𝒫𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒩❁𝓉𝑒𝓈 𝒢𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑀𝒾𝓍𝑒𝓈

@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

@nervenerve

NERVE (RES, A Colourful Storm, Steeplejack) is the guise of Naarm-based electronic general practitioner Joshua Wells. As a DJ, producer and live artist NERVE makes and performs a limitless brand of techno that explores notions of drum and bass, breaks, noise, electro, dark ambient, and industrial. NERVE’s live sets are undeniably body music, steely textures punctuated by drum and bass inflicted rhythm workouts capable of whipping any crowd into a frenzy.

NERVE joined me live for 260 of Passing Notes with this guest mix of incredibly hot and heavy drum and bass.

NERVE - PN 260

@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)

@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

After building a solid presence in Berlin and across Europe, French-born Willis Anne has transitioned seamlessly into the vibrant electronic music landscape of Naarm. As the creative force behind record label ‘LAN’, Willis Anne recently launched a LAN compilation and event series ‘new base’ to celebrate emerging artists based in his new home town. As a producer and live act, Willis Anne’s sonic identity fuses uptempo house, and footwork elements, creative rhythm and deep atmospheres, a sound exemplified in his much lauded ‘Movement’ EP. His creativity is further exemplified through raw, live hardware jams, showcasing his ability to push the boundaries of electronic music in real-time performances that often make their way into permanent releases. Willis Anne epitomises the limitless potential of sound, continually driving to build communities that foster innovation in the electronic music realm.

Broadcast live on PBSfm for episode 273 of Passing Notes

TASCAM DR-44WL

Willis Anne - PN 273

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

@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

@dj-miki
Legendary Italian DJ and producer Miki joins me for episode 286 of Passing Notes. DJ Miki has been making and playing electronic since the late 70s. His outputs as an artist span many genres including ambient house, techno, trance, and progressive releases across multiple monikers (aka Miki The Dolphic & Major Hypnotic Key Institute), which have found homes at notable labels such as Interactive Test, Dbx, Seekers, Spazio Tempo, Kalahari Oyster Cult and more.

Many of Miki’s records are extremely sought after on Discogs, his releases continue to be reissued and re-released and tracks produced, especially in the 90s are still played and revered today. It’s clear that Miki’s work in creating psychedelic sound experiences has had a profound impact on many musical worlds, and is still influencing music today. I caught up with Miki to ask him about his long standing career in music, how his relationship with music has changed over the years and what it’s like to be asked to tour down under for the first time. Head to my instagram for the interview!

This incredible live recording is from Miki’s 2022 appearance at Tenax Club in Florence, which was broadcast live on PBSfm on 30th August 2024.

Tenax

Miki [Live @ Tenax] - PN 286

@mos-how
This episode of Passing Notes celebrates the release of Mosam Howieson newest offering, ‘Ether’ released  on Svreca’s stalwart techno/idm label SEMANTICA.

The occasion marks the return of this prodigiously talented producer to the limelight, and to Passing Notes, with his first appearance having been on episode 124 (three years ago!), when he introduced his stunning Aphelion EP, on Mysteries of the Deep to the world.

Mosam Howieson’s approach to music is nothing short of a deliberate experiment in world-building—a term often overused but perfectly fitting in this context. The album’s world is one of spacious, cinematic swells, enveloping arpeggiated synth lines and melodically melancholic themes that weave through moments of well paced, hypnotic downtempo techno. Each track expertly makes way for the next, the release’s strong narrative arc urging listeners to take a step back and tame their attention for a long form listening experience in a world dominated by playlists and streaming.

The cinematic feel of Ether is more than a stylistic choice; it is a reflection of Howieson’s intention to evoke vivid imagery and emotion. He does this by creating and curating times of uneasiness, balanced beautifully by passages of weightlessness and light. The album is accompanied by a stunning mother of pearl sleeve, aptly reflecting the movement, magic and depth of the music contained within.

Despite his growing international attention with releases on labels of only the highest regard, I remain steadfast in my opinion that Mosam Howieson remains one of the most underappreciated of local artists in Naarm. Mosam Howieson’s Ether is a testament to his exceptional talent and his commitment building his profoundly intricate and imaginative sound.

Mosam Howieson joined me for episode 288 of Passing Notes, broadcast live on PBS 13th September 2024.

Mosam Howieson - PN 288

@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

@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

@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)

@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

𝒫𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒩❁𝓉𝑒𝓈 𝒢𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑀𝒾𝓍𝑒𝓈

Pjenné