SPIRIT OF HOUSE AFTERNOON DANCE is a tribute dance paying homage to the SEMINAL 90’s HOUSE & SOULFUL HOUSE of 2000’s & its DISCO roots. Originally launched in 2012, has been put on again as a collaboration with FALLEN DISCO & SOUL OF SYDNEY as a platform to play some music we all grew up on.

We catch up with the DJ’s Harris (Club Azucar) Phil Toke, Fallen Disco’s (Adrian Benedek & Ronnie Farah) from the two crews who were old friends from the Sydney DJ SOULFUL & FUNKY HOUSE circuit and who have come together to share classic musical moments & pay homage to an era that is close to many peoples hearts. Check out our interview with them below to learn a bit more about them as DJs and fans of the music.

Q. Can you tell us what the term “SPIRIT OF HOUSE” means to you personally, and how do you incorporate it into your DJing style?

PT – It means House music bringing people together to Unite in spirit and energy.

AB – It’s a feeling. It’s a vibe. For me it’s to translate each word through a dedicated soundtrack, to express the emotion and passion within.

HARRIS – The Spirit of House for me, is that rush down your spine and gives you goosebumps when a track grabs your soul and pulls you onto the dancefloor. When I DJ, I focus on the feeling each song evokes, picturing myself lost in the groove, dancing the night away with the crowd

RF – I feel and believe the “SPIRIT OF HOUSE” typically refers to the essence and soul of house music. It encompasses the genre’s core values of inclusivity, unity, and positivity, creating a sense of community and shared experience on the dancefloor and making the attendees want more

Q. Can you share a bit about your history in the DJing world? How did you get started, and what motivated you to pursue DJing.

PT – From the earliest age I have always wanted to DJ. I started djing in 1999 at birthdays and weddings which were so important, as it taught me how to build and read a dance floor. I then won the NSW Universities DJ competition in 2002. From there, I progressed to clubs and bars and started my first club night in 2006 called ‘Our House Sydney’ which focussed on House and Disco. I’ve had the honour of playing overseas in great cities such as New York, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Beirut. Recently, I have been a resident DJ at the Soul Of Sydney and Sunday Sanctuary parties.

AB – I’ve been within the industry for over 25 years playing at my first rave as a 16-year-old in 1995. From here is where I found my passion for all things house and disco. I later moved into the club scene having held residences at a number of venues in the clubbing district of Oxford St and Kings Cross. With more dedication and an increasingly loyal following I was soon supporting international house music heavyweights including Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry, Joey Negro, Miguel Migs, Groove Armada and Dimitri from Paris just to name a few. Shortly after I was invited to join on as a resident DJ for one of the world’s most renowned house brands, Hed Kandi. In 2016 Fallen Disco was born to showcase an intimate and quality house & disco experience like no other. With the brand going from strength to strength over the years, 2023 has so far seen us host The Shapeshifters at The Island Gold Coast and Sunday Summer Sessions at Cafe del Mar Sydney.

HARRIS – I began DJing nearly 10 years ago, inspired by my first ever music event at the Greenwood Hotel, ironically enough. That night, I witnessed the legendary Carl Cox playing a final Space Ibiza party—and the way he commanded the crowd for three straight hours left me in absolute awe. It sparked something deep in me. Now, to be performing at the very venue where my musical journey began is a full-circle moment I’ll never forget

RF – The motivation to become a DJ kind of just happened. It actually all started back in 2003 when a friend introduced me to soulful house music. I instantly fell in love with the sound. it’s a deep love for the music and the desire to curate unique and enjoyable experiences for their audience. Others may be inspired by the energy and connection they feel when playing music for a crowd, and that’s what I wanted to share, that feeling with as many people as possible.

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Q. Throughout your DJing journey, what records or tracks have had the most significant influence on your style? Could you mention a few favourites and explain how they have impacted your sets?

PT – It’s impossible to choose particular tracks as my influences vary greatly. However, I take pride and enjoy being able to play many different genres outside of house music.

HARRIS: My style was first shaped when my uncle introduced me to Danny Tenaglia’s “Music Is the Answer.” That track opened my eyes to the groovy basslines and thumping beats that define House music. From there, I fell deeper into the sound—hooked on the infectious, soulful grooves of Todd Terry’s Club Mix of “Missing,” Kerri Chandler’s “You’re in My System,” and Lazy Dog’s bootleg of “Tracey in My Room.” Those records lit the spark that drives my sets today.

RF -Well it’s so hard to pinpoint, there are so so many. If i had to pick one Your Love” from the Godfather Frankie Knuckles (RIP). His music played a pivotal role in shaping the genre through the late 1980’s & “Your Love” is one of his iconic cuts from 1987 blending soulful vocals with infectious rhythms that continue to inspire DJs to this day.

Q. Who are some of your favourite artists or producers in the house music genre, and how have they inspired your musical selections?

PT – My favourite producer would have to be Kerri Chandler by a long way! I absolutely love his productions. Raw, deep and soulful rolled into one. Other notable mentions include Glenn Underground and Masters At Work.

HARRIS – Artists like Carl Cox, Danny Tenaglia, Masters at Work & Frankie have profoundly shaped my music taste. Their ability to blend organic soul, rhythm, and raw energy with such innovation continues to inspire both my sets and my deep passion for that soulful and jazzy side of House along with the tribal & 4/4 joints.

RF -I’d say Josh Milan , Marc Evans , Jasper Street Co , Bobby and Steve and so so many more. Their music blends soulful elements with infectious rhythms. Their work has influenced DJs to create sets that are both groovy and emotionally uplifting.

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Q. The Sydney house scene has witnessed numerous iconic parties and moments over the years. Can you share one or two standout parties or events that you were a part of or attended, and what made them special?

PT – Some of my most enjoyable events DJing included warming up for Osunlade at The Burdekin in 2015. Warming up for Todd Terry and Francois K at the Goldfish Kings Cross were also memorable parties. Amazing vibe and a crowd who were there to dance to great music. My favourite parties i attended were Saturday nights at Home nightclub back in the day. Proper House music on an amazing sound system as well as Sounds on Sunday & Sundays YU were part of some great memories around that time.

HARRIS – A standout moment for me was dancing at a Soul of Sydney event during Morales’ final tour a few years ago. It was a beautiful (bright) Sunday afternoon, and there was so much love in the air—everyone knew he was getting older and unable to tour any longer.. it was a special farewell. So many people came out to see him one last time. The energy was electric: people singing, dancing, and connecting through the vocal house and disco he’s known for. It was unforgettable—a powerful reminder of how deeply house music can unite.

RF – So many I have been lucky enough to attend. The 2 standouts would be Josh Milan in 2013 and Of course Frankie Knuckles in 2007 …just seeing them perform and bringing some much joy to the dance floor seeing people united through the sound of house music.

Q. How has the scene evolved over time, and what unique elements do you think it offers compared to other music scenes?

PT – The scene has less regular club nights now compared to what it used to have. But the number of nightclubs in general have declined rapidly in Sydney. Its a different landscape compared to 10+ years ago. We were so lucky to have so many clubs and club nights to choose from in the 90s and early 2000’s.

RF – The scene has changed so much. When I see people lining up for gelato or frozen yoghurt in Surry Hills it just takes me back to queuing up to get into a bar or club. Many bars and even city pubs in Sydney promoted dancing where I just don’t think it happens any more. Dancing is geared more to events like outdoor festivals which promote big room sounds. Its not all negative though, its amazing to see the resurgence of Disco and House through brands like Glitterbox. That party tours the world and sells out everywhere, which means there is still a demand to party to quality musicAs a DJ, you have the power to create a memorable experience for the audience..

Q. What do you hope the attendees will take away from the SPIRIT OF HOUSE event after experiencing your performance and the performances of other DJs?

PT – I hope they will appreciate how vastly different yet beautiful House music can be, and how it can bring people together.

RF – Our aim for the guests is help them feel a strong sense of unity and connection with others at the event. House music has the power to bring people from diverse backgrounds together on the dancefloor, fostering a feeling of community and shared experience. Wanting more of SPIRIT OF HOUSE. Not everyone understands house music, it’s a SPIRITUAL thing …☺️

HARRIS – I want everyone to experience the infectious power of house music—its ability to heal, uplift, and unite. My hope is that they leave the dancefloor feeling empowered, connected, and buzzing with the soul of the music.

Big LOVE.

SPIRIT OF HOUSE WILL BE HAPPENING THIS SUNDAY, JUL 6 at GREENWOOD HOTEL feat. Sydney DISCO ICON STEPHEN ALLKINS [Love Tattoo] , limited final tix for the next party at http://www.soulofsydney.org/spiritofhouse

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