FAST 10: Floss Dogg
We chat to the Melbourne underground scene’s ‘It Girl’ about who she looks up to and what empowers her…
When I first started in the music industry, it’s fair to say I was more than a little intimidated. Navigating your way through the who’s who of music crews, labels, promoters, and DJs so widely adored that they seem to carry a cool breeze with them wherever they go, it can be hard to find your feet. Amongst all these names, Floss Dogg was one I’d see pop up regularly. Appearing on posters for parties at Sub Club, Angel, Colour and everywhere in between, what I knew then about Floss Dogg was that she is a purveyor of high energy mixes dipping into electronic, techno, acid, breakbeat, UKG, and ambient.
What I’ve since come to learn about Floss Dogg, aka Florence, is that she’s so much more than just the parties she plays at and the badass mixes she curates. Alongside this, Floss is the co-founder of Melbourne’s beloved Primer series and the host of the weekly Astro Girls event at Dr Morse. She’s a host on shows for Skylab Radio (Primer World) and Hope St Radio (Date Night), an insanely good graphic designer, and one of the founders of Melbourne’s WIP Project, a platform that champions and promotes diversity and intersectionality amongst Melbourne’s music industries. Not to mention, perhaps my favourite accolade of hers - Floss is also a board game creator. What a vibe.
Above all else, what I now know about Floss Dogg is her unwavering dedication to equality and diversity within the music industry. She is a voice for the people, often saying what others may be afraid to and acting as the catalyst for conversations about inclusivity and how important it is for the industry to be held accountable. I think this is why, amongst a sea of cool promoters, famous DJs and label crews, for me, Floss Dogg always floated to the top, claiming a place as the cream of the crop. If not for how honourable her intentions are, plus how proactive and dedicated she is, then for her fucking wicked mixing skills and sick taste in music. I’m a fan Floss. Keep it up.
Taking time out from her hectic schedule, Floss Dogg went 1 on 1 with us for the next instalment of Fast 10.
1. THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY MUSIC:
Cheeky, Steezy, Tough.
2. A FEMALE ARTIST EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW:
Nice Girl. I’ve been a big fan of hers from day one, and her latest EP, ‘Whistling Thorn’ out on Public Possession, is transfixing. Also Baby G, she’s so badass and skilful on the controls, and her track selection is wild! She had the crowd in the palm of her hand when she closed Primer at Colour recently. She also makes wicked tunes and is a huge legend to boot.
3. A TRACK I’M EMBARRASSED TO LOVE:
There’s no shame in the game of enjoying tunes, baby! Some may consider ‘True Colours’ by Cindy Lauper to be embarrassing but I say it fucks ;)
4. THE LOCAL INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE:
Women and GNC people making tunes. It’s awesome to see the progress being made in DJ land, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the same thing happen in the world of production. It will lead to other roles like sound engineers, studio owners, label bosses and beyond becoming more accessible and equal. Plus, more dope tunes for everyone to press play on!
5. MY DRINK OF CHOICE AT A GIG:
Negronis are high up on the list but can’t go past a pint of lager when playing.
6. WHAT EMPOWERS ME:
My partner, Robbie. He unconditionally supports me in everything I do and also makes me a better DJ. Playing together as Drip has made us both improve and we’ve found a very cool groove with melding our musical tastes. We both go through the same ups and downs with our gigs and running Primer, so it’s very comforting to have someone there by your side that just gets it!
Floss Dogg playing at Hopkins Creek
7. THE BEST GIG I’VE EVER PLAYED:
Tough question! Playing in the Bait Shop at Hopkins Creek has to be up there. I played Lift Yourself by Kanye West (the Poopy-di scoop song) among some jungle and classics. The vibes were exceedingly high that year at Hopkins (as they are every year). Champing at the bit to get back to the crater!
8. IF I WASN’T IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY I WOULD BE:
I was late in the game to the music biz; I was always just an avid punter. I didn’t start DJing until I was 27 years old, and I got into it via designing gig posters. If I didn’t end up DJing, I would probably be more focused on my web design studio (FLSY Studio), but I’d still be at the club dancing every weekend ;)
9. SOMEONE I LOOK UP TO IS:
Gabby Jarrel, AKA Afrodisiac, a woman of maximum integrity smashing the status quo! When she came on board with us at the WIP Project, she took so much initiative from the get-go, and she’s one of the most fearless people I’ve ever come across. She’s always working hard behind the scenes keeping promoters accountable for booking fair, intersectional, diverse lineups. The fact that I saw her making these calls and turning down gigs as a baby DJ really showed me that I should be doing much more.
10. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED:
Remember that what you have now is what you used to dream of! When you find yourself wanting more, more more... try to zoom out and appreciate your achievements.