With a legacy spanning two decades and a catalog brimming with dancefloor anthems, The Presets have long been established as the vanguard of Australian electronic music. Even after twenty years, their creative momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
The duo, comprised of Kim Moyes and Julian Hamilton, first forged their partnership in the mid-1990s while studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. After a debut album in 2005, they fundamentally shifted the landscape of the genre with their 2008 masterpiece, Apocalypso. Today, they remain as vital as ever.
As a summer heatwave sweeps across Australia, the pair is set to intensify the energy in Melbourne. Fresh off a stint at the Ocean Sounds Festival, they are preparing for a highly anticipated, sold-out performance at AO Live Opening Week. The event, held at the Australian Open on January 16, 2026, marks a new partnership with Live Nation Australia.
When questioned about the prospect of new material, Moyes remains characteristically enigmatic. “There’s always the possibility,” he says with a laugh. While the duo has tinkered with new sounds over the last few years, much of their recent energy has been diverted into diverse solo creative ventures.
Moyes notes that sustaining a long-term musical partnership requires more than just technical skill; it demands fresh inspiration. “You might think you can just walk into a studio and start producing, and you can to a degree,” he explains. “But to create something that feels vibrant and essential, you have to go out and accumulate new life experiences.”
Both members have been doing exactly that. Recently, Moyes stepped into the role of musical director for the Brisbane Festival’s Gatsby at the Green Light, while Hamilton has been helming the musical direction for the APRA Music Awards since 2024. This is in addition to their prolific individual work as producers, remixers, and club DJs.
The Presets’ discography is a roadmap of electronic evolution. Their 2005 debut Beams set the stage, but it was Apocalypso that became a cultural phenomenon. Reaching No. 1 and spawning hits like “My People” and “This Boy’s In Love,” the album secured six ARIA Awards. Crucially, it was the first time an electronic act took home the prestigious Album of the Year and Best Group trophies.
Subsequent releases followed suit: 2012’s Pacifica reached No. 3 on the charts, while their most recent full-length effort, 2018’s Hi Viz, debuted at No. 5. Moyes believes these external projects only strengthen the band’s core. “Collaborating with other artists and taking on different musical roles adds a layer of depth to our own identities,” he says. “While there aren’t immediate plans for an album, the desire to create together is always there.”
Fans heading to AO Live can expect an immersive experience. The TOPCOURT area at Birrarung Marr will be reimagined as a premier open-air concert space. The Presets will be joined by a stellar supporting cast including RONA., Harvey Sutherland, and Post Percy, alongside other weekly headliners such as Hot Chip, Elderbrook, and Cassian.
