In our new series, we take a look at South Australian promoters The Front Room. Earlier this year, Decoded Magazine was invited to spend an evening in a private (Covid distancing & safety) to record three exclusive mixes with Front Room owners Heath and Kathryn at The Fat Controller nightclub
As boutique promoters based out of Adelaide, South Australia with over15 years of experience in the industry, The Front Room was built on a music first policy, focusing on quality underground music from some of the most accomplished DJs and producers from around the world. Their monthly parties have hosted numerous local and international talent, including…
Bart Skils / Pan-Pot / Hidden Empire / Alan Fitzpatrick / Amelie Lens / Sam Paganini / Erick Morillo / Prok & Fitch / Infected Mushroom / Victor Ruiz / 16BL / Gregor Tresher / Ramon Tapia / Teenage Mutants / Chelina Manuhutu / Keith Carnal / Marika Rossa / Boy George / Illyus & Barrientos / Jeremy Olander / Nakadia / Marco Faraone / Deborah De Luca / Reinier Zonneveld / Camelphat / Harvey McKay / Ramiro Lopez / The Journey / Yotto / Enrico Sangiuliano / Luigi Madonna / WAFF / Jaytech / Markus Homm / SLAM / Mendo / Hanne & Lore / Robert Babicz / Marc Roberts / Chicane / Juliet Fox.
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Along with their own events, they have an exclusive Front Room with Carl Cox & Hardware Group’s Pure Parties, and Alter Touring for Tell No Tales mini festival round out a busy schedule.
CRUISE
Ethereal Being aka locally as Cruise has been in the Adelaide music scene for over 7 years now. Starting out originally covering folk & alt/rock music at 16. To then performing as a front man in early adulthood. Which soon progressed into exploring the broad, unearthly creations of the electronic world.
DJing in local clubs both independently and with b2b partner & inspiration, DJ Chemtrails, has put him at the support of international artists such as Sam Paganini, Amelie Lens & Viktor Ruiz.
A Moment on Covid
“It’s been a very strange year. Everyone is so aware of its insanity that it’s become a cliché to even mention it. Though a point in itself – it has affected everyone. The old, the young, the rich and the poor. There’s been a lot of suffering this year – though with great suffering also comes great consciousness.
When it all started I’d actually just gone through a breakup, so taking to the time to self-isolate and reflect seemed like the appropriate thing to do.
Covid broke the loops of our inner city lives. And like any attachment, when the umbilical cord of excessive escapism through drinking, partying & clubbing is broken, you are left on your own to re-evaluate. I took the time to learn more about myself and explore my creativity in different ways. Spending most of my isolation practicing meditation, yoga, sobriety, and music production.”
On the mix
This mix is dedicated to Tom (DJ CHEMTRAILS) who I normally play live with. Not only has Tom influenced my sound with his dedication to minimal/microhouse but through his musical presence he pushes me to be a better artist. Learning to master the art of sublimity and pushing my music to new heights.
Original Production
One of my latest tracks ‘Breakout’ which is featured in this mix is probably one of my favourites. As I produced, mixed & mastered it to a standard I was for once, finally happy with. You can listen & purchase it below on Bandcamp: My latest track which took more of a dark, techno direction. An honourable mention to an unreleased remix of DJ CHEMTRAILS’ track Coole
Lachlan Carr
Australian producer, Lachlan Carr has been producing Techno from the age of 12 years old. Originally inspired by the likes of Dubfire & Richie Hawtin, Lachlan spent his teenage years working under the name ‘Matais’ honing his craft and releasing on labels such as Stiv Hey’s Pure-Beat and Kinetika Records.
As a DJ, Lachlan has supported some of the biggest artists in the game. Including, Enrico Sanguiliano, Charlotte De Witte, Carl Craig, Nastia, Pig & Dan, Camelphat, Patrick Topping and many more.
2020 is the year that Lachlan has moved away from the ‘Matais’ alias and has begun using his own name to create a more melodic style of Techno. With an upcoming EP on Natura Viva and dozens of unreleased tracks scheduled for release after Covid-19, 2021 and 2022 will be exciting years where Lachlan will begin to make waves in the Techno scene.
A Moment on Covid
“Lockdown was quite productive for me as a producer, I’ve managed to finish over 10 tracks (a few in this mix) and I feel like I have evolved my sound as a producer. I used to make darker Techno but now I’m trending more towards the lighter side of things. I’ve got an upcoming release later this year on Natura Viva and then I’m hoping to release some more music late 2020, early 2021. However, given the times were in, I’m not trying to rush things, my music will come out when the time is right.
Overall, I’m really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things when the impact of Covid has reduced in the next year or two. For the Australian Techno scene, I think it will lead to some big changes, such as an increased focus on local artists and also an overall increase in the amount of people attending clubs, as I feel like everyone is missing clubbing.”
On the mix
This mix meant a lot to me, being the first time I had DJ’d in a typical club environment (although without the crowd) in months after lockdown I wanted to play a set that was 100% my sound. I started this mix by playing all my own tracks and then moving into tracks from my favourite producers that have inspired me over the past couple years, I didn’t want this to just be any ordinary DJ set, I wanted it to have purpose and to show where my inspiration has come from and how it has developed my sound.
Heath Robertson / Solace
DJing and promoting in the Adelaide & Australian scene for the past 20 years, Heath Robertson aka Solace has held residencies at all of Adelaide’s leading club nights, and played many of the biggest clubs around the country. His versatility over the years has seen him play alongside international leaders in genres spanning House, Progressive, Trance and Techno.
Supporting the likes of Carl Cox, Joseph Capriati, Sam Paganini, Amelie Lens, Pan-Pot, Hidden Empire, Alan Fitzpatrick, Above & Beyond, Armin Van Buuren, Paul Van Dyk, James Zabiela, Anthony Pappa, Erick Morillo, Derrick Carter, Funkagenda, Wehbba, Oliver$, Jay Lumen, Gene Farris, Jacky, Joey Negro, Josh Butler, Mark Farina, Patrick Topping, Pleasurekraft, Yousef, Darius Syrossian, 16BL & Roger Sanchez.
He is also one half of successful Adelaide house & techno brand The Front Room, which he runs with his wife Kathryn. The past 3 years has seen the pair continually tour some of the biggest names in the scene, from around the world. Including partnering with Carl Cox & Hardware for the huge PURE parties.
On the mix
My mix is light & melodic, a reflection of my journey through this dark time dealing with the Covid lock downs & restrictions. A positive mix to keep all our vibes high.
