𝒫𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒩❁𝓉𝑒𝓈 𝒢𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑀𝒾𝓍𝑒𝓈

Simon TK

@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

@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)

@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

✽1/2 of @companionmelb

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

DJ PGZ & Yikes - PN 315

Pjenné