Simona Castricum

Simona Castricum is a multidisciplinary creative and academic working in music and architecture on Wurundjeri land of Kulin Nation. Simona is a musician, DJ and producer, and runs the independent record label Trans-Brunswick Express. She is a community radio broadcaster at 3RRR Melbourne. Simona teaches in speculative architecture at the Melbourne School of Design. Creating music since the late 1990s, Simona’s music is inspired by gender nonconformity, architecture and dreamy IRL/URL futures.

Simona is one of Australia’s most acclaimed underground electronic performers. Her 2020 album ‘Panic/Desire’ debuted at #1 on the AIR 100% Independent Album Chart. She was a nominee for the Australian Music Prize for 2020, and a nominee for Best Solo and Electronic Act at the Music Victoria Awards in 2020. In 2021, SaD—her collaboration with Daphne Camf—was nominated for Best Electronic Act at the Music Victoria Awards in 2020. She is a recipient of three Creative Victoria Music Works Grants.

Simona has evolved into one of Melbourne’s unique live electronic acts. Her 2021 season of SINK, a collaboration with installation artist Carla Zimbler was a sell-out season at Arts House. Her iconic live festival performances include Golden Plains, Melbourne Music Week, BIGSOUND, Something Unlimited, Paradise, and Gaytimes.

With versatility through underground techno, house, electro, italo, synth wave, and new beat flavours, Simona has been a regular DJ around Melbourne queer clubs for over 20 years. Her major festival appearances include Strawberry Fields, the Official Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Party, Monsta Gras and she is a resident at Australia’s premier fetish club ‘Fantastic’.

Her music has been remixed by Berlin’s Aérea Negrot, Melbourne’s Chiara Kickdrum and Various Asses. She has also produced music for Black Cab, m8riarchy, Nite Fruit and Pillow Pro.