Meet FBi Radio's 'Dance Class' of 2024

While it might feel like everybody is a DJ these days, still the ones we see most regularly are very unsurprisingly male and white.

FBi Radio’s Dance Class, just wrapping its sixth year, has long been dedicated to flipping that script. The Eora/Sydney-based community radio station of 20+ years is no stranger to platforming and promoting artists from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Last month, Dance Class’ 2024 graduates engaged in what has become a yearly tradition, a sort of “end of semester '' grad-show at Oxford Street’s Club 77. With previous Dance Class alumni featuring some of Sydney’s most loved and blossoming selectors (Lauren Hansom, Crescendoll, E3P, Alilia, FineDining and Grac to name a few), it felt only right to catch these graduates right as they enter the world a little wiser.

What has you most excited to be joining Eora’s electronic music scene?

I’m excited to help change how Sydney’s electronic music scene is run. I am passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion, especially in a genre rooted in black culture. By amplifying black voices and faces within the scene, I hope to catalyse meaningful change and foster greater appreciation for the origins of the music we love.

In what ways do you actively participate in the dance music community beyond performing, and how do you think these interactions will influence your creative process as a DJ?

Beyond performing, I immerse myself in the dance music community by fully engaging in the energy and spirit of the dancefloor. Whether I'm at the front, shaking ass with my friends, or observing others lose themselves in the music, these interactions fuel my creativity as a DJ. The communal experience of music transcends boundaries and inspires me to curate sets that evoke freedom and uninhibited expression. My goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to let loose and dance as if there are no constraints. I want to see everyone throwing it back!! It's through these connections and shared moments that my creative process is continually influenced and enriched.

What’s something that people don’t talk about when it comes to DJing, but should?

I had previously held misconceptions that it was ‘uncool’ to ask for a track ID or holding my phone shamefully to the ground with my shazam on. Now I’ve come to realise that is why some of us go to dance, to experience new music, to learn about different combinations and appreciate unfamiliar sounds. There should be no shame around wanting to share, seek or ask for track information. I’ve always noticed I’ve always been drawn to DJs who have a history of sharing their track lists publicly, talking about their strategies and sharing their knowledge, and will always remember how open our mentors were with their music library.

What kind of dance floor do you aspire to play to?

I never really grew up appreciating the natural world until I started dancing. I think it is a really important part about having these coming of age moments especially in Eora with our diverse access to nature. So I guess I would say, It would be a dream of mine to be able to play to help dancers to facilitate positive movement and their connection to others and their surroundings, whether it be for an intimate festival or a typical renegade of sorts. These experiences in the outdoors have often been when I’ve connected with my community the most and have always found that dancers often have a stronger commitment to dancing, looking out for others and taking care of the space they have enjoyed.

What are some misconceptions about DJing that you've realised as a result of Dance Class?

After dating a string of men who made DJing seem like an ordained skill for the selectively gifted, I'd accepted my place as an ass shaker and admirer.

Through the help of kind, patient non-male identifying mentors I quickly learned that Djing wasn’t a mystical gift but rather a skill that at its core requires a basic sense of rhythm and enthusiasm. Don’t get me wrong, becoming a great DJ involves immense talent and technical skill but Dance Class has taught me that at its core mixing is kind of all about manipulating sound in a way that feels good to you. How special is that?

What has it felt like being taught by some of Eora's community?

It’s the most monstrous honour. Throughout the programme I’ve had many a moment where I’ve thought ‘how the hell did I get here?’ and chuckled smugly all the way home. Equally, I’ve had moments of sheer terror. You should never meet your heroes, I’d think or worse yet, they’ll think you suck, because you DO. But as per, my anxieties are better off flatly ignored, because I met my heroes and they exceeded expectations.

What aspects of Australia's more 'underground's paces are you excited about soundtracking?

I like to witness the moments where community connections are built at underground events. There’s a real coming together of different groups that happens in underground spaces that creates an atmosphere of safety and joy. For me it would be such a dream to play in spaces that hold such loving community atmosphere and commitment to great music. I find that the more underground the event is, the more freedom the DJs have to play exactly what they want and I also want to exercise that freedom.

What are some specific elements that you think build and sustain communities within dance music?

I believe the culture of dance music inherently builds and sustains communities because the function of dancing is to express emotions and connect with others. There’s something so innate yet vulnerable about dancing and enjoying music that it builds the perfect common ground to connecting with anyone. When you’re dancing at a venue that people have so lovingly decorated with art and dynamic lighting displays, listening to DJs that were carefully curated for the event, in a crowd that respects each other - it’s hard not to feel a sense of belonging.

You’re originally from Spain, right? How have you found that Australia's music culture differs from what we might find in Europe?

The music culture in Australia is fascinating, but it’s definitely different from what you’d find in Europe. Obviously, Europe is so connected and condensed, allowing you to easily jump between styles, genres, and language groups. This naturally results in a diverse and energetic nightlife overall.

In Australia, the scene is more isolated, but that also breeds a unique and distinct energy. The country has developed its own styles and subcultures, which are really exciting to explore and be a part of. The passion for music here is immense, and there’s a real sense of community and support within the industry. It’s been amazing to see how artists and audiences come together to celebrate music in such a special way.

What does FBi Radio mean to you as a music lover?

FBI Radio means so much to me! It’s amazing to see how they facilitate the careers of new DJs and radio presenters, and they uplift so much local music. There are so many artists and DJs I wouldn’t have discovered if it wasn’t for the FBI, and obviously, I wouldn't be sitting here answering these questions if it wasn't for them Honestly, they’re the backbone of Sydney’s music community.

What part of yourself are you most excited to showcase through playing music?

I’ve always been curious about genre, and I love digging for music I wouldn’t usually gravitate to. I’m excited to showcase my curiosity and creativity when I’m curating my sets - I’ve had a lot of fun blending unexpected sounds and experimenting. Throughout the last month I’ve done a few mixes on the FBi show ‘Variable Depth Audit’ with Jungist, which has been the perfect place for this. I’m also excited to celebrate the sounds of my South Asian heritage - I’ve been enjoying mixing tracks by artists like Gumnaam or Moebius, who produce dance music with desi vocal samples or cultural instruments.

What is it like having learned from older members of Eora's dance community?

It’s been so special to learn from experienced members of the Sydney Dance community. They are so passionate and skilled and their craft, and had so many unique tips to share with us. We had the chance to learn about all sorts of things, like broadcasting, hosting events, and how to set up equipment. My favourite masterclass was learning how to mix vinyl with Merph, we had so much fun at Mothership Studios. It’s also been so interesting and reassuring to hear about our mentor’s personal experiences when they started out - some mentioned that there were fewer than 5 female DJ’s in Sydney a less than decade ago, which they found isolating. Hearing about how the local scene has changed over the years makes me even more proud to be a part of this new generation.

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What is community to you?

Killian: Everything.

Lau: Mutual care.

Galiba: Kindness.

Maim: Sharing.

Attu: Strength.

Heads: Support.

Listen back to a selection of tracks that FBi’s Dance Class of 2024 recommended via Buymusic.club here.

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Jack Colquhoun is the Managing Editor for Mixmag Australia, follow him on Instagram.