How John Course Built a Legacy in Australian Dance Culture

Send us Fan MailJohn Course is one of the true pioneers of Australian dance culture.From the late 1980s onward, John was at the forefront of shaping how dance music was played, shared, and experienced in Australia. Long before festivals dominated the landscape, he helped define an era where clubs were the heartbeat of culture, DJs were tastemakers, and records travelled through word of mouth, dance floors, and trust.In this conversation, John reflects on his journey from early obsession with music, to becoming a driving force behind influential platforms like Vicious Recordings, and how those moments helped push Australian dance music onto a global stage.We talk about:His early beginnings and lifelong obsession with musicHis impact on dance culture from the 80s through the clubbing golden eraFavourite moments from decades behind the decksThe evolution of DJs, clubs, and audiencesAnd how he’s still influencing dance culture today, without chasing trendsThis isn’t just a look back — it’s a story about longevity, passion, and how real cultural impact is built over time.