Brooke Powell is a producer, DJ and record label curator based in Melbourne, Australia. Originally hailing from Manchester, Brooke embraces the raw and heavy side of techno, alluring audiences with a dynamic and unique approach, well-exemplified in his sets and production.
Having graced renowned establishments across Melbourne and beyond, Brooke has supported industry heavyweights including Reinier Zonneveld, Sven Vath, Joseph Capriati and Pan-Pot, you can expect to see a lot more of Brooke in 2023!
Brooke has also played at the likes of PURE, Splendour In The Grass, & even supported the Hex Techno Movement boys when they came to Aus!
Taking inspiration from the industrial rave scene, expect to see sets full of heavy kicks, rolling bassline and hypotonic synths. Whether it be a warehouse, festival or an intimate club, Brooke seeks to push the boundaries with his music, gaining a stamp of approval from dance floor enthusiasts.
We recently caught up with this legend to tell us more about his career as an Artist/DJ & what you can expect from him in 2023!
Q & A:
Question 1: When did the drive to start mixing/producing & being involved in Dance music be a big thing for you in your life?
A: It’s funny, I was somewhat of a late bloomer when it came to producing and DJ dance music. Growing up I was into punk/grime/hip hop.Once I moved to Australia I was exposed to Techno and the electronic music scene.Now this part is going to sound super cliche - but it wasn’t until my first trip to Europe (Ibiza mainly) that I really wanted to start to learn to produce and be involved in the scene.
Question 2: You have had plenty of bookings this year! Which one has been your favourite or stood out to you as a huge step for you!
A: I would have to say Hex at New Guernica. The Hex sound is something that I’ve been trying to push in my own sets for a little while now - so getting the opportunity to open the show was something I couldn’t turn down. Although my set was “early”, I knew the crowd would be up for something a little harder and faster than your typical opening set. I got to play a fair few of my favourites and the reaction was great!
Question 3: Who has given you the drive to get where you are today?
A: The obvious one is the old man - but also seeing my friends do well inspires and pushes me to be best (shout out to Caine Sinclair and Mickey Nox).
Question 4: What is the main focus right now in your music career?
A: The main focus for me at the moment is releasing more of my own music and relaunching my label “Villain Music”. The focus of villain music is to push the harder and heavier side of the Australian techno scene.
Question 5: Any upcoming releases before the end of the year?
A: That was the plan - however things very rarely go that way - that being said I’ve only had a slight delay. Villain will be relaunching in January 2023 with the first release by yours truly and a remix from Duiwel.
Question 6: All time fav track?
A: Oh this is a tough one so I’ll give you the first three that come to mind Pan-Pot - Confronted Nico Moreno - Purple Widow Envoy - Dark Manoeuvres (Dax J Remix)
Question 7: What is one piece of advice you can give to someone just starting in the industry?
A: This one is probably geared more towards producers - but be unique, find your own sound and run with it. Of course - take inspiration from other artists - however being different (and having something that is your own) is going to set you apart from the crowd.
Question 8: Name your style in 5 words!?
A: Hard but for a reason
Question 9: How does it feel to have the likes of Charlie Sparks & Shlomo download your unreleased track?
A: Honestly this was totally unexpected and I died a little! I sent the “Cockney Tug” promo to a few of my favourite DJ’s just to gauge a reaction as I still hadn’t locked in a release date - but the feedback was amazing. Both of those guys have been really pushing the harder side of techno recently, so to have them give the nod to an upcoming release was an indication that “Villain” is on the right track.
Question 10: Do you think the Naarm community is growing towards dance music scene?
A: Naarm has always had a thriving dance music scene. Covid did stifle the scene a little, but it’s great to see so many new events/nights happening post lockdowns. I’d argue not only is the scene growing, but there’s also been a tangible increase in quality producers and events. A quick scroll through instagram or Soundcloud indicates the standard has risen to another level.
You can also find Brooke on all his social media handles below!
SOCIALS:
Instagram: @brookepowellmusic
Website:
Soundcloud:
Spotify: