Here’s a fun fact: Australian producers, DJs and dance acts are taking over the world by storm.
Dom Dolla, FISHER, and RÜFÜS DU SOL have all been nominated for the DJ Awards 2025. Confidence Man, Alison Wonderland, and Flight Facilities are regularly on the biggest electronic and dance event line-ups. And an iconic European dance festival, Tomorrowland, is taking its CORE event heading to Melbourne for the first time this November because, well, its organisers just get the scene’s potential.
But a new generation of DJs is secretly brewing in the Sydney underground music scene. Two of its reps have just scored a gig of their lifetime. They’ll perform this weekend on a globally famous stage, at one of the most legendary party clubs in the world.
PART 238 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
When you think of DJs, which place comes to mind right away? Ibiza? Correct! And if we’re talking about that Spanish island, does the name Ushuaïa ring a bell? I surely hope so. Especially if you’re into dance and electronic music.
Dubbed as “the world’s number one outdoor club“, it’s definitely the place to party if you’re visiting Spain. This summer 2025 season, Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Armin van Buuren are amongst Ushuaïa Ibiza’s resident DJs. Not bad, hey?
So you can imagine what it means for emerging producers to be mentioned alongside them on a bill. DARKHORSE & Grouse, two Australian producers from Sydney, can definitely vouch for that. Especially since they’ve beaten over 1,500 entrants worldwide in a pretty influential, career-definiing competition.
But ANTS: NEXT GEN is not just another DJ contest. Because ANTS is not just another music event.
One of the most iconic underground communities in dance music, it is renowned for its world-class electronic music events. Every Saturday at Ushuaïa Ibiza, the colony takes over with lineups featuring HoneyLuv, TSHA, and more. Now, DARKHORSE & Grouse will join them, representing Australia on the global stage. How? Thanks to one of ANTS’ initiatives for emerging acts.
ANTS: NEXT GEN is the world’s biggest electronic mentorship program, connecting rising artists with heavyweight mentors, talent spotters, and industry leaders who are accomplished DJs themselves. The judging panel of experts this year included Yann Pissenem (Founder & CEO of Ushuaïa Entertainment, Ushuaïa Ibiza & Hï Ibiza), Itziar Gonzalez (ANTS Project Manager), ANTS regulars, Andrea Oliva, Chelina Manuhutu and SYREETA, plus previous winners Us Two (2023) and Firza (2024).
For DARKHORSE & Grouse, the prize is career-defining. It can help them break into the international scene with a full support package designed to elevate their craft from the underground scene to festivals’ main stages. Performing in front of ultimate crowds means the ultimate platform for exposure.
The two DJs get to play a debut ANTS set at Ushuaïa Ibiza this September alongside a huge lineup, featuring featuring Melé, KILIMANJARO, Dunmore Brothers, and other ANTS regulars. They are also rewarded with a generous SoundCloud campaign of “firsts”, including a billboard, release, editorial, and playlists. Lastly, AlphaTheta, Ibiza Sonica, Apple Music, and DJ Mag will throw their support behind the winners, while Point Blank will mentor them in the studio.
This surely looks like another massive moment for the homegrown Australian club culture and proof that the next generation of international headliners is already on its way. But who are DARKHORSE and Grouse? And how did they manage to win over the judging panel amongst so many other participants?
While they are regarded as a duo of producers for this particular comp, separately, their paths are equally impressive. So let’s start with their individual profiles.
From the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, DARKHORSE has been making waves in the Australian dance scene for quite some time. His sets, well-received in clubs and venues across Australia, are inspired by a mix of eras gone by and the modern sounds of today. In the studio, the artist takes inspiration from a range of styles across house, garage, and techno.
His fellow Sydneysider, Grouse, also displays a genuine passion for all things house music. From rich synths to driving and groovy basslines, his knack for creating quality sets is undeniable. Over the years, Grouse has played at some of the finest parties and venues in the Land Down Under.
It’s safe to say that, together, the two DJs are Sydney’s underground torchbearers at the forefront of a new wave of Australian club culture.
In 2024, through the UTOPIC GROUP, they founded SWITCH, which specialises in beachside warehouse raves. One of the city’s fastest-growing brands and Sydney’s most talked-about parties, they’ve built a reputation for exhilarating raw experiences. With multiple sold-out shows and lineups featuring a wealth of international talent, SWITCH is transforming rave events in the city’s East, leaving a lasting impact on the underground dance music scene.
DARKHORSE and Grouse also host their own podcast, The Beat, which amplifies their influence off-stage. Delivering exclusive interviews and insights from global house and techno leaders like Ben Rau, Obskür, and Luke Dean, they have been cementing their role as tastemakers with a following that extends far beyond the dancefloor.
Their productions on labels like Moxy Muzik and META have earned support from some industry legends, including Darius Syrossian, East End Dubs, and Alisha. On stage, they’ve shared lineups with icons like Michael Bibi, Chris Stussy, Skepta, Faithless, and Franky Rizardo.
With so many achievements under their belt, scoring this massive opportunity to play a set at the iconic Ushuaïa Ibiza almost seems like a natural next step for the two Aussie DJs.
So if you happen to be on the Spanish party island on Saturday, September 6th, feel free to rep me at the Sydneysiders ANTS debut (and send footage, please!).
Tickets are still available on the club’s website.
Cover art: photo supplied
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