Goat Spokesperson isn’t one to overthink the little things. With a rich history in queer nightlife across Eora and Naarm, Goat Spokesperson knows that at the heart of his performance is an ability to inhabit a safe, playful eroticism and encourage his audience to do the same. 

Playing ‘devils advocate’ Goat Spokesperson’s selections feel unexpected and cohesive at the same time - finding inspiration somewhere within the boundaries of techno, hardcore and house. Sets centred around a feeling rather than a formula, encouraging dancers to proudly inhabit their authentic selves through movement and music. 

In the lead up to his show at Club 77 on Saturday we caught up with Goat Spokesperson to talk more about shaking loose from the everyday, great parties and creating safe spaces for freedom and expression. 

Great name! Where did it come from? Does it have a special meaning?

Honestly it came from me spitting out random words like a poker machine until the right combination slid into place and I hit the jackpot! ‘Goat Spokesperson’ had a good ring to it and so I stuck with it without overthinking it. 

Then someone was like “wow, such a cool name, it’s like another way to say ‘devil’s advocate’” and my mind was totally blown, because I do see myself as a bit of devil’s advocate. I like to surprise people on the dance floor, I’ll throw some happy hardcore into my techno sets, and some breakbeat into my house sets. 

You’re originally from Naarm; known for its rich, enduring queer party scene. What have you taken from this experience that you try to bring to parties in Eora?

I actually grew up on Dharrug land in Western Sydney. I remember my first experience of queer party culture was Kooky at Club 77, many years ago. It was a major turning point in my life and I still look back on it fondly. But it was only when I moved to Naarm (in 2012) that I fully immersed myself in a more ‘serious’ club culture, with the likes of Trough and Barba, two parties that made me realise that the dance floor is a place to be transformed. To be shaken loose from the every day. 

Moving back to Eora, what is it about the electronic music scene here that you’re the most drawn to / enjoy the most?

Kooky and Bad Dog, two parties from when I was a baby gay, continue to live on under different names. The pure unassuming joy and playfulness of those parties live on and I’m always thrilled when I get to be there. Apart from those, I feel like Club 77 continues to be a gorgeous hub for joy and a bastion of quality music. I don't know anywhere else in Eora quite like it. I’m not just saying that, I swear!

The acts you support exert their sexuality in ways that feel playful while still safe and supportive. The Intergalactic sex DJ’s ‘The Illustrious Blacks’ come to mind immediately. What does a safe place for freedom and expression mean to you?

I feel like dance music is inherently about connecting with our physicality and sexuality, either individually or as part of a (consensual) group. What I love about DJs like The Illustrious Blacks, Jennifer Loveless, Boris and Prosumer is that they fully and honestly embrace this capacity for playful eroticism. ‘The Sauna Sessions’ by Seymour Butz (Jonny Seymour; one half of Stereogamous), a handful of recordings of DJ sets in the men’s sauna Ken’s of Kensington (RIP) was the first time I realised that I wanted to be a DJ. I wanted to play music that made people fully inhabit and be proud of their sexual selves. 

Which artists or records have inspired you the most throughout your years as a DJ? I can see that you’re a fan of Radiohead, is there anything else dance music oriented or otherwise that’s stuck out?

I used to be a wannabe goth, and listened to a lot of Ministry, Tool and Nine Inch Nails growing up. So the first records I used to play were quite dark and honestly not necessarily suited to a dance floor. As I got older I discovered an unexpected love for the campest disco from my mum’s collection. Boney M and ABBA and Barry White. Later on Radiohead’s Kid A was a revelation, as it combined some pretty danceable beats with the dark lyrical content and melodies of my early teens. 

And then more recently, Jamie XX, The Blessed Madonna, Eats Everything, Partiboi69 just really lit up my ADHD brain with a joy for eclectic, sometimes silly, sometimes transcendent music. 

Do you have anything exciting coming up / any gigs or projects you’re particularly looking forward to?

I’m working on my first series of tracks that I’ve been tinkering with in my bedroom and on the tram. I’m finally ready to join the hordes of producer DJs and hopefully bring something a bit different to the dance floor. Stay tuned!