Almost a decade ago, Yours & Owls were kicking off a fresh Sunday event at the North Gong Hotel and they asked if I’d be keen to spin records between and following bands each week. I knew I’d probably need a few extra crew on board so we developed a little crew of people spinning vinyl and my mate James (who was working for Yours & Owls at the time, and now runs Yakka) came up with the name Sultans Of Spin. The first crew involved was James, Sweeney, Ashlea and myself.
Over the years that followed there were some incredible artists that came through and played in the North Gong beer garden, we got to spin records between and following them every week. The event grew and grew with it almost becoming like a mini festival every Sunday. The Sultans Of Spin crew would grow and change over that time but we always remained a constant of the North Gong Sunday’s. The list of bands that played is endless, but some highlights include Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever in the rain, absolute chaos at Pst Idiots and a wild set from the mysterious Geoff & The Spicolis.
The last few years had been a challenge for the event, firstly with covid and then noise complaints from neighbours and it did change the vibe significantly. Last week the long running event came to close and I thought it would be good to reflect on all the good times as well as thank Yours & Owls and the North gong for taking us along for the journey. It was a lot of fun for all the Sultans Of Spin crew and I’m sure it was for many of you who joined the party every week as well. While I personally haven’t being doing DJ slots there for the last few years, it does feel like the end of an era. From one ending though new things grow, North Gong will continue Sunday beer garden vibes, Yours & Owl’s has a new Sunday session at Pepe’s and you can catch the Sultans Of Spin crew spinning records regularly across town every weekend.
Recently announced are a few shows featuring artists I work with. Two different Silhouette Label showcases are happening in the coming weeks. First up on Friday March 28th it is Shining Bird with guests Tropical Strength, Alara Livingstone, Catman and Boy Lichtenstein. It will time nicely with the release of the debut single from Alara Livingstone next week, you can pre save that here.
The following weekend at La La La’s it is another Silhouette Label showcase. Steve Bourk launches his new album Passing Through with special guests e444e, Bimbo and Loaded & True.
Also just announced is a huge Canberra double bill on April 12th featuring Tumbleweed and The New Christs at the Basement.
