The Operatives Records

A collective of multi-talented musicians and curators of the clandestine Espionage gigs, they are responsible for tours of ground-breaking local and international talent and most recently, a record label responsible for promoting Australian artists to a global audience. The Operatives and it’s Agents are a unstoppable and talented force of DJs, producers, singers and songwriters, radio hosts, audio engineers, photographers, videographers, writers and artists who are responsible for Melbourne’s most exciting creative output. From their own musical accomplishments to curating independent labels, compilation series and community radio shows. The Agents have one target: pushing the boundaries of Australia’s music scene, regardless of genre, be it hip-hop, electronic, drum ‘n bass or soul music. Since it’s inception in 2010, Espionage has been more than just a ‘gig’ – it’s an event that feeds your senses. Selecting the most innovative musicians from across the globe to tour across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, Espionage aligns local and international musical talent with mind-bending visuals and unique venues. From their humble beginnings above a karaoke bar to selling out the city’s largest dance floors, the discerning and ever-growing followers of The Operatives ensure that Espionage never remains secret for long. The Operatives are also focused on fostering the music and culture community locally. Newly launched monthly ‘Remedy’ offers all profits to a charitable cause and Espionage also provides intelligence for Melbourne Music Week, White Night Melbourne, Let Them Eat Cake and Meredith Music Festival among many more. Always evolving, The Operatives have now set their sights on the launch of their in-house label. The current roster spans the diverse talents of Melbourne’s most promising musicians, including the unfathomable future-funk of AMIN PAYNE, astonishing soul singer SYRENEYISCREAMY, the smooth sounds of multi-instrumentalist SILENTJAY, the driving force of tear-out drum n’ bass legend HOOVES, boundary-pushing producer ABLE8, the Jazz-inspired sounds of MPC-banging COSMO, the genre-bending experimental beats of FUGITIVE, underground pioneer of bass music A13 and the dark, diverse productions of The Operatives own director JPS.