Spin Off, the latest DJ competition on our Melbourne music scene radar, challenges traditional formats with collaborative heats and an equity focus.
Sticky Sessions has launched something genuinely different in Melbourne’s DJ landscape. Spin Off isn’t your typical battle-to-the-death competition, this collaborative approach has caught attention on the Melbourne radar, championing connection over cutthroat rivalry and inviting emerging DJs to work together rather than simply outdo each other.
Created by local music artist and DJ Alex Carpi, Sticky Sessions emerged from a desire to build a more inclusive and supportive music community. After years performing in pop-punk bands and working festivals, Carpi witnessed firsthand how traditional industry barriers keep talented artists on the sidelines. Spin Off represents her response to these challenges.
Each heat features four DJs in a unique format blending solo sets with back-to-back collaborations. Every participant gets their moment to shine individually, then teams up for b2b sessions that encourage improvisation, room-reading and genuine connection. This isn’t about finding the perfect set – it’s about forging relationships, developing skills and dismantling the gatekeeping that plagues the scene.
Spin Off – Sticky Sessions
- Applications open: 1 September – 21 September
- Open Australia-wide (must be available for Melbourne heats)
- Submit 15-20 minute mix plus personal story
- Heat 1: 17 October, Joey Smalls
- Heat 2: 7 November, Joey Smalls
- Heat 3: 28 November, Joey Smalls
- Heat 4: 19 December, Joey Smalls
- Grand Final: 16 January 2026, Joey Smalls
- Applications: here
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
View this post on Instagram
Major partners are backing this initiative with substantial prizes that have put it firmly on our Melbourne radar. Kiss FM offers the winner a coveted Friday Night Kiss Limelight set and interview opportunity. Joey Smalls provides a paid slot at sister venue New Guernica, while celebrated photographer Charlie Ashfield will capture the winner’s creative energy in a two-hour professional shoot. Moon Dog sweetens each heat and grand final with $100 gift vouchers, and Hunger Digital brings additional collaborative surprises.
Beyond the competition itself, Sticky Sessions is building momentum for broader change across Melbourne radar. A similar competition for live artists is already in development, with more takeovers planned across Melbourne’s music venues. The organisation recently co-hosted the Women and Gender Diverse Folk in Music Brunch at The Wickham during Bigsound.
Punters can support emerging talent by attending heats throughout October and December, culminating in the grand final showcase. This represents more than entertainment, it’s an investment in Melbourne’s musical future, supporting artists who might otherwise struggle to break through traditional industry channels.
Spin Off positions itself as a launchpad for confidence, new opportunities and ongoing collaboration rather than a one-off competition. The initiative reflects growing recognition that music scenes thrive through community support rather than individual competition alone, making it a welcome addition to the Melbourne music scene radar.
For more information, head here.
