Robbie Lowe

You’ve been a constant in the Sydney electronic music scene since the ’90s — what’s changed the most in club culture since your early Sweetchilli, Sounds on Sunday and Spice Cellar days?

I won’t go too deep into this answer as it’s a full conversation in itself, but the biggest change is that there just aren’t as many clubs as there were in the ’90s and 2000s. Sydney’s nightlife really took a hit with the lockouts, changing regulations, venue closures, etc, which obviously had an effect on club culture.

That said, the culture’s alive and kicking in a lot of ways. Sydney’s iconic clubs are pumping weekly, and we’re seeing new clubs and creative spaces popping up too. It’s also great to see clubs pushing back on things like phones on the dance floor, keeping the focus on the music and the moment.

Club culture is always shifting, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. Things evolve, but the love for music and the dance floor never really goes away.

You’ve warmed up for legends like Sasha and John Digweed — what makes a great warm-up set in your eyes?

Reading the vibe is everything. It’s less about a formula and more about a feeling — knowing what to play, when to play it, and how to adapt. A good warm-up has range, some peaks and troughs - the goal is to get people dancing and excited without peaking too soon. Every warm-up is different, so versatility is key.

You personally requested Arunya for this show — what drew you to her as an artist, and what kind of energy are you both aiming to create on the night?

Arunya’s an emerging star out of Tassie with an infectious energy behind the decks. Her passion for music runs deep, and we connect both musically and as good mates. I’m stoked to have her on board for this one, it’s been a long time coming  — Club 77 is gonna love her. We’re bringing good energy and tunes all night long!

You’ve carved out a legacy that’s inspired so many — what advice would you give to your younger self, or to someone just starting out in electronic music today?

Be proactive and let the music do the talking. Always play what you love and don’t follow trends. It’s a long road with plenty of highs and lows, have fun, enjoy it!

Arunya

Your sets are often described as deep, hypnotic and storytelling-driven — what does musical storytelling mean to you, and how do you craft that journey across a set?

Musical storytelling is a powerful way for me to express what words can’t. I’m drawn to sounds that mirror a wide range of emotions—from light and uplifting to dark and intense. My goal is to take listeners on a journey where they can lose themselves in the music and feel deeply – like therapy for the soul, but way more fun, and no words needed.

Crafting a set like this requires a deep connection to each track, but also to the moment—feeling what the crowd needs while being bold enough to offer something different. It’s about building energy and progression, moving from groovy and deep to hypnotic and driving, giving people the space to experience something transcendent or introspective.

Coming from Nipaluna/Lutruwita, how has the local scene shaped your sound and approach to DJing?

Being part of the Nipaluna/Lutruwita scene has taught me to be bold and stay true to my sound. My success comes from my community appreciating my uniqueness and embracing my differences, giving me the confidence to keep pushing boundaries. My community’s passion for creativity and authenticity inspires me to explore deeper, hypnotic sounds without conforming. I’m excited for the future as the scene evolves – moving towards something more unique and underground, with a stronger embrace of diverse sounds.

You’ve played alongside a wild range of artists — from SPFDJ to ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U. What’s something you’ve learned from sharing the booth with such diverse selectors?

Playing alongside diverse artists has broadened my perspective and taught me that passion and authenticity always shine through, no matter the genre. These experiences have pushed me to think outside the box, mix fearlessly and challenge my own approach.

I’ve also learned to never compare myself – to stay true to my style. Imposter syndrome can make you doubt your own voice, but I’ve come to appreciate others’ unique storytelling while backing myself and trusting my own path.

You’ve headlined some of Tasmania’s biggest festivals, including multiple years at Dark Mofo — what do you love most about playing to a big festival crowd vs. an intimate club setting?

Both settings have their own magic. Festivals bring that expansive, communal energy where you feel part of something much bigger—you can create bold, epic moments and feed off the crowd’s collective vibe. But nothing beats the raw intimacy of a club. I love being up close, seeing every reaction, and building a deeper connection that unfolds over hours.

Big festival crowds are fun, but they’re often short and sweet. I’m drawn to those smaller, more immersive sets where the energy builds gradually, and you feel a real sense of togetherness. I love playing these intimate gigs because they bring out a different, more personal side of my creativity.

Robbie Lowe personally requested you for this show — how did that connection come about, and what are you most looking forward to sharing with him on the night?

Robbie has been a huge inspiration since I first heard his sets over 8 years ago. Meeting him after a gig in 2017 was a turning point—it sparked a connection through our shared love of underground music. Since then, we’ve swapped tracks, supported each other, and built a friendship rooted in mutual respect. Robbie has supported and encouraged me from the very beginning of my DJ career and it’s meant the world to me. He’s not just an inspiration—he’s a friend, a mentor and someone who’s shaped my musical journey in a profound way.

To have Robbie personally ask me to play at Club 77 for his birthday is surreal—one of the greatest honours of my career. I’ve gone from being a fan to a friend to a fellow DJ, and moments like this make me feel like I’m on the right path. This isn’t just another set—it’s a celebration of everything music has brought into my life, including people like him. I can’t wait to share that energy and gratitude with Robbie on the night.

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