Sounds Australia

The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has long been a hub for electronic music professionals from all corners of the globe. For the first time, the event hosted Australia House, a dedicated platform for showcasing the best of Australian dance music. With key players from the Australian music scene in attendance, the goal was clear: to build stronger international connections and provide a platform for rising Australian talents.

This year’s panel, hosted by Mixmag Australia New Zealand Editor Jack Colquhoun, Sounds Australia Digital Export Producer Dom Alessio, featuring Luca (Producer/DJ), Nina Las Vegas (DJ/Label Owner), and Cyril Riley(Emerging Dance Artist), who shared their insights on the unique role Australia plays in the global dance music industry, Here are some key takeaways from the talk.

Australia’s Growing Influence in Dance Music

Australia’s love for dance music is undeniable. It was highlighted during the panel that Australian fans stream more dance music than any other country, making electronic music a significant part of the nation’s cultural landscape. With SoundCloud reporting that a third of Australian streams are dedicated to electronic music, it's no wonder that Australian artists are gaining more recognition on the global stage.

Amapiano and Afrobeats: Emerging Sounds with Big Energy

Australia’s electronic scene is diversifying, and the energy is palpable with the rise of Amapiano and Afrobeats. Nina Las Vegas, visibly excited, shared how the genre is bringing a new vibe to the scene:

“I’m really excited by the Amapiano scene and the Afrobeats stuff that’s happening in Australia—it’s seriously growing! Those parties are going so well.”

There’s a sense of pride in this cultural shift, with Nina describing how these genres are creating a new sense of belonging for diaspora communities in Australia. She added, “I’ve been lucky enough to go to a whole bunch of African-curated events… it’s homecoming at the festivals.” As these sounds continue to gain traction, they’re reshaping the electronic landscape in Australia.

The Power of Collaboration: “Put Your Friends on a Track”

Throughout the panel, a theme of collaboration and uplifting friends was clear, emphasizing how success in music isn’t just about talent but about lifting others up. Luca urged:

“Never be afraid to put your friends on a track! You just never know what can happen.”

Cyril echoed this sentiment, sharing a personal story of mentorship, where an established artist reached out early on to lend support:

“Having someone like Tiesto in my corner was the biggest confidence booster. I didn’t even have a passport back then!”

It was clear that mentorship and friendship form the backbone of the Australian scene. As Dom Alessio added, "You only have to go to one Boiler Room show in Australia. There are like 10 Australian artists behind the decks supporting each other. That’s how we make our moves.”

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Navigating the Industry: Challenges and Victories

Breaking into the Australian electronic scene isn’t without its challenges. From limited radio support to fewer industry eyes on electronic music events, the artists discussed their shared hurdles. Nina las Vegas shared the reality:

“If you put on a club night, the industry is more likely not to show up. The support just isn’t the same as it is for indie bands.”

However, the underground dance scene is thriving. Luca shared how, despite limited mainstream attention, artists are finding a foothold in bush festivals and underground events:

“The underground scene is huge in Australia,” he explained, referencing the unique space bush festivals provide for electronic music to grow. For Luca and other panelists, these events have been crucial in bringing new talent to the forefront, despite “not getting a whole lot of mainstream news coverage.”

Why ADE and Why Now?

The panelists reflected on why now, of all times, feels right for a stronger Australian presence at ADE.

“Because why not?” Nina Las Vegas quipped. She emphasized the timing, pointing out that Australia's electronic music scene is relatively young, but it is now ready to take risks and claim its space on the world stage. Cyril, reflecting on the role of digital platforms, noted how social media has propelled Australian artists to international stardom: “Social media has taken everything by storm… You can go worldwide with just one hit,” he said, highlighting the power of platforms like TikTok and Instagram in giving emerging artists a global reach.

While Australian dance music is gaining global traction, the panelists acknowledged the unique challenges artists face. Cyril spoke about the isolation of growing up in rural Australia, and how social media became his lifeline to connect with fans and industry professionals globally. “Social media has leveled the playing field for artists like me,” he said, adding that without these platforms, breaking into international markets would be much harder.

Nina also reflected on how the Australian infrastructure for supporting artists is improving. Platforms like DISCO, an advanced music-sharing platform described as "Dropbox for musicians, but better," and initiatives like Triple J, Australia’s national broadcaster, are giving artists the tools and exposure they need to thrive both at home and internationally.

Global Connection: Brazil’s Scene Mirrors Australia’s

In an engaging Q&A session, a guest from Brazil noted that electronic music faces similar competition from larger genres back home. He asked how Australian artists manage to overcome this challenge. The panelists empathized, describing the reality of their fight for recognition but celebrating small victories as Australian artists make strides overseas. As Dom put it,

“The underground scene is thriving in Australia… so much new talent is coming up in these spaces.”

Nina Las Vegas related how structural changes in Australia, such as more inclusive award categories, are providing pathways to better visibility. This shared experience connected artists from across the globe, showing that while the struggle is real, there’s also real hope for electronic music in the future.

Community is Key: Supporting Each Other and Staying Authentic

Panelists wrapped up by reiterating the importance of supporting each other and being fearless about self-promotion. A standout moment came when Cyril highlighted the confidence it takes to reach out:

“Never be afraid to tell someone that you like their stuff! You never know when someone will open your DM and listen.”

Cyril added how the U.S. and U.K. scenes have a culture of “hustling” that Australian artists could benefit from:

“There’s a hustle we don’t have—be tactful, follow them, but don’t be afraid to hustle if your stuff is ready!” Reflecting on how connecting across the globe builds confidence and pushes the whole scene forward, Cyril's words underscored a shared belief in community support as essential for growth.

One of the most memorable quotes from the night summarized the unique “underdog” mentality in Australia. Nina Las Vegas shared:

“When Australian dance music is strong, it’s because everyone is supporting each other. That’s when we make our moves.”

Music as a Catalyst for Connection and Growth

ADE’s panel made it clear that the future of Australian electronic music is bright, especially as artists continue to support each other and connect across borders. Luca, Nina Las Vegas, Cyril, and Dom Alessio inspired the audience with stories of overcoming obstacles and finding success through collaboration, emphasizing that the heart of the scene isn’t just the beats—it’s the bonds between artists.

As the industry evolves, this supportive culture will continue to propel Australia’s electronic scene to new heights. ADE 2024 marked the inaugural Australia House, the panelists expressed excitement for what lies ahead. With platforms like DISCO and the support of Mixmag Australia New Zealand, Australian artists are better positioned than ever to take their music to the world. As Nina noted, Australia is “newer” in the electronic music space, but it’s a scene that is growing fast, driven by passion, innovation, and a love for the music.

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