MIK Studio Sydney’s ASPECT is a Streaming Platform Elevating Local DJs
ASPECT, a dynamic streaming platform rooted in Sydney’s vibrant inner west, was born out of MIK Studio's passion for music and community.
The brainchild of a creative collective, ASPECT aims to fill a gap in Eora's underground music scene by offering an innovative space for local and international DJs to shine.
Leveraging MIK’s state-of-the-art facilities, the platform combines cutting-edge visuals with live performances, helping emerging artists find their voice.
Speaking to LBB, MIK Studio’s creative director Tom Cotton, audio engineer - plus the DJ and producer known as swisherman, part of the local Eora/Sydney collective DUNJ - James Whiting, and marketing manager Jared Pollock share how their vision helped transform MIK Studio into a hub for music discovery and creativity.
LBB> Can you share more about the origins of ASPECT and how MIK Studio inspired the creation of this platform?
Tom> We were inspired to create something fun to help elevate local DJs and producers and put a spotlight on the local scene. After experimenting with video feedback and other VFX techniques and having our mix sessions in the studio, we figured that we could use the space beyond its original intention (which was a podcast studio) to help create exciting video material for local artists to help them find their audience and build a community around it in the process.
LBB> What gaps in Eora’s electronic music scene did you identify, and how does ASPECT aim to fill them?
James> We saw the opportunity to help local artists grow their following and bring in international artists for a stop on their Australian tours. We don’t have a local equivalent to Boiler Room, The Lot Radio, or Red Light Radio - DJ sessions with a tight-knit visual component to match. Hopefully, we can shine a light on local talent while connecting more prominent international artists with the local electronic music ecosystem.
LBB> Could you describe the process behind designing the visual elements of your live performances and what inspired the 15-monitor 4K setup?
Tom> The 15-monitor setup was initially designed to enable our in-house video podcast productions to have their branding visible on-screen, a fast alternative to physical sets, which had to be reset and rebuilt before each recording. Tom and James had an undeniable desire to utilise the space as a live music setting, thanks to its solid link to the adjacent recording studio and programmable visuals… so ASPECT came from there.
Regarding ASPECT’s visuals, we wanted to lean on digital motifs and naturally occurring feedback or glitch effects that we could achieve by combining our cameras and screens. The visuals are all about immersing subjects within the space, almost allowing them to become embedded within the visuals around them. By overlaying textures, colours, and alpha layers, we achieved something unique that evolved from session to session. Ultimately, our look and feel are something that we think is relatable to the electronic music space.
LBB> You’ve cited platforms like Just Jam and The Lot Radio as inspirations. ASPECT is currently just a social platform; are there plans to expand it?
James> Definitely. The Lot Radio and Just Jam were just streaming channels in their early days, so we’re taking a leaf out of their book and considering them solid inspiration.
First and foremost, we wish for ASPECT to become a genuine community of music lovers who are supportive and diverse. ASPECT’s values are positive, non-judgmental, and welcoming, so we are opening our arms to anyone wanting to get involved!
Ultimately, we want to foster a platform for straightforward musical enjoyment. Championing sounds from all parts of the world.
LBB> You’ve mentioned a lack of opportunities for underrepresented talent. What are the key challenges emerging artists face in our region, and how does ASPECT help overcome them?
James> As an emerging DJ or producer in Australia, it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle to get noticed without going through the traditional avenues for young musicians. Independent artists are forced to write their own stories, which can often feel difficult when coming up against the slick marketing and promotion that comes from working with more prominent labels and other entities.
We wanted to create a social-first platform that gives DJs and producers a collection of content to work with and use in their promotion to get them more gigs, releases, and opportunities in the future.
We also want to let the artists on our platform be who they want to be without too much restriction or guidance. We feel like this helps give them a foot up, exposes them to a broader audience, and lets them stay genuine and authentic to their values and musical style.
LBB> Looking ahead, what are your goals for ASPECT in terms of visual innovation and expanding collaborations with international artists?
Jared> Moving forward, we’d love to see ASPECT evolve into a live channel, accompanied by live events, audio/visual collaborations and even exhibitions. We’re up for chatting to anyone keen to get involved.
