DJ Astro Black

Astro Black is an American DJ and music producer. He grew up in Los Angeles on his father's diverse collection of blues, soul, funk and reggae - which helped set the tone for his musical inspirations. He infuses these creative influences into his own sound, which combines this wide range of styles, blending them together in his own unique artistry. Astro emerged in the early 90's as a DJ not afraid to take risks and transcend the limitations of being genre specific.

His musical journey began with him learning drums as a teenager. He played in numerous bands, his favourite being the ones that blended genres and blurred lines. Although Astro has always listened to and loved all styles of music, he has had a deep connection and love for music since the 90's. By the mid 90's he was experimenting with producing. After having released a handful of tracks and remixes under different names, he began to cement his reputation locally, in LA as a talent force.

His musical journey took him to reside in London, where the music scene and accessibity to european hotspots were influential in his musical growth. Astro performed at various open mics, jams and busking spots throughout London and Europe. He eventually ended up taking up residence in Australia, where he has been musically active every since.

He has played alongside some of the industry's biggest names. His high energy sets have secured him a solid reputation worldwide, as a party rocking, crowd pleasing act.

Lyrics Born, Arrested Development, Bone, Thugs and Harmony, Ice Cube, Lee Scratch Perry, Rae & Christian, Norman Jay, FreqNasty, Third World, GangStarr, Shaggy, Maxi Priest, Blue King Brown, Katchafire (tour support), Robert Koch, Nucleya, Business Class Refugees, King Jassim, Gaudi, Reggae Rajahs, Grace Barbe, Mahesh Vinayakrem, Thundamentals and The Funkoars are just a few of the names, Astro has shared the stage with.



In 2013, Astro was chosen to provide the music for Carmichael Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival (The entire shows collection was curated by Astro.) A first in the history of the event.

Astro was an international delegate at WOMEX in Cardiff, Wales. As well as being a delegate two years running at the IndiEarth Xchange Festival, in Madras, India. His tour schedule in 2015 saw him touring in Israel, India and around Australia.

He performed a set at Global ISAI Music with renowned Indian percussionist Shatish Babu.

He also toured parts of India with Seychelles born, Grace Barbe and her Afro Kreol Band. They performed in Chennai, Bangalore and Goa.

Astro performed with Australian Indigenous, visual artist KMBA (Sam Cook) as the "Blak Wax Project" in Chennai and Kolkata in 2015. Their performances received rave reviews, from both the Indian media and public.

He also performed in 2015, with The Zen Pad Experience. A collective of producers, sound designers and musicians from all corners of the globe. The collective features The Business Class Refugees (Israel), world famous, maloya singer Nathalie Natiembe (Reunion Island) and carnatic vocalist/musician Mahesh Vinayakrem (India). They performed at the IndiEarth Xchange Festival to critical acclaim. Astro also travelled to Israel, to perform with the group at the Yearot Menashe Festival.

Not one to slow down Astro toured and performed with NZ reggae heavyweights Katchafire as part of their "Down With You Tour 2015" doing Australian support.

Astro was the closing act at the prestigious BMW Taste The North Gala Event. The $250 per ticket event showcases a mix of some of the regions top tier movers and shakers in the art, fashion, food and dance world.



When not on the road, on a stage, Astro can be heard on the airwaves, delivering his trademarked "Rebel Radio" show. He has been a presenter on SBS's Alchemy Radio, Bondi FM and 4K1G where he presents a cutting edge, hybrid mix of sounds collected from around the world, during his travels.

Whether playing a beach party in Goa, playing a Sydney hotspot or dropping a set at a festival, in any exotic location in the world, Astro is commited to the dancefloor and making the crowd move.

He was an integral part of the sound of Bondi's reggae/ska group "The Versionaries" Astro lent his production, songwriting and vocals to their project "People Pressure" released independently by the group.



He has also worked extensively with Ronald Jemmot (The Strides), producing tracks for the Barbados born singer. One of the tracks "Rights & Justice" was remixed by UK born, Perth resident, Drum n Bass heavyweight Greg Packer (Dr. Packer) it was released on Interphase drum n bass label.



Astro runs music workshops for at risk youth, when his schedule allows. He believes that sharing his skill with young people may help them make some right choices in life. He consider's it to be an important part of what he does, to give something back.



Despite achieving levels of success – both critical and commercial – Astro remains a genuinely humble, self-effacing individual. A globe-trotting DJ, who, rather than constantly follows the trends or hype, prefers to let his music do the talking. Thankfully, his music more than does the talking – it speaks to people.