With the doors of Club 77 temporarily closed as we transform our little disco den into an accessible space for clubbers and electronic music lovers with disability, we thought it the perfect time to shine a light on the people who helped us secure funding through Sound NSW’s Venue Upgrade Grants initiative.
First up is good friend of the club and Transenergy founder Sophie Forrest, a tireless advocate for trans representation in dance music, who shares her thoughts on inclusive nightlife, nurturing emerging talent and Club 77’s next chapter.
Hi Sophie, what’s been happening on the DJ front for you lately? Any cool parties you’ve played that you can share?
I'm busy getting rest! I have been doing too much and taking a bit of a well learnt rest. I recently played a really cool party in Sydney called Love Message at the Columbian which was a vibe!
Transenergy has built a reputation for creating inclusive and affirming spaces on the dancefloor. How has the party evolved since it first began and where do you see it heading next?
Originally it was started to get Trans and GNC artists on lineups and we achieved that. Now a lot of the work revolves around creating spaces that nurture local talent and give real opportunities to up-and-coming artists.
From your experience both attending and programming events, what separates genuinely inclusive venues and parties from ones that simply market themselves that way?
Genuine engagement and understanding are first principles. A lot of events and venues want to say they do the work but often lack real policies and purely book in a tokenistic way. Offering real opportunities and understanding regarding the nature of diverse artists goes a long way to creating a space that feels safe.
As Club 77 enters its new chapter with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, what are you hoping Transenergy can bring to the venue and the wider Sydney nightlife community?
More Trans artists on lineups, more internationals and some great music!
Looking ahead, what would you like to see more venues and promoters learn from Club 77’s approach to inclusivity?
I think every venue can learn a lot from the work 77 is doing. It should be a white paper for all future venue development. When you design for the 1% everyone wins. I am proud to be a part of the journey.
How would you describe your DJ sound at the moment?
Still booty and electro focused, but I am finding myself slinging a bit of house too.
Which producers or labels are exciting you that should we be looking out for?
Producer wise, Justin the Lover, and my go-to label at the moment is Moveltraxx.
You released a new track ‘Your Love (It’s About That Time)’ earlier this month, which sees you slowing down the booty electro vibes while keeping the soul/R&B flavours. What drew you towards this new direction?
I used to have a jazz band and do more Motown/soul-oriented music. Dance music is in a transitional phase at the moment and when that happens I always go back to classic sounds.
You’ve said DJ Sprinkles has been a huge influence on your work as an electronic artist. How has her artistry impacted your own?
DJ Sprinkles influenced a lot of my house production back in the day and I actually supported her at 77 a very long time ago. The album Midtown 120 Blues will change your life!
Bridging the gap between untamed techno hues and nostalgic recollections of ultimate electro worlds, fused with jazz and soul notions, South African born artist, label owner and promoter Sophie Forrest lands her spot with finesse. As one of the nation’s few transgender DJs and producers, she too champions trans-represantion across the Australian dance community, celebrating equality, ambition and talent in music.
Stay up to date with Sophie Forrest via Instagram, Resident Advisor, and Bandcamp.
Stay up to date with TRANSENERGY via Instagram.
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