On September 2 there will be an “unabashed, unpretentious dancefloor action for SPASTA, as part of NONSTOP WKND,” as described by the PR.
Adriana’s SPASTA, a nod to the traditional Greek practice of smashing plates in fits of kefi, will play a significant role in the event. Alongside Adriana, DJ Adriana also hosts Opalakia PBS radio and possesses a distinct familiarity with navigating both traditional and contemporary sounds.
What intrigues many, especially an older audience, is why a young Greek Australian DJ, who appears incredibly hip, incorporates Greek laika, pop, rebetika, as well as folk into her sets.In an interview with Neos Kosmos, Adriana reveals that Spasta was conceptualised two years prior. “It was born from the idea that I could share aspects of my Greek culture with the music community I’m a part of.”
Spasta is not exclusively for Greeks; in fact, the DJ notes that numerous non-Greeks also attend.
“The music spans various genres, including boogie, house, and electronica, while the attendees are music enthusiasts who tune into community radio and support local talent.”
The upcoming festival weekend will feature artists such as Jamie Tiller from the U.K., Ani Phoebe from Hong Kong, the Australian-Colombian sound system Amaru Tribe, and Disco Mediterranea.
Spasta is a celebration of Greek culture, with some of the “memorable moments,” according to Adriana, involving the breaking of plates while dancing to zeibekika.
“Notis played the bouzouki during one of my DJ sets, and we even served souvlakia at Fairfield Amphitheatre.”
At the Max Watts gig, Adriana mentions that the Pontians will be present to “deliver a show-stopping performance.”
She reflects on her past, where much of this music was played on her radio show, and asserts that those who have witnessed her sets would recognise her eclectic musical choices, spanning various genres and time periods.
“For me, Spasta is about presenting different facets of Greek culture in an accessible and relatable manner,” says the DJ.
She acknowledges that the experience might seem “overwhelming or inauthentic” to the older generation of Greeks in Australia, but she notes that the unique upbringing of those born and raised in Australia has been shaped by diverse influences.
She emphasises that “Spasta aims to build a bridge between our Motherland and our home in Melbourne, with the heartfelt intention that anyone is welcome to cross it.”
Adriana is not merely creating a bridge between cultures but also connecting generations. For the older disco enthusiasts from the 70s and 80s, significant changes have occurred, not necessarily in the clubbing ethos but in technology. “During the 70s, DJs played off vinyl, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s that beat matching gained popularity and DJ gear became accessible to the masses,” Adriana explains.
In the 90s, during the post-E (Molly to the kids) era, “people used mp3s and that’s when CDJs were introduced.”
“This shift altered how people mixed and engaged with their music, as tracks were cycled through more rapidly, reducing the expense of acquiring the tunes they played.”
Adriana points out that today, there’s a blend of these diverse formats: vinyls, CDs, and mp3s.
“Some individuals cherish working with vinyl and thoroughly knowing their records, while others, like me, appreciate the playfulness, functionality, and convenience that come with mp3s.”
Adriana adapts her approach to various setups and expresses her commitment to continuously “learn, grow, and refine” her skills as an artist.
Ultimately, Adriana assures everyone that the Max Watts gig will exude “good vibes, diverse club sounds, Pontian dancing, and even a Zorba.”
For more information on SPASTA go to nowornever.melbourne.vic.gov.au/event/spasta
