My First Official Gigs as a DJ in Brisbane!

Alright, its about time I stepped out of the producers chair for a minute and told you guys a little more about my work as an official DJ in Brisbane! Over the last few weeks, I've has the absolute privilege of being able to perform in some of my favourite venues to and with my favourite people! Lets get into it!

Brighty Thursdays Young Guns Competition - Heat 1

The Young Guns competition at the Bright Side in the valley is a DJ competition in which 29 up and coming DJ's in Brisbane compete over a month in the form of 4 heats leading to the finals. Each contestant gets a 20 minute set to prove their worth and the winner of the competition takes home 2 residencies at 2 venues under Allies management along with $200 cash as well as $300 worth in other prizes! Each heat has 2 winners, the Judges choice and peoples choice (consisting of the most votes casted by the people in the venue). I was lucky enough to be chosen by the judges as the winner of Heat 1 alongside my good friend Thea who won people's choice of the night! Both of us will be competing against each other as well as 6 other very talented DJ's for the grand title of Young Guns winner! Looking back on it now, I had no idea that I would be able to mix well on the night let alone win as this performance was my first time ever DJing on professional Pioneer CDJ2000 Nexus 2 decks! But I soon came to realise once I started that I was at home with everything I was using and mixing was just as easy as it was in my bedroom. However, this not to say I fucked nothing up as there were a few very noticeable hiccups in my set. I guess that just goes to show I'm human after all and nothing can truly be perfect, especially when real pressure is put on a live venue environment and setting!

In my zone on the night coming out on top with my main chick FEIA! Photos taken by anyone but me (Brighty Thursdays, Emily O'Rourke and Bradley Keath) on 4/10/18

Levels B2B KIIPS at Aviary Fridays (Birdees Nightclub)

Ok, so Young Guns was amazing but has nothing when compared to this gig. Technically speaking, this set was my first official gig in a big venue in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Not only did I get to play music I love in my favourite venue to my best friends, but I also got to play alongside one of them! KIIPS is another amazingly talented up and coming DJ in Brisbane, a resident at Aviary Fridays and one my best mates. We were put on opening duties for night but regardless of this, a lot of people showed up early to support us which meant the absolute world to both us. Aviary Fridays as an event itself has always been such a joy to come along to and be a part of since its beginning and it would be nothing without the amazing dude who runs it - Chris Royal. Despite being ridiculously busy, constantly producing music and smashing out show after show, Chris still finds the time to give newcomers to this industry like KIIPS and myself a chance to show that we mean business which is honestly astonishing and something I'm incredibly grateful for. To say I'm keen for the next gig at Aviary Friday's would be an understatement to say the least, the crowd, people and vibe there is something words can not explain.

Coming soon - Levels b2b FEIA at Bangers N Mash Vol. 1

(Slingshot Bar & Gallery)

Although this one hasn't happened yet it is something I'm quite keen for as not only is it another gig, its also a showcase for the university I'm attending - SAE Institute. Slingshot Bar & Gallery is a relatively new venue to Valley scene in Brisbane but is quickly gaining traction due to its unusual and unique style and feel. As it says in the name, not only is it a bar, but it's also a place for local artists to showcase and display their talents to the general public. This venue has been putting on special events like this for a while but Bangers N Mash is the first of its kind with every DJ performing on the night being a student from SAE and going B2B with one another constantly! Coincidentally, I'll be going B2B with none other than my fellow Young Guns Heat 1 winner FEIA, which should turn out to be a banger of a set and event in general!

To wrap this up...

This is about to get soppy (cause you know, I'm a sucker for that shit) but to the people I've met along the way and to those who have supported me from day 1, I want to personally thank you guys. Without you, what I do would mean nothing and it means the world to me to have friends, family and even fans now who believe in me and the fact that I can make this a career for myself. Its insane to think that just over a year ago I started DJing in my college bedroom making mixes for my mates and playing house parties here and there when I could get time. Even though this is only the beginning for me, reflecting on how far I've come in just a year makes me feel so happy to be where I am, studying and doing what I love most in the world. Until next time guys, much love.

Levels :)