Willo talks about her recently released ‘Reflecting’ EP for UK imprint Stress Records, touring with Dom Dolla and salute, and which record labels we might see her on soon.
How has 2025 been going for you so far?
Honestly, it’s been wild in the best way. I feel like I finally hit a new gear creatively, and everything’s just been flowing. I’ve been travelling heaps, playing some of my dream gigs, and getting to connect with more people through my music, it’s been amazing.
You recently released an impressive 5-track EP with Stress Records, talk us through how your ‘Reflecting’ EP came into fruition?
Thank you! ‘Reflecting’ came out of a super exciting, fun but introspective period, just me processing all the experiences, people, and sounds I took in while travelling. I’d always wanted to release an EP full of club tracks, especially after dropping a pretty eclectic mixtape earlier in the year that leaned more ambient and emotional.
Making that mixtape was super cathartic, but those tracks didn’t really fit into my DJ sets, which tend to be more high energy so I wanted to make some music that could match this.
I spent six weeks in London last year, and it was honestly one of the most inspiring times of my life. I was out heaps, meeting new people, hearing new sounds. Then I’d head back to my Airbnb and produce on my laptop speakers, super scrappy but super vibey.
I made ‘Sensor’ in bed one night when I was feeling a bit homesick. I came back to Aus a month later, played it on my studio monitors and was like, yep… this one’s got something. ‘Uno’ had been brewing in the background for a while too, but it wasn’t until I was going out in London that I really locked in the vision. I wanted it fast like the rest of the EP, but with more groove, so I added heaps of percussion and swing.
And ‘Limitless’ came together once I got home, back into my routine, feeling grounded but still holding onto that energy I’d picked up overseas. I wanted it to be simple, uplifting, high-energy. I also loved the idea of bringing back that sampled piano to tie it in with ‘Reflector’ and close the project with a full-circle moment. The collabs came together really naturally and really helped shape the sound for the EP.
Meeting Luke, the A&R at Stress, while I was over there made it even more special. He just got the vision straight away, and having the EP come out on one of my favourite UK labels, while I was literally in the middle of making it, felt super right.
It includes collaborative work from both Baron Von Trax and Tibasko, how did you find working with those guys?
I sent ‘Reflector’ to Baron just before I flew to London, he resonated with it straight away and sent back this epic piano moment that unlocked something in the track. We ended up finishing it together in a studio in Hackney a few weeks later. It felt special to be in the same city (he’s from Melbourne, I’m from Sydney) and wrap it in one of the coolest places in the world.
‘Echoes’ was an idea I’d been sitting on too, and then I had a session with TIBASKO in London, once they laid down those huge synths, the whole track just clicked. It was probably the smoothest, most natural one on the EP. Working with Baron & TIBASKO was the easiest, most natural way to make music, no overthinking – just vibing.
You’ve previously made appearances with labels like Anjunadeep and Another Rhythm, where else might we see you release in the coming months?
I had some really inspiring chats with labels while I was in London, it definitely sparked a bunch of new ideas, but nothing’s locked in just yet. I’m keen to keep things eclectic this year and just focus on making whatever feels right in the moment. Whether it’s a collaboration, an edit, or something totally unexpected, I’m excited to keep pushing things forward and share heaps this year.
And is there one ‘bucket list’ label that you hope to work with one day?
There are so many incredible labels that inspire me. I’ve been really into DH2 lately, it’s a newer label but the music coming out of it is next level. Some other faves would be Young, Ninja Tune, and XL, their curation is just consistently top tier. But honestly, for me it’s all about the team behind the release. If the energy’s right and they’re passionate about the project, I’m open to wherever the music lands.
We saw you support Dom Dolla on tour, and you’re currently gigging alongside salute, what’s something committing to one longer term touring project has taught you about being a DJ?
The Dom Dolla shows were next level, huge production, massive crowds, the whole operation was just wild. It definitely taught me how to approach my sets with more patience and intention, especially in big spaces where you’ve got to really build the energy and keep it feeling personal. Being up on that massive stage, kinda far from the crowd, made me realise how important it is to stay connected.
Touring with salute has been such a fun contrast. The club shows are way more intimate and unpredictable, and it really reminded me how important a good warm-up is, setting the vibe right while still doing my thing. Honestly, both Dom and salute have been super inspiring to be around. They’re so locked in but still have heaps of fun with it, and they’re just genuinely humble, hard-working legends.
And one club you’re really looking forward to playing for the first time this year?
Honestly, I’m just buzzing to play anywhere in the UK or EU. The appreciation for dance music over there is so sick, and after travelling 24 hours to get there, it just feels that much more rewarding.
Anything else to add before we wrap up?
Just a massive thanks to everyone who’s listened to the EP or comes to a show! I really am so grateful to be doing this. Big love and thanks for the chat!
Willo – Reflecting EP is out now on Stress Records.