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)

Welcoming Eora based DJ, producer and ridiculously good skateboarder Charles Fester aka @commandd to Passing Notes, who joined me in the studio for episode 168. Another talent emerging from the golden lockdown era of producers, Command D is an up and comer deserving of a direct line to everyone’s watch list. Drawing creative inspiration from the space between the digital realm and the natural world, Command D’s deft productions showcase a sophisticated balance between driving deep tech, rhythmic complexity and hypnotic atmospherics. His immediately captivating debut EP ‘Clone Dialogue’ recently graced the catalogue of bass-leaning label @bodypromise. A four track journey which introduces listeners to Command D’s already established sound - expect contemporary takes on the classic sounds of dub techno, tech house, bass and electro.

Command D - PN 168

@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)

With purest delight, I'm so excited to welcome Pjenné of Passing Notes Radio & Companion (@companionmelb) for the latest episode in our series. Penny's curatorial expertise and long-standing dedication to the Naarm/Melbourne scene have established her as a pillar of the city's sonic landscape, and both her love of musical discovery and unmistakable influence are felt deeply from afar. 

Pjenné's mix is a enchanting trip through fields of wonder, equal parts honey and gossamer, moving and blissfully sublime. Tender hues paint the air while fervent warmth fills the aching heart. There are few selectors out there with a repertoire as consistently profound as Penny's, and yet one feels we've barely scratched the surface of what's to come. Thank you Penny!

@pjenne

Ikebana by Katherine Frazer
www.katherinefrazer.com

Sure Thing Mix 121: Pjenné

@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

Tunnel Vision Records flyerman is back on @lyl_radio for his eighth season on the web.

Land with us on a new Planète Noire odyssey with a new kind of sounds generated from our nevrotic minds.

Some souvenirs from earth, some souvenirs from space.. Don't
be afraid to step in a new black hole with us : Take your brainticket for 2 hours of transcendental orgasm.

Beautiful deepness & enchanting darkness for this one.

Welcoming a great expert in shamanism,  @pjenne from the Naarm electronic posse and a delightful mix full of subaquatic, tribal & trancey rhythms. 
@stakhan-607786920  is taking part of the second hour with a mix called "Le mix dont vous êtes le héros".

See you on the other side. 🌚💫🌚

Recorded in May 2023 at LYL Radio studio in Lyon, France.

LYL Radio - Planète Noire - Pjenné & Stakhan (18.05.23)

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]

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

@oceanicocean

Oceanic's affinity to ‘colour’ and music with kaleidoscopic qualities showcased here in a mix broadcast live on Passing Notes, PBSfm 106.7 on the 16th February 2024.

Oceanic - PN 258

@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

T-N (@t-n_dj real name Tanya Akinola) is a dance community all rounder. She’s a DJ, writer and activist who also co-manages the highly acclaimed multimedia platform and record label Amniote Editions alongside Mama Snake. T-N’s sound revolves around creating psychedelic experiences for dancefloors both indoors and out, spiralling journeys through fast past trance, rhythmic techno and contemporary psy - it's music to get lost in. Her softer side is shared through sounds to find yourself in, introspective ambient and downtempo explorations broadcast via her Sylab radio show 'AMUL3T' and beyond.

Over the past four years, T-N has played an integral role in shaping the Black Artist Database, an online community-based music platform, label and crowdsourced database of black artists, producers and labels. As an artist and writer, T-N strives to platform BIPOC and queer artists and voices, these themes oft the core of pieces written and published in Resident Adviser, Crack Magazine, Mixmag and more.

T-N joined me for Passing Notes episode 275, broadcast live on PBS106.7.

T-N - PN 275

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

@albindj x @kingsofty

Albin & King Softy  present a collaborative mix made collage style, showcasing their diverse musical curation and commitment platforming their friends.

Albin and Amos (King Softy) first connected in 2018 after Albin, like many of us, became infatuated by the outputs of INDEX: Records. Since this time, the pair have shared musical worlds, ideas, time in the studio and a line up and trip to Poland. The mix is a result of these shared ideas and an opportunity to celebrate Amos’ forthcoming and much anticipated album to be released on @electromngr in late November.

King Softy is the alias of Amos Turner, the Aotearoa born, berlin-based artist, label head, graphic designer and Kwia resident. He is co-producer of the much loved Downstairs People project that explores ambient-forward altered states of pop and r&b. Amos’ creative projects have culminated as INDEX:Records which morphed into Appendix.Files, two record labels he co-founded between 2017 and 2019.

Brazilian DJ and Yellow Island Records label head Albin’s journey underground began in Belo Horizonte, where, at 14 he immersed himself in the psychedelic trance and house scenes, working with various collectives to occupy urban spaces, reframing and transforming their use. Now playing across Europe via his new home in Porto, Albin’s sound is inspired by deep rhythms, Latin sound, Ilian Tape-inspired techno, and UK club music which has seen him play at esteemed clubs and festivals, including Dimensions. Meanwhile, Albin explores guitar-infused trip hop and downtempo sounds via his personal mix series which I highly recommend.

Broadcast live on PBSfm 106.7 for episode 291 of Passing Notes

Albin & King Softy - PN 291

~ 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

@sleepexchange

Stepping up to the Passing Notes plate for episode 297 is Naarm-based DJ and producer Sleep Exchange. Known for his dynamic and precise mixing style, Sleep Exchange immerses himself in the depths of sonic exploration, often lurking around the sludgy sea floor of sound. His production work combines characteristic sludge-like low ends, dripping soundscapes and intricate layers of crisp percussion that bring the murkiest of musical landscapes to life.

With a growing production repertoire spanning electro, psy, and dubstep-leaning sounds, Sleep Exchange has released music on labels such as CommaTraxx, DMO, and his debut EP with Backpocket Slammers. He is also the mind behind Geotherapy, a label and hardware-based listening platform, which recently celebrated its debut release with their compilation One - a collection of reflective drones, introspective tones & a healthy serving of playful rhythms.

In addition to his production work, Sleep Exchange hosts the monthly radio segment ‘Rapture’ on Area 3000 Radio, where he invites guests to shine a light on the darker corners of their collections. Sleep Exchange’s work is constantly exploration of murky and examples of electronic music.


Sleep Exchange - PN 297

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)

An episode that feels well overdue yet thoroughly worth the wait! A titan of the Naarm underground music scene, Pjenné has been a kindred spirit and longtime pal since the early days of MDC, and it's no surprise that her contribution is packed full of gloriously deep and immersive feels, bassy and driving in parts and light as a feather in others, speaking to a palette that has been meticulously explored and continues to evolve along with her incredible weekly radio show on PBS, Passing Notes. 

@pjenne

Q. What sounds of feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being best enjoyed in?

A. For this mix, I wanted to channel the energy and sounds that I associate with Melbourne Deepcast rather than drawing on the darker side of my sound palette that has been at the fore of my radio and club sets of late. MDC means so many things to me, but there’s definitely an energetic, grooviness that comes to mind and this is what inspired the mix. Although the mix does showcase parts of me (heavily atmospheric, emotive and a few downtempo tracks for good measure), I’d say this is more of a mix for you. :) I imagine this mix being listened to outside, on a sunny day, but when you might also need a little extra pep in your step. 

Q. Are there any songs in the mix that are especially close to your heart, and what is it about these tracks that resonate with you so much?

A. The first that came to mind is a track by Sean Cusick and Medway (Jesse Skeens) - It is an incredibly beautiful and emotive breakbeat track from 2002 on Saw recordings, there’s just something about how the vocals and the pads wash over you - although its upbeat there's also a sombreness to it and I just think its the whole package. 

Towards the end of the mix there’s also a very very classic ambient trance number, Lazer Worshippers by Damon Wild & Tim Taylor from 1993 - Not the most deeply dug track but it's a classic for a reason.

Q. You have been lovingly broadcasting your weekly radio show Passing Notes on PBS for six years running, which is a serious achievement! Tell us what you did for your sixth anniversary on International Women's Day, and what keeps you inspired to broadcast the show week in week out?

A. It’s been a wild ride that’s for sure! I really appreciate that International Women’s Day marks each yearly anniversary of Passing Notes - it reminds me to stop and reflect on each year as an achievement that I would probably otherwise forget in the chaos of life. This year I enlisted the help of Syrian DJ and Harmony Rec affiliate Zeynep, who provided an excellent, playful and sassy celebratory guest mix. 

As for my inspiration to keep going, I’d say that I draw from the collective power of electronic artists locally as well as internationally. There’s just so much good music to share, and Passing Notes enables me to provide a crucial connection between ‘underground’ electronic music and the wider music community. I'm also inspired by live radio as a format - it provides a sanctuary for me from the highly curated nature of music today and allows me to be more playful in the way that I explore different sounds. To me it is a place free of judgement.

MDC.308 Pjenné

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

Warm up set from Friday at Inner Varnika, 2017.

Inner Varnika 2017

Pjenné ~ Inner Varnika '17 ~

Live from the Supernatural Amphitheatre, closing out Golden Plains 2019 from 5-7am on a Monday morning. Excuse the up-n-down levels! Thanks to everyone who danced til the sun first shone, and remember: if you've got a body, and you've got some voddy....(ﾉ◕‿◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ (◕‿◕✿) @pjenne

Millú & Pjenné @ Golden Plains 2019

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

Pjenné

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