The Listening Club, aka TLC, are a four-member collective of Sydney DJs, musicians and seasoned music nerds who semi-regularly bless dance floors with their hard earned rarities. Together they form a formidable sound system, lighting up events like our i-D x Emma Mulholland party earlier this year, with their joyous sets.
In the gang there’s Marcus King who’s known for his signature blend of leftfield, tropical euro disco and heavy synth-laden jams, as well as his stint at running a monthly night at VICE’s The Old Blue Last. There’s Brendon Ginnane, a record collector and graphic designer with a particular fondness for world music flavours as well as Marco Vella, an avid record collector and DJ who’s also part of party-starters Retiree. The final member is Paul Jextra who has a taste for off-kilter dance music and quirky balearica.
TLC are all about the sounds that have been forgotten or left by the way-side. The music they play isn’t necessarily esoteric but it tends to be good music that didn’t make the impact it should have upon its release. It’s these hidden gems, often produced by outsiders, or outsider culture that they’re most interested in. This is music to truly listen to.
TLC’s mix for i-D is rich, varied and gorgeous, comprised of a collection of their favourite records, mixed with the aim of “engaging the listener, not only passively but physically and mentally too”. They suggest you “listen closely to discover that TLC combines the four elements of music – rhythm, melody, harmony and colour”. It’s world music with a tendency to drift cosmically and guarantees to teach you something new about the universe.
Music to shift your mood from staying in to staying up all night…
Boy Onyioha – Party Party
Music for fiery arguments and emotional goodbyes…
Renault – Mistral Gagnant
Music to kiss and make up to…
Violet Eves – Listen Over the Ocean
Music to heal a broken heart…
Casco – Cybernetic Heart
Music to get high to…
Leo Anibaldi – Universe
Music to change your night from mediocre to magnificent…
Carlos Cutaia – Sensación Melancolica
Music to take a long drive to…
Sebastian Hardie – At The End
Music to walk down the aisle to…
Kurt Maloo – Giant Lady
Music you’d like played at your funeral…
The Moffs – Another Day In The Sun (Donnotella’s choice)
Music to have sex to…
Software – Island Sunrise
Music to celebrate your birthday to…
The Tamlins – Hang On To Your Love
Music guaranteed to give you serious swagger…
Ilaiyaraaja – Vikram
Music to make even the wallflowers dance…
Caravan – Enchylaena (Trail Mix)
Music to play at the afterparty when it’s 6am and the sun is beginning to rise…
Night Communication – Nocturne Seduction