Terminal V Podcast 068 || AK SPORTS

Born in Sydney but now based between LA and London, AK SPORTS has a sound as hybridised as their background. One thing is for sure, it is always hard and fast whether taking in slamming techno, big breaks or earth-quaking bass, and it has made them one of the leaders of the contemporary high-NRG scene.

And that’s not just as a DJ, but also as a producer on labels like Mad Decent, Lobster Theremin and Higher Power as well as their own CLUB MADHOUSE which is “a place for misfits.” AK SPORTS is also behind the wild WARP MODE party series that has hosted from LA to New York, and even on down days listens to uptempo sounds from punk to UK hardcore via French electro and blog house. Read all about that, their approach to DJing and the differences between LA and London while tuning into this week’s mix. Unsurprisingly, it’s a high-energy selection of new music and unreleased originals that really bang.

 

How does it work being based between London and LA and what does each city add to your musical character? 

London is where I cut my teeth on independent radio & discovered what the best clubbing and boundary pushing music really was and also really suffered / paid my dues. I’ll never forget sitting on an hour-long bus ride into central London to DJ at putt putt venues for suits for 7-8 hours without a single beer to get me through or bathroom breaks. Jks they let me use the toilet .. but it’s really where my heart is musically and where I truly lived the broke artist life and also revelled in the thriving scene where you can spend 5-10 quid on a ticket if you get in early enough, especially coming from Eora/Syndey’s nanny state this was musical utopia. Post pandemic I found a new home in LA and unlike London there was space to start a new party series with my WARP MODE crew which led us to throwing a Boiler Room in early 2023. LA has also provided some amazing opportunities for me to play sold out shows with top dogs like IHM, Indira Paganotto, Ellen Alien, DJ Stingray, DJ Nobu and Sara Landry, I’m not sure if I would have had the same opportunities in Aus or London so I really owe LA a lot in terms of the next stage of my career development as it really enabled me to pursue my style of techno without limitations. Being Australian however London feels more natural in terms of the people and pub life, and I find the industry and punter knowledge impressive but also like an Aussie I can’t hack the winter and LAs sunshine and nature is definitely more familiar when it comes to lifestyle. LA isn’t as pumping as London for the music i love but I have met some wonderful people doing amazing things for the culture, both artists and industry professionals in LA and in London I have met like-minded individuals and been to (and played at) some of the sickest parties in the world (Shout out UNFOLD) so.. I am indebted to both places! But I wouldn’t be able to be permanently based in either that’s for sure .. maybe that’s just phoenix Scorpio getting restless without constant change.

When it comes to DJing – are you someone who likes to get people in a trance, or who likes a sense of fun in their sets, or who likes to shock, or what?

I think it’s very important that I am having fun! If you’ve come to a gig you’ll see I’m very “energetic” and. engage a lot with the crowd. Don’t get me wrong I am definitely reading and playing to them but I feel like if I’m not having a ripper bloody time enjoying the mixing and music how can I expect the crowd to? I also want to party with them so yeah, it’s all about fun with me baby! I love to switch up the styles a bit as well, I think being able to do that coherently is a skill worth learning.

<!–You play high-tempo, high-energy sounds. What do you listen to on a day off, a down day, a lazy Sunday?

Big question ok let’s go I do love love love punk music.. British, Aussie and American. Nothing quite hits like classic house and ofc 90s trance. I really fuck with French Electro and Blog House I’m excited its coming back. A bit of bossa nova when we’re mad chilling… theres nothing cooler than badass female rap and dope Latina women crossing over into the pop world are so powerful. UK hardcore <3 And then a bunch of Australian bands and electronic acts we have some amazing musicians down under.

Tell us about your mix, the aim you had with it, and what you wanted it to say.

Just playing a bunch of new music I’ve found and some unreleased originals, I want the mix to showcase the deep range within techno at the moment but definitely keeping hard fast, fun energy. I like to include a lot of UK influences in my mixes but also what’s happening now in certain scenes in say France and Italy. I also want people who don’t usually listen to hard techno to feel included and engaged idk im just vibing and I hope you do too.

What gear did you use, is that important to you in any way whether in the booth or studio?

I have DJM 450 2 channel mixer and 2 x CDJ 1000s, I initially recorded this into ableton but there was some technical issues likely with my shitty laptop so I went back to my old trick of recording the mix into the DJM app on my old phone via a USB charging cable into the mixer. Speakers up! Dancing around as always!

What is the mission of CLUB MADHOUSE , what is in the works, what do you hope it will become?

Birthed in modern day twisted Hollywood I want CLUB MADHOUSE to be a place for the misfits and wild cards. Also somewhere I can release my own music without having to wait literally years.. and also a place to drop the occasional free download. I’m really excited about the graphic design for the label, I’m lucky to have teamed up with @50ber who is doing all the posters & animation. I love the punky and colourful style we have developed together. Most importantly I want it to be a home to elevate femmes, other minorities and allies so don’t be shy! Shout out to MIXMAG for naming the debut VA on the labelone of their picks for best releases of 2024 so far. :):) If you want to join the club, join the madhouse.. IG – @club_madhouse_

Interview by Kristan Caryl