Six Sydney DJs, six Sydney venues: Meet our top music stars in the clubs they play. A special AXN portfolio.

Photography by John McRae

Words by Reg Domingo

KITTY GLITTER

Pictured: Kitty Glitter photographed at Slide

Kitty Glitter has carved a niche in the party scene as Sydney’s original drag DJ.

“I started once I won Sydney’s ‘Favourite Drag Queen’ at DIVA 2006,” she tells AXN.

“I went on to win ‘Most Popular DJ in 2007 and again in 2008!”

Thanks to a combination of skill, chutzpah and showmanship, Kitty is now one of the Sydney’s most hardworking DJs, with gigs at Arq, The Oxford and The Beresford.

Most recently, Kitty has taken up residency on Saturday nights at Slide.

“Slide is one of Sydney’s unique little treasures with lavish fittings that include a superb disco stage and dance floor that lights up. Now everyone can live out their John Travolta fantasies!”

Slide is located on 41 Oxford Street, Darlunghurst.

JASON BARRY

Pictured: Jason Barry photographed at Nevermind

For Jason Barry, it all began nearly 20 years ago.

“I started mixing by using my Walkman and a hi-fi unit with a turntable in 1991,” he tells AXN.

But it was in 2003 when he hit the professional circuit. Among his highlights was playing at DTPM in Byron Bay on New Year’s Day 2009, which Jason recalls was “awesome” and had a “very vocal crowd”.

During Mardi Gras 2010, Barry will be playing at various events including Harbour ’10 at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and Mardi Gras Pool Party at the Ivy.

But in between then, he can be heard at Oxford Street hotspot, Nevermind.

“I love the stage at Nevermind - it’s all about the stage rocking - and it’s packed with regulars, as well as the LED wall, sound system and canons. Nevermind is an amazing space to play with.”

Nevermind is located on 163 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

JUSTIN SCOTT

Pictured: Justin Scott photographed at The Taxi Club

It was a case of being in the right place at the right time for DJ Justin Scott, who began his career in 1995.

“I was at an unofficial recovery party event at an inner city pub and the DJ who had been booked had failed to show up,” he tells AXN.

“The rest is history.”

Since then, Justin Scott has grown to become one of Sydney’s most prolific DJs having played at Mardi Gras and the gay cruise, NaviGAYtion.

He now has weekly gigs at Arq, Stonewall Hotel and Midnight Shift, and from time to time, the Taxi Club.

“I like its diversity and acceptance of its members and guests,” Justin says.

“The Taxi Club has been the workplace to many DJs, celebrities, drag queens, showgirls and mainstream entertainers spanning over 50 years.”

The Taxi Club is located on 40 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst

JIMMY DEE

Pictured: Jimmy Dee photographed at Arq

“The first time I stepped into a night club and looked over at the DJ box, I knew that's what I wanted to do,” says DJ Jimmy Dee.

“I love music and I love to make people dance!”

And dance they do. In a career spanning ten years, Jimmy Dee has played at big gay events like Mardi Gras and Sleaze Ball, as well at parties in Hawaii and Europe.

Asked how to describe his sound and he replies: “funky, vocal, uplifting, commercial house, and every now and then, I've been known to go a little harder !”

It’s a perfect fit for places like Stonewall, Colombian and gay dance palace Arq, where Jimmy can be heard every weekend.

“I like ARQ because it's a super club with great sound and amazing lighting.”

Arq is located on 16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst

JOHAN KHOURY

Pictured: Johan Khoury photographed at Phoenix

“My first gig was at G.A.Y. in December 2004,” recalls John Khoury.

“I was slot into the main set at 1am and my friends were horrified. But after my set, they confessed they were totally surprised and recommended I get back on the decks and play longer.”

And the music hasn’t stopped since. As well as playing at events such as Daywash in Sydney and Rogue in Melbourne, Johan has also been the driving force behind gay day party, Rising. 

“I love playing at Rising day club at Phoenix because it’s a a small and intimate place, and everyone is willing to let me play material which you can’t get away playing at other clubs in the night. As long as it has energy, the crowd loves it.”

And what does he look for when playing to a crowd? “I love when I play and I see people kissing. You may have expected me to answer ‘dancing’ but when I see them kissing, I feel my music has influenced love in the room. And what more can I ask for than love?”

Rising is on at Phoenix located on 34 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

SCOTT TANNER

Pictured: Scott Tanner photographed at Stonewall Hotel

While working as a bartender at Stonewall Hotel, Scott Tanner made the most of having access to a set of DJ decks.

“So I bought some headphones and started practicing every night before the customers arrived,” he tells AXN.

And it paid off. In 2008, Scott was crowned the winner of Arq’s DJ competition.

“My music is anything from funky house to dirty tribal with a lot of diva vocals in between.”

Scott can be heard at Arq and the Colombian Hotel as well as the upcoming Mardi Gras Pool Party. But Stonewall Hotel will always have a place in his heart.

“The Stonewall Hotel would have to be the drag queen of Sydney clubs – she’s loud, colourful and always fun to be around! Working there is like being part of a family and without their support I would probably still be picking up empty schooners.”

Stonewall Hotel is located at 175 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst