A Quick Chat with Alex Carpi
Tell us a little bit about yourself and Sticky Sessions.
I've been in the music industry for 5 years, and Sticky Sessions was born last winter. After working on major events such as St Kilda Festival, Lost Paradise and Beyond The Valley, and the lead singer of my punk band, Ellis Ares, I knew I wanted to be more of an advocate in our music industry, but I wasn't doing anything to make that a reality. Thus, Sticky Sessions was born, a music group dedicated to creating performance opportunities for emerging artists, while creating equitable lineups and accessible events. I've always wanted to work with local artists and create a grassroots event series, helping artists get 'in the door', and this is what came of it!
What made you want to start a DJ competition?
A DJ competition seemed like the first natural step. I wanted to create an opportunity for people to really put the next phase of their career in motion, and also have fun doing it. I conceptualised the competition format, and quickly realised which sponsors I could get on board to contribute to a stacked up prize pool. The winner will go home with all the necessary tools to create a long and sustainable career, but all of the competitors and Heat winners also get themselves in front of some industry professionals and are able to build a community around their craft, even by just being involved in the cohort. So it's a really good way to provide a lot of value for everyone.
Can you tell us a little bit about Spin Off? What makes it different from other DJ competitions?
There's really nothing out there like Spin Off. Spin Off is for mid-level DJs who are ready for the next opportunity, not total beginners and not people who are getting consistent gigs, or already making a career out of DJing. It's for people who maybe feel a bit stuck, or they can't break into the industry because they're not in the right "circles". Spin Off is also special in the way that our DJs play solo, and then b2b on the lineup, so they can't plan their whole set in advance. They have to collaborate in real time with someone they're competing against, read the room and keep the people dancing.
How does someone apply to DJ?
Applications are open RIGHT NOW until August 23rd, at this link
How do the heats work and what do you win?
Each Heat takes place at Joey Smalls in Brunswick, and our competitors play 20minutes solo, and then 20mins b2b with the next DJ on the lineup, essentially doing a 'handover' before that DJ does their solo 20mins. We pack out the deck, the sound system is ace, and we have four industry judges at each event judging talent on Mixing Ability, Track Selection, Stage Presence and Audience Participation, all on a weighted formula. After everyone plays, there's a headliner while we crunch the numbers, and then the winner is announced! All Heat winners go into the grand final on December 18th.
Prize list:
GF winner:
A year long residency on Area3000
$500 cash from Heaps Normal
Addition to Heaps Normal's programming roster for 1 (one) paid gig
A BIGSOUND Delegate Pass for the 2027 conference
A 2 hour creative shoot at Cool Studios with photographer Jazz Reger
$100 Store DJ voucher
A paid set at New Guernica
A paid set at Revolver
A set on The Sound Gallery
Casa Spirits drink package
A Peppy J's merch pack
Heat Winner:
Each Heat winner will also receive Addition to Heaps Normal's programming roster for 1 (one) paid gig, a $100 Store DJ voucher, a Casa Spirits drinks pack and a Sticky Sessions tour tee.
What do you think makes a good DJ set?
A good dj set should take people on a journey and slowly build. I love sets that pepper in an old school classic but don't rely on these too heavily, if every song is a big "moment" in the set, then no song is. I'm a big fan of moody, percussive house but also a traditionalist at heart, 90s dance music speaks to my soul.
Who are some of your favourite Australian DJs right now?
Such a tricky question because it depends what mood I'm in at the time!
But I'm loving 2charm, Caucasian Opportunities, Moktar, Mothafunk, and of course the Disco Mediterranea boys, who played my 30th earlier in the year 🤭
What do you hope punters and DJs get out of this competition?
I hope everyone comes out of it with a better sense of the community that they're a part of. Even if you don't win, if you've met someone that you can go and play a gig with, or who will book you for your next show, then you've got something out of it. It's such a small ecosystem here in Naarm but you don't know who you don't know, and it's incredibly difficult to break into and make those genuine relationships. So above all else, that's what I want the DJs to get out of it. Punters - I want them to discover their new favourite local dj!