’s finest DJs and a custom ENM Research mixer coalesce (with a few blue drinks) once a month at miscellanea to give us 18 hours of unadulterated afterhours hedonism. Chaz joined me live in the PBS studio for Passing Notes episode 187, but here we are lucky to hear a 1 hour guest mix recorded live at Techworld.

Mix mastered by Will Holden @undergroundcityloop

Chaz - PN 187

@richard-akingbehin
Refuge Worldwide co-founder and programmer Richard Akingbehin joined me in celebrating 200 episodes of Passing Notes. Originally founded in 2015 as a fundraising platform, Refuge Worldwide launched in 2021 as an independent community station broadcasting 24/7 from their home in Neukolln. Although somewhat newly ‘On Air’ and providing an internationally loved artist to airway connection, Refuge remains, at its core, a community platform. Refuge prioritises amplifying the voices of marginalised artists, continues its community outreach efforts, connects people to current affairs and provides a space for community to share, grow and learn. There’s no doubt that Refuge Worldwide remains aligned with its foundational ethos: to foster unity in the community.

Beyond the Berlin-based broadcaster, Richard’s contributions to the world of music are multifaceted and far reaching. As a versatile DJ, Richard has made appearances spanning the breadth of the European club and festival scene (think Waking Life, Berghain, Melt and more). Richard also lovingly curates the Kynant record label which showcases the experimental sides of ambient, dub and techno. Notably, Richard kicked off his sublabel ‘Kyant Ex’ with a release from Passing Notes favourite, UK experimental band O Yuki Conjugate’s. When he’s not playing, programming or curating music, Richard connects listeners with artists through storytelling - His journalistic prowess, often demonstrated in the form of longform interviews and articles, often grace the pages and readers of heavyweight publications such as Resident Advisor.

Richard Akingbehin - PN 200

@eastern-distributor
Following a string of excellent contributions to esteemed compilations under both the Eastern Distributor and Jörmungandr aliases, Daniel Jakobssson joined me for episode 204 of Passing Notes to celebrate the announcement of his forthcoming EP ‘State of Equilibrium’. ‘State of Equilibrium’ features the long-awaited (and very highly IDed!) track ‘Balance’, which finds itself nicely nestled between two equally progressive, bush-ready cuts and a signature Maara remix. Luring listeners to a dusty dance floor, the release presents bubbling, psychedelic tech and trance cuts that tether the line between functional, fun and something a little more serious. Having recently also waded to the darker side of the swamp, Daniel’s newly established ‘Jörmungandr’ alias explores the ever-evolving experimental and fast paced iterations of trance and techno. His expression of this sound is simultaneously sharp and deliciously viscous, gaining increasing attention from international favourites such as @ute-rec and @amniote-editions.

Eastern Distributor - PN 204

@hld
Few selectors radiate the polish and panache of rising star and shining light, Hannah D. As a DJ, Hannah’s sets exude a sense of swank – infectious, playful melodies intertwine with propulsive beats to create big room energy with ease. A new age revivalist of only the best progressive sounds that the 90s and 00s have to offer, Hannah’s deeply dug record bag and technical finesse empower her to guide punters through vast emotions, often pushing us to soar into a state of energetic ecstasy. Her PN guest mix does just that - recorded live for episode 207 of Passing Notes.

Hannah D - PN 207

collection two

we're back with a second wind ~ gently weaving between genres, across continents and over oceans. take a breath and immerse yourself in the journey.

featuring Tunnel Dancers (@secondcousins & Hugh B @outertimeinnerspace), @vicecitybeats, @opheliaxz, @ronan-music, @commandd & @gistrung, @space-biology, @maara, Radart (@papercutslimited), @duunscape, and @saphileaum

Mastered by P. Twigg (@ptwiggs)
Artwork by F. Andrinopoulos
With thanks to Arts Project Australia
Design by M. Davison

www.artsproject.org.au

Released digitally 5th July 2023
companion.bandcamp.com/album/collection-two

Companion operates on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri-Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live. We pay our respects to their continuing cultures and connection to Country, community and music; and to Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.

CMPN005 - V/A - Collection Two [Snippets]

@rdjm0
Episode 225 of Passing Notes tonight celebrates one of Naarms most brilliant artists, Rings Around Saturn.

It’s hard to know where to start with an inimitable artist like Rings Around Saturn. Rory McPike’s expansive back catalogue demonstrates his unwavering commitment to creative exploration. With nearly a decade of releases under a cosmopolitan suite of aliases (Dan White, Bleekman, Cactus Head, Pickleman), Rory’s ability to compose such diverse sounds, at the highest of quality is truly profound.

From earth shattering bass, DnB and jungle to nostalgic, sun-drenched shoegaze and quite literally everything in between, Rory is a master of his analogue electronic craft. His forthcoming album ‘All Things Shining’ set for release on Best Effort Records showcases 10 forward thinking tracks that effortlessly incorporate uniquely, skittering synths, swirling ambience and crystalline, glistening electronica into an emotive and immersive package. This release looks back at new age ambient whilst propelling us into a futuristic world of contemporary IDM.

Broadcast live for Passing Notes episode 225 on PBSfm 106.7.

Rings Around Saturn - PN 225

Recorded live at Refuge Worldwide 8th August, 2023.

Refuge Worldwide x Passing Notes [Live - 8.08.23]

Recorded live in Berlin- 8-9pm, 8th August, 2023.

Pjenné | Berlin [Live - 8.08.23]

"Woven with a characteristic sentimental string, you'll find yourself among the depths of 2000s drum and bass, the dreamy respite of downtempo and the intricate beauty of modern-day IDM.

This mix is dedicated to my longstanding love for ASC's 'Deep Space' mix series, a love that  now projects toward contemporary platforms like INVEINS ~ I'm so grateful to be here."

@pjenne

INVEINS \ Podcast \ 103 \ Pjenné

Pjenné Live From Music Room

Following the release of his debut single Aqueduct on CMPN003, Declan returns to Companion with an entrancing 5-track EP that gently unwinds through boundless, sun-drenched dreamscapes. Suited for late-nights beneath dust shrouded stars and the peaceful mornings after, Soul Arch is best listened from start to finish, with one eye cast towards the sunrise. 

A1. Eye of the Feline
A2. Start of July
A3. Aqueduct

B1. Soul Arch
B2. Species

All tracks written and produced by D. McNamara 
Mastered by P. Twigg
Artwork by X. Ford-Legrand
Design by G. Butterfield
Worldwide distribution by One Eye Witness
© Companion 2024

Soul Arch

CMPN006 - Declan - Soul Arch [Snippets]

@fred-czital @harmony-rec

I first became aware of the Harmony label when they released ‘Natives’ an EP by prolific techno producer Alan Backdrop in 2019. Since this time, I’ve followed their lead, been enchanted by their always impressive musical outputs and enamoured - yet only from afar by their magical parties. Made up of multi-talented individuals, as a collective they coalesce as a group of kindred souls united by a shared wellspring of boundless creativity. Their events are always a spectacle, whether collaborating with the likes of Midgar, Kalahari Oyster Cult and X or running it solo, they have the power and passion to transform almost any space into a uniquely vibrant, community-minded party place. From UNESCO-listed libraries, gymnasiums and forest floors, no event is too big or too out there for Harmony to pull off. Across their music, events and DJ sets, they ooze a sense of profound intent whilst being effortlessly playful. In a world that can sometimes feel unnecessarily, individualistic the Harmony crew continues to shine a light on the power of bringing together our creative minds.

A studio full of life marked episode 256 of Passing Notes - a whole crew interview was following by this red hot mix by Alfred Czital, broadcast live on PBSfm 106.7 on the 2nd Feb, 2024.

Alfred Czital [Harmony Rec.] - PN 256

@soundsofluxe
@angeldlite

To help me celebrate Passing Notes 5th birthday, I welcomed rambunctious UK producers LUXE and Angel D’Lite who celebrated the release of their debut collaborative EP ‘Enchanted’ on @goddezztemple in the same week. The cherished rave enchantresses provided a high-octane Passing Notes guest mix featuring their tracks from the Enchanted EP, remixes and unreleased gems.

Broadcast live on International Women's Day, 8th of March 2024.

LUXE & Angel D'lite - PN 261 (5 Years of PN)

Pjenné 16-04-2024

@bambi-dj invite la DJ australienne @pjenne sur sa résidence d’Avril. Retrouvez Bambi & Pjenné ce vendredi 3 mai au Badaboum aux cotés de Jeacky Jeane, turbinaria (UKR), Nelly (PB), Avsluta (UK) et des lyonnais•es Jonnnah & Salma Rosa.

Bambi invite Pjenné - 30 Avril 2024

@dreamsoftwarecorp
No one boasts unfettered creativity like Bristol (and Narrm!) based multidisciplinary artist, DJ, label head and utopic visionary Dream Software. An expert architect in building immersive experiences in all senses of the word, Dream Software blends sonic and visual elements to generate altered states in onlookers. Known for downtempo and trance leaning sounds with an optimistic undertone, Dream Software joined me live on PBS on the 5th April 2024 to take us on an encyclopaedic journey of classic ambient trance from the 90s and beyond.

Dream Software - PN 265

For the next Harmony podcast, we have received a special recording from our dear friend Pjenné.

Penny is a Naarm-based artist and radio host of Passing Notes show who played the following mix at a partly illegal outdoor doof run by 'Safari Park' close to Sydney, taking place last July. Blending rhythm into texture. Enjoy!

@pjenne

Harmony Rec. podcast | Pjenné

what is it about music that makes us feel nostalgic? the memories of a first listen perhaps, the surrounding environment being imprinted on our minds. or could it be the nth time a track is played from a period, and then left to the aether as a marker to our past. only to be revived sporadically like a warm shock to the system when played again. through these lenses we look and listen to our guest for today, as we’re so excited to have the wonderful dj, label owner and much more, pjenné grace the sundays series. her expertly crafted mix hits all the sweet, sweet trip hop spots and wraps around the listener like an auditory hug. perfect to fight off those lingering end of the weekend anxieties with a solid dose of music from the 90s and 00s.

track list:

box5ive - first name [co:clear - 2024]
ammonite - what if i knew me [ransom note records - 2024]
spooky - belong (echospace mix) [deviant records - 2002]
fc/kahuna - hayling [city rockers - 2001]
crustation & bronah blevin - reverie [jive - 1997]
bitstream dream - rising sun [not on label - 2006]
son kite ft lisa thelin - aiwana (downbeat mix) [digital structures - 2002]
le jumeaux - miracle road [itn corporation - 1996]
locust - one way or another [apollo - 1997]
yimino - piper [ominim records - 2010]
desolate - in the forest hides a light [faux pas musik - 2019]
spylab - this utopia (disconnected) [guidance recordings - 2001]
chapterhouse - epsilon phase (reimagined by global communication) [dedicated - 1993]
the starseeds - elsewhere [millennium - 1997]
el lcd - snö på hisingen (cbl mix) [leftfield records - 2016]
bowery electric - fear of flying [kranky - 1996]
port electric - leave me dry [not on label - 2006]
the sushi club - koya [4mpo - 2006]
priori - like it shouldn't [naff recordings - 2024]
crustation & bronah blevin - down down [jive - 1997]
sunchaser - territorio [toverberg - 2023]
jonnah - bonus is bonus [second end records - 2024]
salt tank - sargasso sea [internal - 1994]

@pjenne
www.instagram.com/pjenneee/

Follow us on social media:
@itsdelayed
linktr.ee/delayed
www.itsdelayed.com
www.facebook.com/itsdelayed
www.instagram.com/_____delayed
www.youtube.com/@_____delayed

Sundays are for... Pjenné

Space Biology returns to Companion with an extended EP further showcasing the Ukrainian producers' boundless creativity and technical prowess. 'Osmosis' delivers a six-track constellation of lysergic electronica, traversing through amorphous domains of dub, downtempo and IDM. Its pulse is punctuated by muted breaks and diffuse high end frequencies that skip and skitter across wobbly dub-infused basslines. 

@space-biology

This free flowing release encapsulates a sense of mysticism that urges us to consider our consciousness. It leaves our minds wandering amongst the stars whilst low end fullness grounds us on Earth and reconnects us to our surroundings.

A1. Sustainability
A2. Brainstorm 
A3. Tectiform
B1. Sea Dub  
B2. Triphase
B3. Diffusion

All tracks written and produced by Ivanna Ivanivna 
Mastered by Phoebe Twigg
Artwork by Remi Volclair
Design by THEAJM
Worldwide distribution by One Eye Witness
© Companion 2024

Due September 2024

CMPN007 - Space Biology - Osmosis [Snippets]

@hewanaman

Hewan Aman is Paris-based DJ, radio host, event and community organiser whose 2024 schedule has been filled with impressive club and festival appearances across Europe. Hewan’s sound as a DJ revolves around a keen attention to detail - power, depth and intricate rhythms often find themselves as the forefront of her sets that span, fast paced techno, drum & bass and hypnotic psy-leaning sounds.

Her radio show and mix series ‘Tentacular’ and follow up show ‘Dub Delights’ on Rinse France have afforded her the space and place to generate this sound and vision as an artist. As Hewan explains it ‘Tentacular’ alludes to “a sprawling devotion to purpose and connection”, a theme that injects itself into the entirety of Hewan’s work. A further recurring theme in conversations with Hewan is intention - a core value alongside purpose and connection that drives her approach to artistry, the music industry, and life beyond. A thoughtful approach that sometimes feels like a rare quality in the fast-paced world of electronic music. Additionally, Hewan is a member of @audeladuclub, a community-based collaborative that promotes a reimagined nightlife with safe and inclusive events and spaces at the fore. The collaborative publish their communique via the ‘Flashes’ zine, which further explores these themes via interviews and articles collected, conducted and published through intersectional feminist lens.

I’m honoured to be airing Hewan’s live recording from @noname_community's La Nature festival - a festival hosting 800 dancing souls in front of a wooden church stage surrounded by Ardenne forest. The mix was recorded Friday 21st June 11pm-1am, so expect a quintessentially psychedelic journey to propel you into the weekend.

Hewan Aman [Live @ La Nature] - PN 285

I first met Pjenne in the Bookar Crater at the inaugural Inner Varnika festival in 2017. Only moments after our introduction we were hugging and swaying together, to an unforgettable set by my brother Ben. Little did I know she had already played at the festival before I’de arrived and would soon become one of my favourite disk jockeys. 

Pjenne’s sets all manage to have a unique and alluring atmosphere, a vibe that permeates itself no matter the style or genre she’s exploring. Each set brings a sonic embrace, a warmth similar to that which I felt when we first met. 

This mix is no different, a certified classic of dubbed jams mined from the depths of ’89 to ’03. Please Enjoy!

Moonshoe Selects 00029 - Pjenné

~ Deep Breakfast 280 by https://soundcloud.com/pjenne ~

Tracklist:
1. Re:Axis - Golden Lights (Intro) [Aurora Mística Records – 2024]
2. Vidění - Aimless Journey [Oslated -2024]
3. Heisa - arz2 [XPOHNKA - 2019]
4. Suspended Memories - The Sky Opens [Fathom - 1994]
5. Owl - Spectral Ritual [Muzan Editions - 2024]
6. Woob - Pluto (Trip To Pluto Remix) (Sample) [Instinct - 1994]
7. Box5ive - In Grey Space [co:clear - 2024]
8. Memory Geist - Ocean Memory [DiN - 2011]
9. Respira - Sementes III [Self Release - 2023]
10. Marconi Union - Blue Collar Parade [Just Music - 2011]
11. Pattrn - Ayahuasca [Melifera - 2023]
12. Bernstein - tīrtha [Hyalin - 2024]
13. ASC - A Song For Hope [Samurai Red Seal - 2012]
14. Mown - Present Has Already Faded Away [NORITE - 2023]
15. Bernstein - prāṇa [Hyalin - 2024]
16. Ishq - Sky Glide [Virtual - 2014]
17. Zemög - Sailing Timbiqui River [Huinali Recordings - 2021]
18. Slacker - Turning Stone Into Symbol [Soft Raw - 2022]
19. Lihla - Did We Arrive Yet? [A Strangely Isolated Place - 2024]
20. Folkhälsan - Theme For Working [Crummy Kids - Recordings - 2013]

Pjenné 
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/pjenne

Deep Breakfast Series
Instagram: www.instagram.com/deepbreakfastseries/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeepBreakfastSeries/
Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/deepbreakfastseries

Deep Breakfast 280 ~ Pjenné

@simon-tk

Simon TK is a multifaceted music operator. A true champion of diversity in sound and community, it’s hard to overstate the impact that Simon has had on the Melbourne music community across his over-a-decade long involvement in all areas of the scene.

At the heart of this involvement is Simon’s expansive musical knowledge. An exceptionally versatile DJ, Simon is one of those rare selectors you could call upon to soundtrack almost any occasion - not just appropriately but perfectly. From psych-rock to psy-trance, rare digs or hands in the air, Simon particularly thrives in environments that challenge people’s perception of reality and identity.

Outside Djing, Simon’s community care and sprawling networks have led to two quintessential projects that continue to foster spaces for conversation and connection. In 2018 he co-founded Skylab, an online radio station that has become a vital platform for diverse musical voices and showcasing the very best in local and international talent. On the more playful side of things, Simon has built, curated and cultivated the now-institution that is Wax’o Paradiso alongside long-term collaborator Ed Fisher. Having recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary this legendary events series turned record label herds 1000s of ecstatic punters every year whilst unearthing and releasing contemporary antipodean sounds.

From his deep musical knowledge to his community-first ethos, Simon TK continues to inspire, connect, and challenge, embodying the spirit of Melbourne’s ever-evolving music culture. Simon’s guest mix was broadcast live on the 8th November, 2024 on PBS106.7fm.

Simon TK - PN 295

collection three

our third v/a rolls in ~ an undulating wave. balancing, unfolding, transforming. in three we find harmony. listen again, and again, and again.

featuring: @avsluta, @inhmost, @katemiller, @edenaurelius, @elsa-9-9, @piante-vive, @anthonyc_kuta, @beltrac, @louismarlo, @iksremusic

Mastered by P. Twigg
Artwork by F. Andrinopoulos
Design by M. Davison
With thanks to Arts Project Australia

https://companion.bandcamp.com/album/collection-three

CMPN008 - V/A - Collection Three [Snippets]

@vardaemusic
Vardae’s creative world is deeply rooted in the psychedelic experience. Dreamed up by an auditory alchemist, Vardae’s highly imaginative take on techno combines microscopic detail, intricate rhythms, celestial soundscapes, and a pervasive depth that pushes listeners to the edges of their perception.

Vardae’s sound is visceral, exuding a ritualistic quality and an alluring, primal energy that bridges the gap between music for the body, mind, and the spirit. The resulting works are metamorphic—dynamic, hypnotic, and immersive sounds spanning forward-thinking techno, hypnotic half-time, and contemporary drum and bass.

Beyond his productions, Vardae’s creative vision extends to his work with Ewo ‘Eyes Wide Open’ Collective, where he curates multisensory experiences like ‘House of the Singing Wood’. This quadraphonic sound haven has been showcased at Europe’s premier festivals, including Per:sona, La Nature, and Monument, offering audiences a space for reconnection and transformation. Ewo also host regular Rituel Résonance events and a bi-monthly Chimera show on LYL Radio further provide platform for guests of shared values. A proponent of collective approaches to sound, Vardae also contributes to the growing gathering that is Ouroboros, a french festival and events series hosted alongside 13 friends.

Vardae continues to pioneer the convergence of psychedelic sound, visual artistry, and cultural curation. Undoubtedly one of my favourite artists at the moment, I am incredibly grateful to have had Vardae on the show! Broadcased live on PBS on the 27th December, 2024.

Vardae - PN 302

@rambadu
Rambadu’s inspiration lies in his fascination with the energetic and healing properties of sound. Years of introspection and meticulous research have shaped his ability to channel the unseen forces of our inner and outer worlds into textured, immersive and deeply hypnotic compositions. His music uses elements such as singing bowls, acoustic instruments, hardware based synthesis, which are also enriched by modulated field recordings. Rambadu’s psychedelic take on deep techno highlights his dedication to exploring the symbiosis of art, nature, and the human spirit. His recent collaborative release, ‘Sai Matika’, produced alongside the renowned Claudio PRC, exemplifies this ethos, the record inspired by nature’s sacred cycles—‘Sai’, the ebb and flow of the earth and moon, and ‘Matika’, the rhythmical sounds of air rising up from the deep. Through his eponymous label, Rambadu continues to encapsulate these values, many of the releases his own and all featuring handmade sleeves adorned by mesmerising stencil artworks.

Interestingly, early influences in Rambadu’s career include a long stint down under, where he interned at the iconic Chameleon Recordings. Under the mentorship of label boss Steve Ward, Rambadu honed his production skills and gained invaluable insights into the music industry. This experience shaped his artistic identity, inspiring him to embrace the endless possibilities in electronic music.

Dutch DJ, producer, label owner and Hypnus affiliate Rambadu joined me for episode 301 of Passing Notes to share an exciting live recording of his recent closing set at DtRm in Nisiazabu, Japan 

Rambadu - PN 301

@melquiadesmusic
Good friend and constant source of inspiration Alex Albrecht, joined me to celebrate my 300th episode of Passing Notes.

Few artists channel a consistent stream of creativity like Alex Albrecht. With over a decade of music-making under his belt, Alex has cultivated a distinct and frankly iconic musical identity. Effortlessly shapeshifting between experimental jazz, ambient, atmospheric house, and deep techno, Alex’s compositions are marked by an environmental undertone that imbues them with a uniquely “Alex Albrecht” earthly sense of place. Simultaneously anchoring and weightless, the common thread between it all is Alex’s ability to leave listeners safely ensconced in a swell of emotional resonance.

Improvisation and exploration are at the heart of Albrecht’s craft. His constantly evolving and captivating live performances have taken him to far corners of the globe, with appearances at iconic venues like Bassiani in Georgia, Monument in Norway, and Vent in Tokyo just to name a few. Each journey fuels his exploratory nature, offering new opportunities to immerse himself in the world around him. Field recordings serve as an auditory journal—postcards sent home to evoke memories of space and place that form the ever-important foundation of his creative process. These recordings provide a naturalistic canvas upon which Alex layers syncopated rhythmic subtleties and soaring, colorful synthetic brushstrokes.

With a rich discography amassing on celebrated labels such as A Strangely Isolated Place, Constellation Tatsu, Apollo, Scissor & Thread, and his own Analogue Attic Recordings—also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year—Albrecht’s work reflects a steadfast commitment to artistic authenticity and a depth of accrued knowledge now expressed through a craft so refined that oft feels effortless.

It was an honour to have Alex performing LIVE in the studio to celebrate this milestone together and share in his music that will continue to inspire us all.

Alex Albrecht [LIVE] - PN 300

Utrecht based producer, live artist and ISOTOOP label head, @vandmusic, joined me for episode 305 of Passing Notes.

Collaboration is a central feature of Vand’s story so far - his fast growing list of celebrated collaborative projects include VOAL (Vand + Shoal) as well as releases alongside Passing Notes alumni Alfred Czital and of course Bas Dobbelaer. Across these projects you’ll find disparate sounds brought together by meeting of the minds and production prowess. His release with Alfred Czital ‘P.J.M’ on Harmoney Rec unsurprisingly showcases a colourful club-ready side, with sounds punctuated by breaks and nostalgic 90s undertones. VOAL turns to the cooler side of the pillow with deeper shades of forward thinking, sometimes slo-mo and always transfixing techno. His work with Bas Dobbelaer shines with crisp percussion and shimmery dub-like textures, exemplified in the 2019 standout (and a personal favorite) release ‘Laren’ on Something Happening Somewhere. An exciting remix collection followed in 2023 - a release that also touched my soul and featured heavily on my radio rotations. Further to Vand’s recorded works include live performances at notable events like the Mostra Festival and La Nature, where he performed a 3-hour improvisational live set with Shoal and queniv.

With each collaborative project, solo work or live set a piece of the Vand puzzle is revealed, illuminating Vand’s versatility, keen ear for detail and finessed approach sound design. Above all Vand remains disarmingly humble.

Vand - PN 305

@liquidearthmusic
Emerging from the sun-drenched landscapes of California and now firmly rooted in the Barcelona sands, Liquid Earth has spent years sculpting a signature sound that’s equal parts classic and contemporary. Wrangling sounds inspired by the ‘80s-‘00s continuum of effervescent house and reimagining them with a hardware and futuristic-forward twist, Freels’ sophisticated brand of ‘tech house’ has resulted in years of quality output to boot. With a career further propelled by his unmatched positive attitude and razor sharp dancefloor instincts, Freels has released under several monikers across labels like @kalaharioystercult, @butter_side_up and his own @squidrecordings. 

Beyond production, Freels is a label head, electronics/synth-tinkerer and selector of unmatched acumen. Wielding his record bag of deeply dug house, tech, progressive and trance adjacent cuts, Freels is a regular face in the international touring circuit and has graced the decks at notable clubs and festivals including Panorama Bar, Dimensions Festival, and beyond. With a seemingly endless treasure trove of creativity and momentum behind him, Freels is poised to continue to use the energy of the Liquid Earth project to trailblaze and treat us to his idiosyncratic brand of ‘tech house with a twist’!

Liquid Earth joined me live in the PBS studio for episode 307 of Passing Notes.


Liquid Earth - PN 307

@zeynep
To celebrate 6 years of Passing Notes and International Women’s Day just passed, I enlisted the help of Berlin-based Syrian DJ, curator and goddess Zeynep. Zeynep’s voice is no stranger to Passing Notes, she joined me live in the studio with the Harmony Rec crew for episode 256 back in February 2024. Today, she returns in sonic form from afar, to showcase her fervent musical voice.

A dynamic selector who strikes a captivating balance between smooth lusciousness and unruly bodaciousness, Zeynep’s performances are impassioned trips through deeply dug mesmeric trance, seductive prog, and ecstasy-inducing rare gems - an intoxicating signature that has earned her a residency at Prague’s Harmony Rec. Her sound fosters an undeniable connection to the primal, collective joy of the rave, igniting spaces with a femme-forward intensity that resonates with those who crave liberation, pleasure, and transcendence.

Beyond the decks, Zeynep is also a passionate curator and community builder, committed to shaping electronic music culture in meaningful ways. Her deep involvement with Harmony Rec. reflects her dedication to fostering heartfelt connections within the underground music scene, ensuring that the spaces she plays in aren’t just dancefloors but homes for those who find freedom in the music.

Zeynep - PN 313 (6 Years of PN)

We are so excited to welcome Melbourne- based dj, radio host, curator and label head @pjenne to our mix series. 

Pjenne is at the forefront of the Aussie underground scene, a true visionary! Her sound takes many forms and genres but she crafted a unique style that is very much of her own. If you haven’t already listened to her beautifully curated radio show/mix series Passing Notes we highly recommend.  

 “This mix is a live recording of (most of) my set at @terra-obscura-london in London in April last year. I played from 12-2am after Slowfoam and before Oma Totem Live - a time in the night where Ormside projects was transformed from 'soft furnishings' to club. I think the mix represents the music I played a lot across my tour last year (and probably won't stop playing), with an additional emotional sprinkle that was inspired by the work of @avsluta and @aliciasteanson. <3”

Osmura w/ Pjenné 25

@djpgz @yikesone
Two of the most vital voices in so-called Australia’s dance music landscape, heavyweight producers DJ PGZ and Yikes, joined me for episode 315 of Passing Notes. Fresh off the release of their fierce new split EP ‘Come Round’ via Butter Sessions, these two stewards of contemporary dance music and club culture show us what happens when deep musical knowledges, community-first ethos, and production prowess collide. Come Round is a bold, percussive journey through techno and its playful yet unrelenting derivatives. The tracklist features solo cuts, cross-remixes and one standout team-up, Ouss Ouss, that ties it up into a cheeky not to be missed package.

Gunai/Kurnai & Yorta Yorta artist DJ PGZ is a defining presence in the club and festival circuit, from Pitch to Dekmantel his razor-sharp productions and full-throttle sets pay homage to the Black and Brown roots of club music while charting new territory for future First Nations sound. His contributions to the EP tracks like the wub-heavy Solidarity System and acid-tinged Rewind Yourself Mix stretch the limits with style and power.

Wongi artist Yikes is a multi-dimensional creative force. He is the co-founder of Aboriginal-led creative studio Nani Creative, a DJ, producer, and host of the legendary ‘Full Frequency’ show on RTRFM. A mentor to emerging First Nations DJs, Yikes brings intention to every move he makes, including his consistent appearaces at events of the highest caliber including Inner Varnika and Pitch. His rhythm-driven and progressive tracks Sidestep and Check Out That, carry swing, grit and dancefloor depth.

Together, DJ PGZ and Yikes deliver Come Round as both a sonic flex and a communal offering that harnesses and connects the raw dancefloor energy of the east and west coasts. 

We celebrated their remarkable release and the tour that’s taking it to the people live on PBSfm106.7fm on the 28th March 2025.

DJ PGZ & Yikes - PN 315

Saphileaum is the alias of Georgian producer, multi-disciplinary artist and KHIDI club resident Andro Gogibedashvili. Emerging from a profoundly creative family-actors, singers, writers, and poets, Andro’s creative path has been profoundly shaped by his heritage and the traditions that surround it.
Saphileaum makes music for coming together, for meditation, and for mystical, philosophical musings. A sound crafted as unique and consistent as his, only possible through a lifelong passion and commitment to artistic expression. Often drawing on disparate genres, his unique sound is brought together by the beauty of rhythm—live drumming including the Georgian Dhol often featuring alongside starry melodies, woven into half-time grooves, meditative ambient and atmospheric techno. 
Inspired by mysticism, earth and the secrets of the universe, Saphileaum’s journey reached celestial heights in 2022, when a snippet of his piece Cosmic Lake Transparency was transmitted into deep space to the exoplanet K2-18B, just 124 light-years away from Earth. via the Goonhilly Earth Station, making him the second Georgian artist to have their music sent to the stars. (Sidenote: incredible timing finding out this fun fact with signs of life on K2-18B being reported this week!).
His discography spans labels of the highest order: Mule Musiq, Good Morning Tapes, Silent Season, Oslated and more with each release reflecting his creative approach to each label, which he described as ‘like stepping into a new country’. Fresh terrain of culture, sound, and inspiration. Being releasing records, Saphileaum shapeshifts across other mediums, soundtracking Georgian films, collaborating on high-profile art and fashion exhibitions and writing poetry. From club nights to quiet nights, and now from Earth to K2-18B, Saphileaum’s approach to music and art invites us to listen deeply.

Saphileaum - PN 318

2025-07-15 - E L A invites PJENNÉ

“This set was recorded live 5-7pm, Saturday evening at Pe:rsona, 2025. The seemingly last dry-ish stretch and set of wild (weather) weekend, sunshowers made way for glistening droplets to  sparkle through the shade sails and lay foundation for me to weave between deeper percussive cuts and shiny crystalline daytime techno.”

Pjenné is a Naarm/Melbourne-based DJ, radio broadcaster, curator and label manager. Her musical identity is shaped by the expansive, psychedelic soundscapes of the southern bush, an influence that permeates her trance-inducing, progressive, and hypnotic selections.

Pjenné’s sets are characterised by deep-digging selections and an impeccable narrative craft, both of which are on full display in this masterfully executed recording. Tune in now for two hours of deep, lush afternoon techno daydreams.

Follow
https://soundcloud.com/pjenne
https://www.instagram.com/pjenneee/

MNMT Recordings : Pjenné —  Pe:rsona 2025

One of Melbourne's most longstanding & prolific mainstays for this week's Animix -@pjenne. Host of Passing Notes, on beloved community radio station PBS;  incredibly talented DJ , & co-founder of @companionmelb alongside another favourite, @millu .
 
Penny is an authentic example of what Melbourne and it's community look like.  She's been actively involved in the scene from all corners for a long time now - whether it be headlining parties & major fesivals (locally and abroad),  solo or alongside her DJ sister Millu; or running her beautifully curated weekly radio show which often highlights the incredible plethora of talented local DJs we have here in Australia. Alongisde Millu she also co-runs the increidble local output @companionmelb - which has seen epic releases from local artists, including Acopia, Kita and more.  

When i was first learning to DJ, it was inspiring to see women in the scene like Penny - an intelligent and driven powerhouse with loads of talent & taste to back it up - & most importantly, unashamedly herself.  Penny has a very distinctive style and has been instrumental in paving the way to what is now seen in the current global electronic music community as the "Australian sound" - even more importantly, as an early leading female figure. A local gem! 

Thank you Penny for your beautiful contribution to the Animix  series<3

Downloads enabled

Animix One Hundred.& Eighty Five: Pjenne

@bambi-dj
Guided by a deep sense of care, intention-setting, and curiosity, Bambi comes to the end of 2025 closing a career-defining chapter of her practice. From the misty Norwegian forest floor of Monument to the charged dancefloors of Nowadays, the Paris-based resident and touring DJ, producer, and curator’s year has been shaped by appearances across Europe, the US, and soon, down under.

Attuned to the rhythm of life on the road, Bambi approaches every set as an act of dialogue between the places she visits, the community and culture she engages with, and her own colourful emotional world. Her home-base performances are treated with commensurate care and consideration and has led Bambi to be entrusted with the increasingly rare role of resident at high quality haunts of the likes of Hypersoft, Macadam Nantes, and Hors Sol.

These positions of trust, alongside her radio residency on Rinse, have provided essential spaces for Bambi to stretch, to explore and experiment - ultimately becoming an extension of her refined artistic identity.

This year also saw her debut releases come to light - two exquisitely crafted tracks that mark the beginning of a production journey that has further sharpened her ear and deepened her relationship to sound. Her standout track ‘Ephemeral’ on UK label Beam is a perfect expression of atmospheric tech-trance that marks an exciting new dimension of Bambi’s ever-expanding artistry.

Read the written interview with Bambi here.
Broadcast live on PBS 28th November 2025.

Interview

Bambi - PN 350 [Live at Outrebleu]

@caldera-caldera
Since 2012, Malte Schumann, aka Caldera, has been producing and perfecting his own brand of percussive, bass- and dub-tinged contemporary techno. His highly refined sound converges in the liminal space between the synthetic and the organic; a delicate balance between two distinctly contrasting forces that generates an immersive, psychedelic ecosystem of sound.

Caldera’s interest in complex instrumentation, with layered, experimental rhythmic frameworks, gives a fresh edge and new depth to dance music. Alongside rhythmic explorations is Caldera’s clear attention to detail and dedication to shaping each sound. Throughout his artistic development, Caldera has sought knowledge wherever it could be found. He learned his craft intuitively within the quirks and confines of Reason, experimenting, listening critically, and letting his sound design focus shape the direction of his work. His unique workflow solidified after years of trial and error, but at the core of every music making session is a sense of fun and play, every time he opens his laptop.

Caldera’s output is prolific and consistently high in quality. Over the last few years he has released on labels including Berlin’s Nummer Music, London’s Spacelab, Marseille’s Melifera Records, and Bristol-based Pressure Dome, across multiple monikers including Loop LF.

Caldera - PN 351

For more than two decades, Simon Huxtable has been actively creating, composing, and releasing music under a constellation of monikers, including Inhmost, Aural Imbalance, and collaborative projects such as Deep Space Organisms. His output, though exceptionally consistent, has always been guided less by industry expectation and more by the therapeutic effects of music making and an innate need to create. Longevity, for him, isn’t a strategy but a natural consequence of devotion and the essential presence of music in his life.

For me, the most striking component of Simon’s work has always been his undeniable ability to craft diaphanous atmospheres, imparted with gentle melodies that drift with powerful emotion and the apricity of winter light. In recent years, this presence has flowed most vividly through Inhmost, a project shaped by patience, space, and the importance of maintaining a connection to organic life. Across more than fifteen releases in five years, Inhmost reveals an artist leaning fully into vulnerability and sentiment, inviting us into a sanctuary built with deliberate grace to facilitate inner journeying. Field recordings gathered while peregrinating the natural surrounds of his home give these works their organic foundations, with wind, water, and birdsong guiding the narrative as much as any synth.

Alongside Inhmost, Simon’s longstanding project Aural Imbalance, now focused on drum & bass, is shaped with the same immersive instinct that defines his ambient work. This alias also sees frequent collaboration with similarly high-caliber artists such as ASC, often drawing cosmic inspiration from the vastness of space.

My first encounter with Simon’s sound came through his early 2000s releases as Aural Imbalance and Deep Space Organisms—a moment that shaped my path as a DJ and taught me not to shy away from tenderness, even on a dancefloor. Connecting with Simon for this interview feels profoundly meaningful, and I can’t understate the impact his creations have had on me personally and professionally.

Read the full written interview via buy link. Broadcast live on the 12th December 2025

Inhmost - PN 352

Avsluta is the project of Czech-born, London-based sound alchemist Lucie Štěpánková - a composer, DJ, curator, and live performer whose work invites deep, intentional listening in an age of constant acceleration. Inspired by the life and teachings of Pauline Oliveros, as well as her years of study in sound art, Avsluta’s practice is rooted in listening and presence as a practice. To me, Avsluta has always been a reminder of the slow life - encouraging slowness and reflection while drawing attention to how our living environments are shaped by sound.

Her ritualistic music-making practice often begins simply, with a cup of tea and incense lit, setting the tone for her intuitive approach to creativity. Moving fluidly between contemplative ambient soundscapes, downtempo, and subtle rhythmic techno inspiring of embodied movement, Avsluta’s music blends traditional production practices with field recordings, free improvisation using collected objects and organic materials and often her own ethereal vocals.
Live performance plays a vital role in her practice, including work with improvisation and spatial audio. Beyond her own artistic output, Avsluta is deeply engaged in nurturing listening cultures and community. She runs Introspective Electronics, a platform featuring a radio show and podcast series dedicated to peaceful soundtracks for slow Sundays. Alongside Alicia, she co-curates Terra Obscura, a bi-monthly event series, and has recently expanded into music management as a booking agent with Organic Signs.

Avsluta - PN 353

Warm up set from Friday at Inner Varnika, 2017.

Inner Varnika 2017

Pjenné ~ Inner Varnika '17 ~

Lauren Squire and Matthew Wilson of @ok-eg are undoubtedly dedicated to our scene.Their multifaceted contributions together and apart as sound engineers, sound designers, installation artists, DJs and producers contributes the extremely well rounded and considered voice they give to the underground dance community. As their OK EG outfit, they create wholly immersive live sets, superbly textural, ambient techno that ensconces all listeners in reach. A superb example above, lifted from Passing Notes episode 46.

Broadcast Live on PBSfm 106.7 17/01/2020

OK EG Live - PN 46

✽1/2 of @companionmelb

✽eu+uk+asia: agathe@klsbookings.com
✽au+nz: sam@watartists.com
✽contact: hello@passingnotes.radio

Pjenne

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