KLP Highlights 12 Artists Shaping the Next Chapter of Australian Dance Music
As clubland descends upon The Netherlands for Amsterdam Dance Event, Australian DJ/producer, songwriter, and radio personality KLP shouts out 12 of her fellow Aussie artists who are making immense waves across the electronic music scene.
Australia’s geographic isolation has long been both a challenge and an advantage for its dance music scene. While far from the traditional electronic music hubs of Berlin, London, and New York, the distance has allowed Aussie artists the freedom to develop fresh, boundary-pushing sounds, unbothered by global trends. The result is a distinct sonic identity, blending house, techno, indie-electronica, and experimental beats. With trailblazers like The Avalanches, PNAU, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Flume, and Alison Wonderland paving the way, Australia’s contribution to global dance music has become unmistakable.
Homegrown labels such as Modular Recordings, Future Classic and Sweat It Out helped shape this movement further, turning local artists into international sensations such as Dom Dolla and Fisher. As Australia’s dance music scene continues to evolve, this new generation of artists is carving out their own paths, blending genres, and creating sounds that resonate far beyond our shores.
As someone who’s been part of this journey as a DJ and producer myself under the moniker KLP, it’s been amazing to see it all unfold. In this article, I’m sharing some of the stories behind these emerging talents, giving you a glimpse into the artists shaping the next chapter of Australian dance music.
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At the 2024 edition of Amsterdam Dance Event, Sounds Australia brings its first large-scale initiative to the conference with Australia House. On Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17, attendees will have an opportunity to celebrate Australian talent with a series of exclusive events. Learn more and RSVP here!
Check out KLP's 'Australian Sound' chart on Beatport
Brux – Gravy [Fools Gold Records]
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing BRUX creating music many times before in person. Her technical skill in the studio combined with her immense creativity makes for an incredible combination. She is now making waves internationally with her music from her new base in New York City as she fuses elements of techno, house, and industrial beats.
Human Movement – Beruit [Gallery Recordings]
Eora’s (Sydney) own Human Movement (aka Edward Macdonald) has been a staple in the underground dance scene for a while now in Australia, bringing that perfect mix of deep house and garage with just the right amount of grit. With releases on local imprints Of Leisure and Gallery Recordings, his run of tracks so far has helped him amass a cult following amongst Australian and international fans and I can’t imagine that to be slowing down any time soon.
IN2STELLAR – Break It Down [fabric records]
IN2STELLAR are Georgia Bird and Sarah Morgan, a Melbourne-based DJ known for their eclectic sets that blend house, techno, and everything in between. It’s so inspiring to see not one but two strong females at once taking on space in this ecosystem. Every track they have released of late is full of absolute energy.
Tiff Cornish – So We Fall [Basement Sound]
Tiff Cornish is a Melbourne-based DJ and producer whose versatile sound is making waves across Australia’s electronic music scene and across the waters. Tiff has built a reputation for crafting immersive sets that captivate her audience, having performed at some of the biggest festivals and clubs in Australia and most recently making her mark in Ibiza with the support of UK’s Arielle Free by her side.
Juno Mamba – Together [Soothsayer]
I’ve had the pleasure of singing some vocals for Juno Mamba a few years back in the projects infancy and from the first listen to demos, I was a fan. With a distinctive sound characterized by infectious grooves and vibrant melodies, Juno Mamba has quickly gained attention in the Australian dance music scene. He bridges the perfect gap between brooding drums, percussion and uplifting melodies. In his live show, Juno Mamba captivates audiences with dynamic sets, showcasing his ability to weave in and out of genres.
Jacqui Cunningham – I Can’t Get No Sleep [Club Sweat]
Cunningham is quickly establishing themself as a powerful force in the Australian industry. Jacqui is a key figure behind Sydney/Eroa-based GiRLTHING, which is a FLINTA-focused safe space, a club night & art platform for queer women, femmes, butch, trans, NB & allies.
Ben Miller – Bring That Back [Hurry Up Slowly]
Originally hailing from Western Australia, Ben Miller is a prominent DJ and producer now based in Sydney and making footprints in the local scene. With a keen ear for rhythm and melody, Miller’s productions are characterized by deep basslines, intricate synth work, and a knack crafting subtle hypnotic thumpers that get people moving.
Loods – Paradise [Forever Day]
When I first herd Love Is Real I pressed pause and immediately started trying to find out more info about Loods. Hailing from Newcastle, Australia, he somehow manages to create tracks that feel like you’ve swallowed a whole bucket of sunshine but you’re still in a dark alley drinking a spritz under an umbrella. With releases on revered labels like Steel City Dance Discs and his early work alongside DJ and close collaborator Mall Grab, he has risen through the ranks of Australia’s underground scene, and is now making impact worldwide.
Rona – Be My Medicine [Rose Avenue]
Rona is one of the freshest names emerging from Australia’s thriving underground dance music scene, making waves with her deep, hypnotic house and clever edits going viral on socials. Rona’s influence is growing quickly, with releases that showcase her talent for building tension and emotion yet at the same time, makes you feel like you’re stuck in a time warp in every beat.
Mincy – Junk Call [Extra Spicy]
Mincy is a force to be reckoned with through her killer tunes and rapidly growing community. She’s a sharp, fierce representative of heavy, fast, and bass-focused underground dance music, not only as a DJ, but as a label head, producer, and promoter. Off the back of her banging catalogue comes solid accolades, landing on DJ Mag’s Top 40 tracks of 2022, becoming the Triple J Mix up resident at the end of 2023, and a feature as a 2024 artist to get to know in DJ Mag UK. Alongside her production, Mincy also runs the record label Extra Spicy. The label has become an undisputed home for bass music in Australia, hosting the first Australian Keep Hush live-streamed party. She also extends this ethos by running Dayshift, a three-stage Sydney music festival.
Sam Alfred – My Heart (90s Mix) [Misfit Melodies]
Sam Alfred’s DJ sets are a testament to his deep understanding of the dance floor, skillfully weaving together tracks that keep crowds wanting to stay all night. With a signature house and techno sound that is reminiscent of the 90s. Sam has made a name for himself releasing music on amazing labels such as Love Above Records, Phenomena Records, Spinning Around and Happy Wax records.
Sekta – Chasing Stars [Medium Rare Recordings]
Sekta’s journey began with sold-out parties in their hometown of Wollongong/Dharawal, as their influence quickly spread to Sydney, where they continued to further solidify their presence in the Australian underground music circuit. Further cementing their speedy rise, they recently unveiled their debut EP on MRR, demonstrating they are only just starting to press play on their artist lifespan.