“Oriental by birth, Western by training,” Tong 桐 (he/him) stands out as one of Naarm (Melbourne)’s few Chinese queer house music DJs. A devoted student of house music and a passionate record collector, Tong carries the torch for Chicago/NY House and Detroit Techno. Hailing from Northern China, Tong’s journey into the world of dance music began in Beijing’s legendary underground club, 灯笼 Lantern. It was there that the soulful rhythms of Chicago House and the raw energy of Detroit Techno sparked his lifelong passion. Now in Naarm, Tong has honed his craft under the mentorship of industry greats and quickly made his mark on the local music scene. Tong embraces diversity in sound, curating a music selection that spans from disco to techno, deep house to pop. His sets weave together the Chicago swing and jack, the New York glam, and the Detroit groove, infusing elements of soul, funk, jazz, tech, and acid to create a unique house music sound and soulful experience. As a fresh and dynamic presence in Naarm’s nightlife, Tong has showcased his eclectic sound at spaces and events like Hope St Radio, Kiki Bouba Party, and Poof Doof. He also founded the house music event “Hell Yeah Chicago,” dedicated to preserving and celebrating the authentic sounds of Chicago/NY House, progressively shaping the city’s musical landscape.