Phil Simmonds has been working in the Sydney bar and club see for some 14 years, and despite the ever-changing global club sound, his roots and soul lie simply with house music.

At the age of 20, and after leaving school and attending spending a considerable time on the wrong side of the decks, he was introduced to house music through mixed tapes sent direct from the UK by his sister, which resonates the club scene in the very early 1990’s.

The mixed tapes showcased the original garage sounds, and house from the likes of Danny Rampling, Jeremy Healy, Justin Cantor, Andy K and Apollo K to name a few.

These dodgy mixed tapes, sold from suitcases on the tube, were enough to change his perception of music, and instil a dire need to be surrounded by this thing called House.

Phil’s first set was a Wednesday night at The Cauldron in 1994, and after being told by the owner “that was the worst DJ he had ever heard” he then quickly went on to hold a Tuesday. Friday and Saturday night residency for some 3 years. Playing along side the likes of Sydney DJ’s Jonathan Wall (Fuzzy) and Sharfiff Galal (Triple J).

At the same time (1994) he initiated the DJ concept to the Greenwood in North Sydney, and its first dose of house music, playing under the guise of DJ WHO. He had this residency on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and often accompanied by DJ KayCee (DMC Champion).

From here he was invited to the newly purchased Soho bar to initiate entertainment and after being asked by the owner “house music…. what’s that?” commenced the Leisure Lounge upstairs from The SITE in 1996.

From here he held residencies at numerous clubs throughout King’s, Oxford St, And Surry Hills including Hellfire Club, Byblos, Eden, Burdekin, Kinselas Day Club.

In 1997 with Paul Legaz they formed SLY PRODUCTIONS, and commenced Moontoonz -Friday nights an a little known venue called Moreton’s on Sussex, which after considerable success opened one of the first outdoor Sunday recoveries in Sydney – Crisp on Sunday @ Moreton’s. He also hosted Boogie Nights on 96.9 DEX Fm 96.9

In 2000 after Moreton’s had seen its final record spun, he took the same house music sound into the recently opened Cargo Bar at King St wharf, where he held a residency for some 6 years.

2009 - Phil lives and DJs in Singapore.

djs@rhythmgroove.com or mail@matrixmusic.com.hk