Great dance music has always been about more than just the tracks—it’s about community, shared history, and the spaces that bring people together. On August 22nd, the Bellingen community is in for a special treat as two foundational figures of Australia’s underground club culture, who now call Bellingen home, take over the decks for Tech Now at the Federal Hotel.
Kicking off at 8:30 PM with free entry and support from young local selector DJ Chase, this night is designed to bridge generations of music lovers right in the heart of our local pub scene.
A Night Rooted in Community and Culture
Bringing artists of this caliber to a regional venue like ‘The Fed’ highlights the vibrant, inclusive spirit of Bellingen’s music community. It creates a space where seasoned veterans of the dance floor and the new generation can connect over a shared passion for authentic electronic music—celebrated all the more by having local residents drive the rhythm.
Dave Forward: A true selector of the harder-edge sound, Dave has been DJing since 1990, gaining major traction from 1995 onwards. Now a Bellingen local, this veteran DJ’s style ranges from deep to hard techno. His rich history includes holding residencies at iconic Sydney underground venues like Gas, The Icebox, and 61 Regent St, co-promoting the infamous Acid Bunny parties throughout the ’90s and ’00s, and holding regular guest spots at Frantic, Plastic, Illusion, and Chemistry. After playing countless raves and warehouse parties across Australia and New Zealand, stepping away for family and a new career, and recently returning to the decks—making the switch from vinyl to digital and falling in love with mixing all over again—Dave brings a unique style that is completely his own.
Mel Fitzpatrick (DJ Feisty): A Bellingen local known for her solid, polished, and quality sound characterized by sexy, hip-grinding rhythms and rolling basslines. As the co-creator, producer, and resident DJ of Extra Dirty, Feisty is one of the queer scene’s most popular DJs with a long association with Sydney’s premier underground venues. Her incredible career includes being a veteran of major dance parties like Mardi Gras, Sleaze Ball, Tropical Fruits, and Inquisition, alongside residencies at seminal club Phoenix (CRASH and DIRTY) and high-profile guest sets alongside legends like Carl Cox, Boy George, and Sneaky Sound System.
DJ Chase: Representing the local pulse of the Mid North Coast, young DJ Chase sets the stage, ensuring the night remains deeply connected to the local scene.
Event Essentials
What: Tech Now Underground Techno & Hard-Dance Night
When: August 22nd, starting at 8:30 PM
Where: The Federal Hotel, Bellingen
Cost: Free Entry
Whether you’ve been chasing beats since the 90s warehouse days or you’re part of Bellingen’s thriving modern music scene, grab your friends and head down to support live, independent underground culture close to home.
