Johan Sterling

Johan Sterling is a Naarm/Melbourne-based producer and DJ whose sound is a fusion of ‘90s house, hard house, and rave nostalgia. Shaped by his formative years in Melbourne’s queer underground, Sterling’s musical ethos is one of high energy, emotional release, and communal euphoria—echoing the legacy of trailblazers like Tony De Vit. Before devoting himself fully to electronic music, Sterling studied theatre and drama, a foundation that informs his vivid sense of storytelling and performance. His unconventional path includes a stint in the corporate world as a management consultant and lawyer, in contrast to the hedonism and artistic freedom that now defines his work behind the decks and in the studio. Having played multiple instruments through most of his life, he took up electronic production in 2023 and in December 2024, Sterling released his debut EP It’s the Millennium—Post-Everything, including remixes from Naarm UKG heavyweight Wax Thief and pioneering trans DJ and producer Jo Christy. Sterling's rising momentum continued into 2025 with a live debut at Gaytimes Festival, alongside performances at numerous underground parties around Naarm. His tracks have earned support from tastemakers like Ollie Lishman, who championed Sterling’s work at Pitch Music & Arts 2025. Contact: johansterlingmusic@gmail.com