We are proud to present the tenth installment of A Handsome Mixtape. We’re officially in double digits for the Handsome Mixtape, and what better way to celebrate than showcasing an amazing mix put together by equally amazing Sydney DJ, Adam Sandlah. Each month we’ll showcase an amazing young DJ whose tunes are something special.They’re all ridiculously talented, unbelievably cool and will have you breaking out your best dance moves in an instant. Read on to see Adam’s interview…
We’re loving this mix. What was the inspiration behind it?

Since it’s summer at the moment (well technically, but it probably shouldn’t be because of the terrible weather we’ve had), I wanted to incorporate the perfect vibe that we all love. The mix commences with some raw and sun-drenched edits to soak up the heat. These are followed by some deep tracks that lead into dusk and when the sun goes down, the nocturnal party tracks come out to play and complete the mix.
I also wanted to include some fine remixes from our very own backyard, ‘STRAYA! There has been some really cool local stuff leaking through the domestic and international market(s) and I’m frothing! An edit from the Future Classic lads Flight Facilities, a Mic Newman (Melbourne house music extraordinaire) edit of a Canyons track (both absolutely killing it) plus Cassian’s (Sydney disk jockey/production guru) take on a Rapture track.
When did you first get the music bug?
Well, I picked up a guitar when I was about 12 years old and have been playing/recording ever since but in terms of digital production and spinning records, it has only been in the last five years or so. I started off being a party disk jockey when I was super young (as you do) which was followed by discovering the old Cutters and Bang Gang parties throughout Sydney which embedded my love for funk and sexy bass lines. A shout out must also go to my uncle who got me into vinyl edits and 90s house in the last few years, LEGEND!
What music did your parents play?
Both love the Beatles, Elton John and the Cure for example but out of the two, my mum was and still is a musical connoisseur with her tastes varying from Bowie and Rod Stewart to Fleetwood Mac and Blondie.
Who would you like to play with in the future?
I’ve always been a massive fan of Aeroplane (I guess I have to include the Magician now too) since I started spinning records so he would have to be the number one priority. The Horse Meat Disco lads from the mother country would be fun to jam with also the NYC house legends in that of 6th Borough Project. In saying this, I’m happy to play with anyone who loves banging tunes!
What’s the next big thing in music?
Well I’m mad about hand claps (mainly of the double variety) and clicks which are both quite prominent at the moment but I think saxophone is slowly making a solid come back which is great to see (or hear?)!
Any cool collaborations coming up?
I’ve just finished off a remix of Swedish house lord MTRN’s track ‘Slow’ for the Stoney Roads competition which will be available for your listening pleasure soon! I’m also in the process of remixing a track from a Sydney band who are making solid inroads, Thieves.
2012 will be the year for me to hit the production side hard as well. I’ve been dabbling with unreleased originals and remixes for a while but I’m uber keen to get stuck into it so stay tuned folks! Finally, I’m also starting up a monthly event at a brand new venue in Potts Point so that should be loads of fun. The Village was actually visited by Leonardo DiCaprio recently so make sure you check it out!
Is fashion important to music and vice versa?
One may say that the two go hand in hand and I agree to some extent but I don’t think they’re necessarily important to each other. The exception to the rule is Kanye West of course.
Do you prefer your ladies in a bikini or a one-piece?
Some suit bikinis and some suit one-pieces but if I had to pick one, it would have to be the one-piece because I think it’s a lot more challenging for a girl to pull off the flawless 80’s look. In saying that, I’m a sucker for any sort of female swimming apparatus.
What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig?
There were burlesque dancers at the gig on New Years Eve which was pretty gnarly! Other than that, crazy dance moves that I have never seen before from punters in various locations.
What do you think is the one quality that makes a DJ great?
It’s all about the music. Track selection is a significant element but track knowledge is also important because if you know you’re tunes back to front, a good set turns into a great set.
How would you describe your self and your style in three words?
Charismatic, charming and crazy?
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My old boy always said and still says ‘every dog has their day’, it can be used in so many contexts!
What’s your signature drink?
I will drink pretty much any beer and/or cider but if I had to pick a signature drink, it would be Mojito fo’ sho.
Tracklisting:
The Journey – Sander Kleinenberg feat. Kraak & Smaak (Kolombo Remix)
Feelin’ Love – Paula Cole (Psychemagik Reem Mix)
Psychic City – Yacht (Classixx Remix)
Psycho Killer – Talking Heads (Drop Out Orchestra Remix)
Perpetrating – Wildkatz
Let’s Dance – Cajmere & Russoul
Foreign Language – Flight Facilities feat. Jess (Will Saul & Tam Cooper Remix)
See Blind Through – Canyons (Mic Newman Remix)
Mother Protect – Niki & The Dove (Goldroom Remix)
So Long – Larse
Walk With Me – Oliver
How Deep Is Your Love – The Rapture (Cassian Remix)
Baby I’m Yours – Breakbot
We would like to thank Adam for this ridiculously amazing mix, it’s definitely one to dance in the rain to! If you think Adam’s mixtape is the bees knees, check him out on Soundcloud and Facebook.