INTERVIEW: Sindy (Area 3000 Radio)
Get to know the brains behind the rapidly rising Melbourne platform…
If you ask me, there’s nothing a good mix series can’t cure. Having a bad day? Dig into your fave mix series. Got a shit haircut? Mix series. Got dumped? Mix. Series. Like a hug from a dear friend, there’s nothing quite like the sense of support that comes with relying on a single source of creative nourishment to ail you. For me, the latest series I’ve dug my teeth into is Area3000. A metropolis of tightly curated mixes from global artists and broadcasted from Melbourne, the online radio platform undoubtedly has something to suit your palette.
Having featured mixes from Roy Mills, Jad & The, Bertie, Escape Artist, Baby G, Mike Gurrieri, Nebula, DJ Luv You and more, the platform explores the rich cornucopia of music that our industry has to offer. The brains behind the operation are none other than Sindy Smith. A bonafide dance music auteur, Sindy is leaving no stone unturned in developing the Area3000 empire. As a creative herself who has collaborated with House Of Friends, Frock Up Radio and Radio Alhara, Sindy’s own selections lean into new wave, 80s synth-pop, experimental, house, Italo, and disco. So how does a single (super)woman found, develop, launch, curate, and broadcast an online radio platform that operates five days a week? Apart, from a shitload of coffee, we’re guessing an abundance of passion, talent, and dedication. But we thought we’d ask Sindy the operation specifics to get a little bit more insight…
What inspired you to start Area 3000 Radio?
I used to live in Lisbon, where I became involved with the local underground music scene. By frequenting warehouse parties, playing DJ gigs, and even hosting my own events, I was lucky enough to meet Funkamente, a respected Portuguese DJ duo, and the creatives behind East Side Radio, an online radio that invites locals and people passing through Lisbon to mix and share music. Local legend CC: Disco! was a featured artist on there a few times too! Area 3000 is definitely inspired by ESR and other online radio platforms around the world, namely NTS, The Lot Radio, and Red Light Radio.
Area 3000 is a space for like-minded artists to connect freely with the community. I love the sense of community and belonging these online spaces build, and wanted to create a platform that added value to the Melbourne scene. I felt there was an opening for a platform like that, especially during the 2020 lockdowns and the current restrictions placed on venues and events.
What kind of obstacles did you face in setting up Area 3000?
The whole process has been a learning experience. For the time being, all radio shows are prepared far in advance to ensure content is ready for online streaming. We broadcast two mixes a day Monday to Friday, which is 10 mixes per week. It’s all very reliant on artist contributions. Some weeks this can be easy and others a lot harder, especially when aiming to showcase a variety of guests, music selections, and of course, ensuring diversity across the board.
Online radio, obviously, relies on the Internet, and much to my frustration, it’s not always reliable. But like with any obstacle, we work through it rather than let it get in the way of what we’re doing.
Sindy Smith
We understand you’re a DJ yourself. What kind of sound do you gravitate toward in your own selections?
I have a very eclectic music taste which I try to showcase in both my DJ sets and the Area 3000 calendar. Growing up I was involved in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip-hop classes multiple times per week. It all influenced my musical taste over the years, varying from classical and jazz to RnB, pop, and electronic music. In my DJ sets, I like to take listeners on a journey and introduce them to new songs and sounds from all over the world. Rather than play a specific genre, I like to keep people on their toes, aiming to consistently bring the best music I can.
How did spending more than 6 months in isolation change or affect your relationship with music and your career goals?
Last year’s lockdown certainly changed my perception of careers and working life. In April, like many others at the onset of COVID, I was made redundant from a job that I thought would be the next step towards my desired career. I then worked in a factory for six months, which was an unexpected yet welcome opportunity considering the sudden drop in employment rate worldwide.
Music quickly became my sole creative outlet throughout lockdown. I started radio broadcasting for SYN and recording DJ mixes for a podcast series and other online radio platforms like Radio Alhara and Empress Records. It was then that I started investing my time in building Area 3000, a passion project that I’d wanted to bring to life for some time.
Looking to the future, I know music will always play a huge role in my life, however big or small. As for career goals, I’d love nothing more than for music to be my day job, but stability seems to be something I want to prioritise, at least more than I used to.
What, in your opinion, is the key to a really good mix?
Surprises and something new. I always say my favourite DJ sets are by artists who are capable of surprising their audience. As a DJ, you’re in a position where you can play music that people don’t know, and (hopefully) blow their minds in the process. I love a classic house track as much as the next person, but I'd rather hear something new when I listen to a DJ set. Likewise, when I am DJing, I want the audience to expect the unexpected.
What is it about Melbourne’s music scene that sets it apart?
What I love about Melbourne is that there is still a passionate force driving the city’s underground scene. We creators aren’t out there to make money, we’re creating because we genuinely love music and being involved. You can feel this passionate energy radiate through our city, through the DJs, promoters, bookers, event organisers and audiences. The resulting nights are truly memorable for all involved - and often lead to new friendships.
Can you recommend any artists that have worked with Area 3000 that you’re really excited about?
I genuinely appreciate every single artist’s contribution to Area 3000 and I am excited about all the guests we feature.
What is your plan with Area 3000? Is there potential for a record label or event series to spawn from this?
Area 3000 is still in its early stages and, while there are many opportunities I’d like to explore in the future, my current focus is on enhancing the listening experience. This month we celebrated 100 shows and launched a Gig Guide to support local artists and events in Melbourne. We want to encourage people who listen to Area 3000 to actually go out, buy tickets to events, and support the artists we feature.