The Potbelleez

The Potbelleez

The Potbelleez are an Australian electronic dance group formed in Sydney in the early 2000s. The group begins with Irish-born DJs Dave Goode and Jonny Sonic, who move from Ireland to Australia, meet shortly after arriving in Sydney, and start performing together under the name The Potbelleez. The group is active from 2003 to the present and includes Dave Goode, Jonny Sonic, Blue MC, Ilan Kidron and David Greene. They are associated with Vicious Grooves.

Early activity in Sydney

The pair’s first performance together takes place at Darling Harbour, after which they perform regularly as The Potbelleez. Between 2002 and 2004, they organise and play a series of boat and beach parties in Sydney under the name Beats on and off Shore. In 2004, they perform at Sydney’s Home nightclub and at the Magnetic Island Full Moon Party. In the same year, they host Groove Armada’s Ragbull Records launch party and use the proceeds to establish their own production studio.

Tours, clubs and festivals

In 2005, The Potbelleez tour internationally as part of the Jim Beam Mix It Up Tour, with performances in Shanghai, London, Romania, Limerick and Moscow. They also appear at major electronic music events in the United Kingdom, including Global Gathering and Godskitchen. By 2006, they have also played at major Australian venues and events including OneLove in Melbourne, Family in Brisbane and the Good Vibrations festival in Sydney.

Releases and recognition

Their early output includes remixes for artists such as Endorphin and Love Tattoo. Their self-titled debut EP includes “Junkyard” and “Duuurty Dreemz”, both of which receive club play and television exposure in Australia, including on Big Brother Up Late. “Junkyard” reaches number two on the ARIA Club Chart. Their Junkyard EP is released by Vicious Recordings in 2007. In 2006, they are ranked number 48 on Inthemix’s Top 50 list of Australian DJs.