DJ Phemme: Hobart’s Amy Walsh secures two plum gigs

It’s been a month to remember for a young Hobart woman: In her daytime guise, she graduated uni and secured a plum gig at the RHH. And at night, she is set to soar.

DJ Phemme who will perform at Taste of Summer. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It has been a month to remember for West Hobart’s talented young Amy Walsh.

Not only did she graduate from the University of Tasmania on Friday; not only did she secure a role at the Royal Hobart Hospital as an intern pharmacist; but she has also been invited to play two gigs at this month’s Taste of Summer Festival.

Why would a pharmacist be amping up crowd’s at one of the state’s most iconic events? Don’t you know? By night, Ms Walsh is DJ Phemme, who has made a significant splash in the 18 months she has been spinning decks.

“My long-term plan is for DJ Phemme to be a side hustle. Ideally I will work as a pharmacist four days a week and make the rest up deejaying. Gigs are a nice way to keep the work-life balance. It keeps life fresh and engaging,” she said.

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Her invitation to play Taste of Summer came about from her involvement in the City of Hobart and The Grand Poobah sponsored Leg Up deejay training program for under-represented groups.

Ms Walsh caught the eye of Taste of Summer creative director Jo Cook, the legendary former owner of Salamanca Place’s Syrup Nightclub – “the last hotspot before you reach Antarctica” – which closed in 2016.

Now, in a major coup for her burgeoning career, Ms Walsh will play two sets across the week-long festival.

For Hobart’s dedicated club monkeys, Ms Walsh, who moved to Tasmania from her native Melbourne aged 15, will already be a familiar sight.

DJ Phemme who will perform at Taste of Summer. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

She plays regularly at Altar’s queer hoedown Judy’s and The Grand Poobah, has opened gigs for The Illustrious Blacks and Paramida, and she’s also well on her way to becoming part of In The Hanging Garden’s furniture – she played there again on Friday night.

Ms Walsh said she is dedicated to playing women and queer artists.

“I love Honey Dijon, if they release it, I’ll play it. Peggy Gou. I like to bring in older tunes as well, Whitney Houston, Donna Summer,” she said.

They key to success on the decks, Ms Walsh said, is to “know the crowd better than themselves”.

“Match the energy, if they’re really enjoying it, don’t change it,” she said.

Taste of Summer runs from December 27–January 2 at Princes Wharf No 1. Icon Daryl Brathwaite is headlining the New Year’s Eve party, which kicks off at 6pm.