New event series Thread celebrates Asian voices in Naarm’s electronic music scene

On Saturday, October 12, Naarm (Melbourne) will host Thread, an event highlighting the rich connection between East and Southeast Asian identities and the electronic music scene.

Taking place at the Gasometer Hotel, the debut event will feature local favourites Sophie McAlister, Genki Tanaka, and Nak, alongside emerging talents Steve Pan and Sam Liu.

Curated by Aaron Lee (DJ Alias Makoyana) and featuring graphics by photographer Justin Deng, the above line-up promises a blend of downtempo, house, techno, and bass throughout the night.

Thread’s mission goes beyond the music—it fosters dialogue around identity, culture, and personal stories. Through engaging discussions, artists will share insights into their experiences with music, food, and travel, offering a unique cultural perspective often missing from traditional DJ sets.

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“For an event, DJs are typically silent, they speak through their music, so we thought it would be interesting giving them a voice in this way. It’s also nice since we may not often find a chance to talk about these things, even when our friends from different backgrounds would be keen to hear it,” says Aaron.

In addition to fostering local discussions, the organisers invited artists with international experience to share their insights on the electronic music scene in Asia.

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Their goal was to ensure that Thread plays a key role in strengthening the growing connection between Australian and Asian dance communities, with plans to feature international acts in future editions.

“Asian influence in pop culture has grown immensely here, so why not dance music? I think there is potential to create something truly unique as we exchange ideas in music, culture, and nightlife. It may not be immediate, but one day, it would be cool to see Australia and Asia not as lesser versions of what’s happening in Europe but its own thing and equally reputable,” Aaron adds.

For more updates, follow Thread on Instagram here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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