Christy.. a seasoned selector originally from Glasgow and now based in Sydney, this DJ has been immersed in the world of vinyl and underground sounds from an early age. With a debut at the iconic S.A.S.H party and a growing international footprint, his sets are a testament to deep musical curation and intuitive storytelling. As co-founder of the SENSE collective – he’s committed to pushing the boundaries of the dancefloor experience. Known for his smooth blends, intricate layering, and emotionally charged grooves, he guides listeners through immersive sonic journeys rooted in rhythm, texture, and intention. The sound resonates with those who seek depth, movement, and spiritual connection through music.
https://www.instagram.com/c29sty/
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Based in Sydney, Australia, DJ and curator Nicholas Zarb has a deep love for everything minimal and micro house. Drawing strong influence from the Romanian scene, his personal style currently gravitates more toward the stripped-back, darker, and hypnotic side of minimal—always aiming to tailor his sound and selections to suit each booking, while bringing something unexpected and versatile to the dancefloor.
At just 21 years of age, Nicholas has already begun to make his mark with sets at iconic events like S.A.S.H, along with a range of intimate underground bookings in Sydney and beyond. He’s shared the booth with international artists and is steadily building a reputation for his deep digging and eclectic taste. He is also the co-founder of sense., a new collective focused on pushing the minimal and micro sound in Sydney. With a mission to inspire and surprise at every booking, he represents a new generation of selectors shaping the future of underground music.
https://www.instagram.com/nicholaszarb/
Tzinah Records: “To start with, please, recommend us something to listen to while we go through this interview. It can be anything.”
C29STY: “Groovesh – slowset”
Tzinah Records: “Could you remember when and where have you felt it for the first time that you were to become a music artist?”
C29STY: “Back a long time ago when I was 16 I remember the first time I beat matched & blended 2 records together & instantly caught the bug for playing music & curating sets.”
Tzinah Records: “Why did you choose to create and play this particular type of music? Are there any artists that touched you deeply while developing your own style?”
C29STY: “I’m drawn to the hypnotic deep Romanian sound because it mirrors something deeply rooted in my inner world. An attraction to subtlety, depth, and a kind of immersive flow that feels almost spiritual. It’s about nuance, atmosphere, and the journey within the groove. Getting lost in rhythm while simultaneously becoming more anchored in myself.
Seeing Rhadow perform at Unum Festival made me realise that music doesn’t have to be loud or flashy to be powerful. It can be minimal, but still magnetic. That experience under those pine trees planted a seed, and my ears started tuning into that space where restraint meets depth.”
Tzinah Records: “Please, briefly, describe for us, the current state of the underground music scene in the place you come from. Is it any good?”
C29STY: “The underground music scene in Sydney has its moments, but when it comes to the deep, stripped-back Romanian inspired sound I love, the options are pretty limited. While there’s energy here, much of the scene leans toward more electro or peak-time sounds. That’s exactly why we started Sense Collective… to create a space and a community for people who resonate with the hypnotic, minimal aesthetic, and to build something more intentional and immersive.
S.A.S.H Sundays has done a great job bringing quality international acts and pushing the underground sound forward, and they’ve definitely helped put Sydney & myself on the map. The warehouse scene also offers raw, intimate spaces that sometimes align with that deeper vibe but it’s still a bit scattered.”
Tzinah Records: “What are the aspects of your daily life that are influencing the shape and sound of the music that you currently make?”
C29STY: “Even though I’m not producing music (yet), my daily life definitely influences the sound I gravitate towards and the way I shape my sets. I work a pretty physical job during the day, so when I come home, I naturally crave something grounding, something with space, patience, and flow. That’s why the deeper, hypnotic Romanian sound resonates so strongly with me. It helps me decompress, reconnect, and shift into a more introspective, present state.
The conversations I have, the emotions I’m processing, even the nature I escape to on weekends… it all shapes how I want my sets to feel, not just how they sound.”
Tzinah Records: “Which underground house DJ or producer would you love to take out for a summer picnic? With which artist (from any music genre) would you spend 24 hours stuck in an elevator?”
C29STY: “For a summer picnic, I’d have to go with Ricardo Villalobos. I feel like it would be completely unpredictable, in the best way. One minute we’d be talking philosophy over a glass of wine, the next he’d be playing percussion on a watermelon. The man’s energy is wild and brilliant, and I can only imagine the stories (and track IDs) that would come out during a sunny afternoon with him.
As for being stuck in an elevator for 24 hours? Definitely Barac. I’d just sit back and let his mind wander—he seems like the type who’d turn the whole thing into a meditative experience. Plus, maybe while he’s distracted, I’d finally get a chance to peek at what’s on that elusive USB of his… I mean, what better opportunity, right?”
Tzinah Records: “Have you already played in your most-dreamed about venue? Which one is that?”
C29STY: “I haven’t played my dream venue yet, but one that’s always been high on the list was Sunwaves. The energy, the dedication of the crowd, the sunrise sets on the beach—it’s everything a lover of stripped-back, hypnotic sounds could hope for. Sadly, with Sunwaves no longer operating, that dream will have to live on in spirit.
That said, playing in Bucharest—especially at one of the city’s top clubs like Guesthouse—is definitely a new goal. It’s a hub for the Rominimal sound, and there’s something really special about playing to a crowd that understands and appreciates the depth and patience of this music on a soul level. It would be an honour to contribute to that kind of dancefloor one day.”
Tzinah Records: “What motivates you to be an active part of the underground scene?”
C29STY: “What motivates me to be an active part of the underground movement is the sense of authenticity and connection that exists beneath the surface. It’s not about trends or popularity. It’s about music as a shared language, a subtle force that brings like minded people together in spaces where ego dissolves and presence takes over.
I’m drawn to the underground because it values depth over hype, and intention over noise. The energy is more personal, more spiritual. It’s where real community can form, where dancers become part of the journey, not just spectators. Through projects like Sense Collective, I want to help cultivate that kind of experience in a city where it’s still finding its footing. Building something from the ground up, alongside people who are in it for the love of the music, keeps me inspired every day.”
Tzinah Records: “What’s your favorite type of breakfast?”
C29STY: “Let’s be honest… nothing beats a proper S.A.S.H breakfast party. After dancing through the night, catching the sunrise with friends, and sharing a bite while the music keeps flowing, it’s more than a meal, it’s a ritual. That combo of morning light, deep grooves, and good company? That’s the real breakfast of champions.”
Tzinah Records: “What do you do when the music is not playing?”
C29STY: “When the music’s not technically playing… it usually still is. Whether it’s reggae, minimal, rap, or a bit of jazz, there’s always something playing in the background, it keeps me grounded and inspired no matter what I’m doing.
Outside of that, I love spending time in nature, getting out of the city to reset and reconnect. Keeping fit is a big part of my routine too. It helps clear my head and keeps the energy flowing. And when I’m home, there’s nothing better than getting creative in the kitchen—cooking is like another kind of flow state for me. Good food, good music, and good vibes, it all goes hand in hand.”
Tzinah Records: “What’s the story behind your Tzinah Family Podcast? How did you record it and are there released or unreleased tracks?”
C29STY: “The story behind the Tzinah Family Podcast is all about collaboration and shared vision. Me and Nicholas carefully selected tracks that represent our common sound while adding our own personal touches, melding both styles into one seamless journey. It’s a reflection of how we connect musically and creatively.
Me and Nicholas recorded the set together in my place after a lot of planning and deliberation. That process really helped us tap into maximum creative flow, making the podcast feel like a real experience rather than just a mix. All the tracks on the Tzinah Family Podcast are officially released… but I’ll be honest, some of them are hard to find.”
Tzinah Records: “Are there any of your plans/upcoming projects that you would like to share with us? Where can we see you play next?”
C29STY: “Me and Nicholas have an upcoming gig that hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s a really big moment for us in our careers… something we’ve been working toward for a while. We’re excited to share more details soon, so keep an eye out!
Beyond that, we’re focused on growing Sense Collective and building the community around the deep, stripped-back sound we love here in Sydney. Hopefully, you’ll catch us at one of those events or other underground spots as we keep pushing the scene forward.”
Tzinah Records: “Supposing you come back reading this interview in 10 years from now; could you try saying something to your future-self?”
C29STY: “If I were to read this interview 10 years from now, I’d tell my future self: Stop worrying so much, enjoy the process, and trust in your abilities. Keep manifesting what feels true and stay connected to that original love for the music and community. No matter where you end up, remember why you started and how far you’ve come.”
Tzinah Records: “To start, could you recommend something for us to listen to while we go through this interview? It can be anything.”
Nicholas Zarb: “Sojo – Darama”
Tzinah Records: “Can you remember when and where you first felt you were meant to become a music artist?”
Nicholas Zarb: “I’d been listening to and building a library of electronic music of all sorts (pretty surface-level stuff) for quite a while leading up to this night that made me really want to take the hobby of being an artist/DJ seriously. I’ve been around DJing through house parties and gatherings with my mates since the age of about 15 or 16, which had me toying with the idea and being curious about doing it myself for quite a while (eventually buying a pair of my own decks – I think around 18, or somewhere just after that age). So I’ve always been amongst it.
The night that really did it for me and got me into digging proper underground tracks was Quest at S.A.S.H by Night back in 2023. I’d never experienced Carousel so busy, so loud, and so chaotic – in the best way possible. It was everything you’d hope for as a young kid watching videos on social media of packed-out clubs, and then actually experiencing that energy yourself.
Although Quest doesn’t necessarily play that stripped-back, minimal that I’m into now and want to push as a DJ, the selections on show that night just shocked me. From that moment on, I realised how deep the world of music is – and that I had to go truly deep into the weird and wonderful and not stay on the surface. Some of the pure darkness he was playing that night really resonated with me as well. It made me realise how much I’m into the darker side of music, which is slowly bleeding into my DJ sets and digging for sure. I think Marco is a phenomenal selector and a really cool guy who inspires me in ways that go beyond the music he plays.”
Tzinah Records: “Why did you choose to create and play this particular type of music? Any artists that deeply influenced your style?”
Nicholas Zarb: “Romanian-influenced minimal has this emotional, atmospheric beauty that I’ve completely fallen for. If I had to somehow compare it to something, it would be a violin in an orchestra – there’s light and darkness, and it fits so many different settings. Every time I dig, I discover new layers and sounds from amazing producers, and I’m just too far in love with it now – it’s the core of my sound as a DJ. Regarding specific artists, I simply can’t choose one, there’s too many out there I love and am inspired by.”
Tzinah Records: “Which underground house DJ or producer would you love to take out for a summer picnic? And who would you spend 24 hours with in a stuck elevator?”
Nicholas Zarb: “Probably Barac or Ricardo Villalobos – can I take both? I feel like they’re both such interesting characters and have been in the scene/industry for a very long time. They’d have some crazy stories to tell and advice to give.”
Tzinah Records: “Have you already played at your dream venue? If not, which one is it?”
Nicholas Zarb: “In Sydney? Yeah, for sure – Carousel, without a doubt.
In the world? No way. Honestly, there are so many amazing countries and venues I aspire to play at one day that I simply can’t put a finger on just one.”
Tzinah Records: “What motivates you to be an active part of the underground movement?”
Nicholas Zarb: “Self-expression, and staying far away from the norm. The underground stands for so much more than just music – it aligns with values and ideas I truly believe in.”
Tzinah Records: “What’s your favorite type of breakfast?”
Nicholas Zarb: “Funny you ask – I actually skip breakfast. I’ve been intermittent fasting for a while now, usually just coffee until around 11 a.m. or midday. If I eat carbs in the morning, I feel sluggish. Fasting gives me this clean, focused energy, especially when I’m working. But don’t get me wrong – I love food. Once the fast ends, I eat a lot, but I do my best to keep it clean and healthy.”
Tzinah Records: “What do you do when the music isn’t playing?”
Nicholas Zarb: “I work full-time in Sales/Finance, though I’d love to transition into being a full-time DJ. Outside of work, I love and find enjoyment in cooking, food, good coffee – everything in that realm. I’m often cooking for myself or my mum, or out at a great restaurant trying something new. Healthy eating is super important to me – it’s improved my life in a lot of ways, both physically and mentally.
That said, the music’s pretty much always playing. I’m constantly digging with any spare moment I get while also brainstorming ideas, and building sense., the collective I run with Christy. I won’t say too much yet – it’s still early days – but we’re putting a lot of thought and passion into it. I’m determined to make it something meaningful and very long-lasting, and I refuse for it to be anything less than successful.”
Tzinah Records: “What’s the story behind your Tzinah Family Podcast? How did you record it, and are there any unreleased tracks on it?”
Nicholas Zarb: “Refer to Christy’s answer”
Tzinah Records: “Do you have any upcoming projects or gigs you’d like to share with us? Where can we see you play next?”
Nicholas Zarb: “I have a big gig coming up in July – definitely my biggest so far. It feels like a full-circle moment for me. I’ll be sharing the booth with not one but two people / friends of mine. One of them is someone I’ve looked up to in the scene, who gave me my first shot and now my first big, notable break as a DJ, and with Christy, who’s become such an important part of both my individual and now combined journey since meeting him. We’ve both put in a lot of work and passion behind the scenes, and now it’s finally starting to pay off. I’m really excited for what the future holds.”
Tzinah Records: “Imagine you’re reading this interview 10 years from now. What would you say to your future self?”
Nicholas Zarb: “Stop overthinking, it will only slow you down.”