DJ Sneak on his long-awaited return to Australia

In a time where the rise to DJ stardom has arguably become a shorter and shorter affair, it’s arguably never been more important to involve the voices of those who helped to shape the scene upon which that hype now thrives.

Artists from years past have had journeys and experiences that, when compared to the social, visible and commercial success of today, feel like they’ve come from an entirely different culture. As this increasingly global culture turns to numbers, larger-than-life events, and superstar status, many are turning away from the limelight to better understand the core of where dance music originated and what it’s truly all about.

DJ Sneak is one such voice.

Originating from Chicago, Sneak was part of the second wave of Chicago house producers, regularly recognised as the innovator of disco filter house, which influenced acts like Daft Punk, and has worked with them on several occasions. From furiously punchy Chicago house tracks to his own Puerto Rican twist on Latin dance, DJ Sneak is an artist whose sound has remained timeless, but is seeing a massive resurgence in today’s growing house-dominated scene.

This weekend, DJ Sneak returns to Australia for the first time in 15 years, featuring at a variety of events, including S.A.S.H’s October long weekend celebration on Gadigal Land/Sydney.

To celebrate his return and understand why now feels like the right time to do so, Mixmag ANZ secured a moment of Sneak’s time.

DJ SNEAK: I’m really happy to be returning to Australia. It’s been a while, but never forgotten. I’ve always appreciated the support I’ve received over the years, especially for one of my #1 singles, “Fix My Sink.”

DJ SNEAK: I’m hoping it’s better than the last time I was there. Back then, it was a “not cool” tour with people who aren’t even around anymore, and the lack of professionalism left a bad taste in my mouth.

This time, I’m coming back with fresh energy—and I hope Oz is ready for a real DJ who truly cares about the music.

DJ SNEAK: To be honest, I’ve distanced myself from performing for people who don’t care about the culture.

You can see what’s happened to dance music—it’s become a mockery of what my peers, like Frankie Knuckles, helped establish as a true culture.

DJ SNEAK: Honestly, I don’t even know why this question gets asked—just look around at what the music industry has turned into. It’s oversaturated with so-called “DJs” treated as products, valued only by fake numbers and social media likes.

For me, I’ve chosen to separate myself from that corrupt, broken system built on overused formulas. I’d rather stand on my own terms than play into that game.

DJ SNEAK: Well, let’s start by looking at the years I’ve put into the house music culture—the countless hours and contributions that have built a body of work outlasting most DJs’ careers. During the pandemic, I finally had time to rest, reflect, and plan how I wanted to move forward after dedicating so many years to this passion.

That period helped me truly value my time, my art, my house records, and the many events I privately funded to keep things alive—not just for myself, but also for my peers and the respected DJs from my era. I don’t try to reinvent; I evolve with time. And after nearly 40 years, I’m still here, proud of my passion—something no industry trend can ever take away.

DJ SNEAK: If it’s not true to yourself, then what is it really worth? I’ve always loved house music, and over time I’ve come to see the clear difference between what the early American producers and record labels created—music that motivated a global rave and dance culture movement—and what’s being pushed today as “new” dance music.

To me, it’s of the utmost importance to be unique, creative, authentic, and believable, and to earn respect for your art—not just for your social media presence.

DJ SNEAK: For a DJ like myself, born, bred, and cultivated in the rich passion of house music, the job is always about playing with heart, not chasing social media numbers. I approach every set by reading the floor, preparing, and delivering on demand for the people in front of me. I respect the music above everything else.

That’s very different from what you see today with some “performers, actors & circus clowns ” who rely on gimmicks—flashy lights, CO2 sprays, confetti—to distract fans from actually listening and dancing. People are often glued to their phones, awkwardly missing the moment because they can’t unplug. Being a true DJ means mastering the craft, connecting with the crowd, and making music the star of the show.

DJ SNEAK: I’ve been focusing on the same stomping grounds I played in earlier in my career—North America, the U.S.A., and Canada have always welcomed what I have to offer musically in real life. I’ve stayed off the European market by choice, because for true legends like myself, it’s become less relevant. We are often undervalued as masters—without us, there would be no “them.”

What remains there is an industry that doesn’t really cater to DJs like me. It’s a manufactured, formulaic system full of non-talented people, often inflated by purchased social media numbers to create brands. Many American producers and DJs were used to build these mega brands, only to be replaced by even less talented “characters” created by teams as products rather than real artists. Home is where house is! We never had the need for UK brands that Act like they Own the Culture.

DJ SNEAK: I’m all about real venues—small, medium, or large—as long as there are good people to party with and a professional team handling the logistics, any city can have an amazing time. The flip side, of course, is what I mentioned in the previous answer about cities or scenes run by a formulaic, manufactured system.

DJ SNEAK: If by “paying homage” you mean “stealing our hits,” making illegal edits, and using our names for clout—bastardising incredible, timeless tracks that were crafted with love, admiration, and professional skill—then my advice is: try harder. All the tools are available today, so do your research, find real motivation, be authentic, believable, and aim to be groundbreaking. That’s what we did in our era—exploring a culture with passion, creativity, and respect—and that’s how true house music lives on.

DJ SNEAK: I’m just generally excited to reintroduce an OG like myself to any new crowd—people curious about what all the fuss is about—while also reconnecting with a well-earned audience that I’ve already given so much to over the years.

DJ SNEAK: I’ll have to see the state of the scene as I go through this multi-city tour, but I’m sure I’ll get the same kind and respectful love I’ve always received in Australia. Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay, and Perth have always been amazing places to play music for me, I’m looking forward to another grateful, unforgettable experience. Sorry, Perth, I’ll catch you next time.

DJ SNEAK: I’m most excited about the discovery and impact of live streaming on the future of music culture. I’ve fully embraced the evolution of music distribution through video content, using tools like the internet, cameras, raw talent, and a global fan base. Even when I’m not in clubs, I can connect with people weekly—live or on demand—through a private platform.

I’ve been experimenting with live streaming for five years, gaining experience across multiple platforms, and now I have the traction to stay connected with fans in every time zone and on every continent. I love bringing the party directly to people—playing records, having a blast, and celebrating house music culture.

Next, I’ve joined a cooperative team that has taken my experiences and helped shape a new private platform designed for DJs and creatives. Launching Soon! You’ll be able to see me live every week when I’m not on tour, celebrating house music with five-hour vinyl sets—the original format of this music. Join us in this musical revolution, where you choose your DJ, support artists directly, engage with your favourites, and experience music the way it’s meant to be—authentically.

DJ SNEAK: The Galaxy! Not even the 'sky's the limit!'

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Tickets to S.A.S.H’s Gadigal Land/Sydney October long weekend celebration are available via Mixmag ANZ.

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Jack Colquhoun is Mixmag ANZ's Managing Editor, find him on Instagram.