ARIA DJ Of The Week: DJ Mr Sparkle

Each week, ARIA highlights one of the DJs that contributes to the Top 50 Club Tracks Chart.

Calling on influences such as a music teaching mum, years of soul and funk immersion, roller skating discos, through to the Manchester sounds of the 90s, acid jazz, old school R’n’B and hip hop, DJ Mr Sparkle has been a mainstay of South-East Queensland’s club scene for over 20 years.

Sparkle has also been an ARIA Club Chart DJ since 2013 and has appeared in a host of Brisbane nightspots including The Met, Blackbird, The Family and Fluffy, Next Hotel, Press Club, Zuri, The Wickham, Uber, GPO, Main Squeeze, Monastery and Jorge amongst many others.

Since moving to the Sunshine Coast, Sparkle holds down residencies at the Palmwoods Hotel, Beerwah Tavern, Rolling Rock, Muller Bros and Hotel Yamanto.

Sparkle has been an approved Teacher with DJ School Australia on the Sunshine Coast since 2020, giving DJ lessons from his Kings Beach studio.

1. Tell us about your style of music…

I play anything these days but still love my house and nu disco grooves!

2. What makes a set by you unique?

Being able to move through genres and seamlessly keep the vibe alive!

3. What's your guaranteed floor-filler?

Still has to be 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' by the Sarge! The Sgt Slick’s Melbourne Recut always rocks the dance floor!

4. You have to step away from the booth for a break, what's your go-to long song?

I’m pretty quick these days and always use the bathroom pre-set.

5. What would be your ultimate music collaboration?

Purple Disco Machine for sure!

6. What is the most rewarding part of being a DJ?

Keeping smiles on peoples faces although that’s not always achievable.

7. Can you share any tips for people who want to become a DJ?

Learn how to mix properly! From 70bpm - 140bpm. It helps just a bit.

Click here to apply to become an ARIA Club Chart contributor.