This month, we’re spotlighting Arianna Sunshine – a Queensland-born, Bondi-based DJ and creative force who blends house music, fashion and culture into one immersive world. With roots in photography, modelling and creative direction, Arianna doesn’t just play tracks – she builds an atmosphere, telling a story with every transition.

With her first original release dropping in early 2026, we caught up with her to talk artistry, energy, identity and the moments that shaped her journey.

 

You’ve worn a lot of creative hats — how did DJing become part of the story?

I had an early start in the creative industry, as soon as I left high-school I began working full time as a photographer and video editor. As with any artist, I’ve always seen the world in colour, movement and emotion, music just felt like the one medium that seemed to fuse everything together. When I moved away from my small hometown to Sydney and was exposed to a much more diverse music scene, I realised that DJing could be another opportunity to express myself. 

 

What kind of energy do you want people to feel at your sets?

I want people to feel like they’ve been transported to a world that usually only exists in their imagination. To feel connected to a more free, idealistic version of themselves. Music should feel like a celebration of community, empowerment and self expression.

 

How does your creative background influence your sound and performance?

Growing up in a missionary family, I spent a lot of time experiencing different cultures and ways of life. Everything that I create is rooted in storytelling. Photography taught me how to share my experience of life through visuals, now I share my world through sound. I mix like I’m building a visual narrative: tension, texture, atmosphere and release. 

 

You’ve already shared stages with some heavy hitters… what’s been a real “pinch me” moment for you?

I’m still only at the beginning of this music journey. From the day I started I said that I just want to shoot for the stars and see what happens. I honestly never expected that manifestation would translate so quickly into a full time DJ career. When I got that call up that Cassian needed a support DJ for his show in Sydney, I almost left my jaw on the floor. It was the first time I really got to play the music that I love after hustling through months of bar gigs and crowd pleasing events. Looking up to a full room of people locked into my grooves and handing over to Cassian himself has to be one of my favourite moments so far. 

 

How would you describe your sound in three words?

Eclectic, Chuggy, Atmospheric. 

 

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since stepping into the music scene?

Your energy is your currency. Technical skill is important but people remember how you make them feel. Protect your space, trust yourself and stay authentic to who you are and what you love. Also avoid too many tequila shots before DJing 😉

 

What’s one moment from your journey that made you think “yep, this is it”?

Early on, my best friend and I had the opportunity to DJ for Rufus du Sol’s private after party. At the end of the night  they ran over to tell us how much they loved our set. That was pretty much the only motivation I needed to take DJing VERY seriously. 

 

Okay, dream set: location, crowd, vibe – go.

My favourite place in the world is Cappadocia, Turkey. They run an incredible festival in the desert there called Echoes from Agartha.  I remember saying before I ever even started DJing that my biggest dream would be to play a set there while the sun rises and the air is filled with hot air balloons. 

 

What’s one thing you want people to feel when they leave your set?

I want people to feel like they’ve remembered a part of themselves that they’d forgotten.

What’s next for Arianna Sunshine?

Next year is shaping up to be a huge one. I’m looking forward to my first time doing international shows, breaking deeper into music scene and releasing a huge project that I’ve been working on over the last couple years. My first release will be out in early 2026 and I couldn’t be more excited to share my original sound with the rest of the world.

And the iconic REDDS question… what’s in your red cup?

Vodka Redbull – A DJ’s best friend. 

 

Last one – dream party guest, any era, any artist?

Fela Kuti, His rhythm, energy and spirit. I would pay to see that man on the dancefloor.

 

✨ Follow Arianna’s journey as she brings her high-energy sets and creative vision to dance floors everywhere. This one’s just getting started.