Artists Profile  

Current Location :: Gold Coast, Australia 

Real Name :: Tyson Illingworth

Music Genres :: Trance 

As a 13 year-old drummer, rhythm was his driving force and punk his favourite style. By 15, he had traded in his drum kit for a set of Technics 1200s, and suddenly, the beat became his own. So with music his driving force and turntables at the ready, TyDi entered Brisbane DJ Wars at just 16, and won. Within months the bookings were rolling in, and Brisbane’s famed Family nightclub took him in as one of their residents.

But while his reputation grew, TyDi’s love of music and desire to be more than just a DJ saw him take a more traditional path. Fresh out of high school, TyDi was invited to study at the renowned Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where he enrolled in the study of Music Technology.

It was a decision that paid off. Just two years out of high school, TyDi entered his first Sony inthemix Top 50 DJ Poll, and rocketed to the #12 spot. One year later, he took out the #4 position. And in 2008, with tracks signed to labels across the world, and praise for his work flooding in from contemporaries far and wide, he was crowned Australia’s #1.

An amazing achievement for someone so young, but this accolade was far from the end of the story. Late in 2008, TyDi hit the studio to produce his debut release. Moving away from his traditional roots, he sought to include real strings, keys and drums in his productions. He insisted on voices that were melodic, emotive and had the power to tell a story.

In pursing this new style, TyDi also chose to team up with ARIA nominated producer Sameer Sengupta, whose work includes credits for artists such as Paul Mac, Sneaky Sound System and The Potbelleez.

In 2009, TyDi is already off to an impressive start. On the back of a stellar performance at Melbourne’s Sensation NYE party, the young maverick has secured Main Stage billing at Trance Energy in Holland and across Australia. And with his debut album set for worldwide release this Easter; Australia’s #1 DJ is a man on the rise.