EPISODE 13
WHAT’S GOOD!? I keep saying how excited I am every week for the upcoming episode and…well I have to say it again. This week is going to be large with one of the countries hardest working producers. NEEDS NO SLEEP is here for episode 13.
Needs No Sleep has emerged from the darkness to put out some of the freshest deeper sounds on the Australian club circuit. Having captured dance floors with releases on This Ain’t Bristol, HEXAGON, Be Rich, ASTRX and Uprise, he’s so far picked up support from the likes of Triple J, Dancing Astronaut, Subsoul and Data Transmission.
Collaborating with the likes of Lucati, MKJAY and Sophiegrophy, Needs No Sleep now withstands more than 1,000,000 streams on Spotify and has made several appearances in the Australian Club chart most notably taking out the #1 spot. His music is frequently supported, including DJ spins from the likes of Claptone, AC Slater, Claud vonStroke, Shiba San, Billy Kenny, Kyle Watson, DJ Craze, Tough Love, Vanilla Ace and The Aston Shuffle.
With a stack of new releases loaded, we can now see for ourselves why he never really sleeps. It’s without a doubt Needs No Sleep is one to watch.
Q. At what point did you have the realisation, “this is something I could for a job”?
A. I’ve been pretty involved in the music industry ever since i finished High School in 2012. Previously releasing music under a different alias up until 2017, then in mid 2017 i started the new project ‘Needs No Sleep’ which is where my passion currently lies.
Q. What is the one record of yours that you cannot leave out of any set?
A. Probably my 2019 release ‘Boss’ which features Aussie hip hop talent ‘Sophiegrophy.’ The track has aged well and still gets a great reception whenever i play it out. Even for me personally it’s definitely one of my favourite tracks i’ve made and released.
Q. As a producer, what are some things you wish you had of known when first starting out?
A. I’m pretty content with the way my journey is playing out. You can never expect to fully understand every aspect of something or be a complete professional when you first start. As long as you’ve got a willingness to learn, open to advice from others who have experience in the field and understand that like most things becoming a professional in the music industry is a marathon not a sprint, you will be able to succeed. If you can aim to try and improve each day and be better than you were the day before, you’re on the right track!
Q. What is one genre of music you would rid the world of and why?
A. Everybody is allowed to enjoy whatever type of music makes them happy, so it’s not really my place to say what the world should be rid of haha.
Q. What is your fondest memory as a DJ and an attendee at a party/festival?
A. Without a doubt, my trip to Ibiza in 2016. It’s part of the reason why i stopped my old alias and started the ‘Needs No Sleep’ project. There is something about that island and the parties there, that is absolutely magical and i almost can’t put it into words. I will forever have fond memories of that place and look forward to one day being able to return.
Q. What is your favourite non electronic music song and why?
A. I do enjoy Rock & Roll and also a bit of Hip Hop. It’s a bit hard to narrow down to 1 particular song, but worth letting everyone know i enjoy and appreciate good music of all genres.
Q. What is your pose behind the decks when playing a set?
A. haha the casual 1, 2 bop from side to side.
Q. Do you have a post gig food that you always go with?
A. Souvlaki’s/Kebabs after a gig always go down a treat!
Q. As I’m writing this your latest drop “This Is A Raid” is sitting at #6 on the ARIA Club charts. How does it feel to have gained the recognition of your peers in the scene?
A. It’s great! For anyone not in the know, the Aria Club chart is compiled from votes by aria registered Dj’s, so as you stated its really cool to have recognition from your peers. I think that’s something every producer aspires to and i definitely do enjoy when people in my field appreciate the music i’m putting out.
Q. Imagine you’re in the crowd watching yourself play, you hold a phone up to yourself, what does the phone say?
A. HUGE!!!
Q. Thing you’re looking forward to the most about restrictions being lifted?
A. Being able to play in front of live crowds again. I’ve made the most of the lockdown and have spent a lot of time in my studio writing originals. It will be great to have the opportunity to then test out these new tracks on some audiences and gauge their reactions.
Q. What can people expect from your guest mix?
A. Every track in this mix is one of my own productions. I wanted to use this opportunity to showcase my work and let everyone get a feel for the type of tunes i’m about. I hope you enjoy it!
