What’s My Scene: Motez is making music for himself – and the dancefloor
In our regular Q&A column What’s My Scene, InReview speaks to emerging and established local artists to get their take on the South Australian creative scene and their place within it. This week, Motez reflects on his initiation into the Adelaide scene, and his unapologetic return to the dancefloor.
Where was your first Adelaide gig, and how did it go?
My first Adelaide gig was at a place called Vodka Bar. It’s not there anymore, but I still remember it really fondly because it was such an incredible first show. Looking back, I was pretty lucky to have such a strong debut. Massive shout out to Mike Phillipou, Tom Stapleton and Chris for taking a chance on me all those years ago. Those early opportunities really do stay with you.
What is your artist origin story?
I was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and moved to Adelaide when I was young. I’m actually about to celebrate 20 years in Australia, which has made me reflect a lot on what it means to build a life somewhere new. Immigrants can still be spoken about in such a negative way even after all these years, or used as a bit of a political football, but the inevitable reality is that people bring so much with them: culture, perspective, work ethic, stories, creativity. Music has always been part of my life, but things really started to take shape after moving to South Australia. From there, I was lucky enough that music took me around the world, playing clubs, festivals and venues I could never have imagined growing up. It’s been a pretty incredible journey.
What was your impression of the Adelaide creative scene when you first started, and how has that changed?
When I first started, it felt like a really tight-knit scene. Coming in as an immigrant who didn’t know many people, it could be a little intimidating because so much of the industry seemed to be built on long-standing friendships and personal relationships. But once I became part of it, I realised just how welcoming and supportive everyone actually was. People genuinely wanted to see each other do well, and there was a really strong work ethic across the community.
In a lot of ways, I actually think that’s still the biggest strength of Adelaide’s creative scene. The relationships and friendships are what hold it together. As the music industry has grown and become more commercial, I think some people have lost sight of what drew them to music in the first place. That’s why you’re seeing such a rise in smaller parties, independent festivals and community-led events, they’re creating spaces where people can reconnect with the music, with each other, and with that feeling of why we all fell in love with it in the first place.
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How has your own work evolved since you first started?
I think it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. When you’re just starting out, there are no expectations. You’re making music because you love it, you’re experimenting, and if people connect with it, that’s a bonus. I’ve always thought that’s probably the healthiest way to build a creative career.
As things grow, though, so do the expectations. You can become a bit of a victim of your own success because every release gets measured against the last one, whether that’s by the industry, fans or even yourself. I definitely went through a period of thinking that way.
More recently, I’ve found my way back to making music for myself first. Ironically, I think that’s made the work stronger. I’ve also started expanding what I do beyond records and DJ sets into exhibitions, installations, film composition and more immersive experiences. Rather than putting all my creative energy into one thing, I’m letting different projects satisfy different parts of me as an artist. I think that’s made me more curious, more fulfilled, and ultimately more excited about creating than I’ve been in a long time.
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What is it about your next release that you’re most excited to share with the world?
I have a new song in a couple of weeks that I’m really excited about because it’s part of a new batch of songs that are unapologetically made for the dancefloor. They’re about those moments you share with friends, loved ones, or even complete strangers when you’re all caught up in the same energy. There’s always a story behind the music I make, and that hasn’t changed, but this time the story is less about introspection and more about connection, release and euphoria. I wanted to lean fully into that feeling of losing yourself in the music and sharing a moment with the people around you. I have also just finished making the music for a really fun short film which I am equally excited about.
Who are the artists around you that inspire or challenge you?
We’re honestly spoiled for talent in South Australia. I think The Empty Threats are one of the best bands this city has to offer. Their live shows are incredible, they’ve got this energy that’s impossible not to get caught up in. Stu is an absolute superstar and one of the nicest people you’ll meet, which makes it even easier to root for them.
I’d also say DJ Cruise. In my opinion, he’s the best DJ in Adelaide. His music selection, the way he reads a room, and the way he builds a set are second to none. On top of that, he’s an amazing producer. I love being around people who are constantly pushing themselves creatively, and both of them definitely do that.
Also keep an eye out for Avalon Kane, she’s doing some incredible work.
Favourite Adelaide venue to play?
I’ve been lucky enough to play some incredible venues in Adelaide over the years, so it’s hard to pick just one. Nowadays I actually don’t play in Adelaide all that often, maybe a couple of times a year, and it’s usually at a festival or a bigger event but I have to say that I have done a surprise, very intimate set at Nearly when they celebrated their birthday, and getting to play in a small bar again was really special, really had the best time there.
They’re all good friends of mine and I spend lots of time there. I wanted to do something a little different for them, so I brought some records from my collection and I played a set full of ambient, disco, funk and soul, music I don’t normally get the chance to play. Because it wasn’t announced, it ended up feeling less like a gig and more like a glorious house party. Most of the people there were friends anyway, so there was this genuine sense of community in the room. Nights like that remind me that some of the most memorable sets aren’t necessarily the biggest ones, they’re the ones where everyone is there simply to share the music together.
Dream artist to perform alongside?
At the moment, I’d have to say Daniel Avery. He’s been a huge source of inspiration for me, and his latest album, Tremor, is just an incredible journey from start to finish. It ticks all the boxes for me: it’s soulful, brooding, emotional, there’s a real sense of tension and release, and it tells a story without needing words. I think we’d complement each other really well on a lineup because we both care about creating an experience, not just playing tracks.
Favourite artist to collaborate with?
There are a few, to be honest. First would have to be Underworld, I’ve been a massive fan ever since I was a kid. I love how timeless their music feels; it’s hard-hitting, emotional and almost trance-like all at once, and they’ve always managed to balance raw energy with real depth. I’d also love to work with Spray because I’ve been really drawn to his more cosmic take on house music, there’s so much melody, atmosphere and emotion in what he does. And finally, Brutalismus3000. I love the collision of punk attitude and dance music in their sound. It’s high-octane, uncompromising and full of personality, and I think making something together would be a lot of fun.
Where is your next Adelaide gig/exhibition/performance, and how do you hope it will go?
Nothing’s locked in just yet, but I actually just played at Housing Boom at the Adelaide Gaol a couple of weeks ago, and that was honestly one of my favourite hometown shows to date. The energy on the dancefloor was incredible, everyone was there for the music, and there was a real sense of community on the dancefloor, I love what those guys have created. If that’s anything to go by, I can’t wait for the next Adelaide show, whenever it is. It’s always special playing at home.
Motez has curated the lineup for Supersonic music festival at Hindley Street Music Hall on Saturday July 18 as part of Illuminate Adelaide
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