Josh

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Josh Panakera-Molony / Shot at The Collective Ensemble on King Street / Wears Sydney Romantics archival Baseball Jersey by @ebbetsvintage and picnic Bucket Hat in Green.

What do you do for a living?
I teach music production at Liveschool, DJ and play shows.

What is your passion or side hustle?
Not much time for a side hustle these days although I’m working on finding a balance by making sure I get out and see friends and checking out shows /exhibitions/ nature to keep the inspiration up and avoid becoming a hermit. Very fond of a good dig for records, a swim or a meal with friends. The best days involve all.

What drives you?
An unwavering love and admiration for the mystery of music.
I’m lucky to be friends with some of my greatest musical inspirations so it’s easy to be driven by the push and output of others that are working just as hard and often harder. I’m always trying to tap into that honest and ethereal connection that the greats are able to communicate with their audiences. The feeling that drew me in since forever. I hope I never truly reach it because its keeping me going right now – maybe the greats felt that way too?

How do you juggle it all?
Poorly and on very little sleep.
Although I work relatively slowly, I work consistently and obsessively.
I tend to begin work as soon as I walk in the door at home until I cant stay awake, often falling asleep with headphones and resuming when I wake again.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
I’d really love to continue to develop my craft and move into in a more traditional producer role in studio environments. Working with other artists and producing their records.
I’d love to write for film. I’d love to travel through my music.

What do you love about Sydney?
I often reflect on the dichotomy between the land/sea and it’s environment and the hustle of the city. If you get the balance right you can get a lot done and feel like you’re on a vacation at the same time. I also think about the way in which a lot of people’s motivation is born from necessity. It’s not cheap here so you can’t just get by unless you work hard. I sort of like that idea sometimes – am I a masochist? I respect the constant push from people here to keep the city alive. The warehouse culture that continues here has been incredibly informative for me as far as experiencing dances in really open and motivating environments.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
I love meeting up with other friends and checking out what they’ve been making and inspiring each other – well at least I’m inspired by them. There’s amazingly talented people here making and putting out a lot of great stuff across the musical spectrum and everyone is very open to it all. I love going to a good dance – probably catch me at a few of those.