From illegal Boorloo warehouses to securing international bucket-list bookings, Kiel Rogers and Layton Webber are fiercely protecting the queer and minority roots of the underground.
Thirteen years ago, Kiel Rogers was playing a set at the legendary Naarm/Melbourne queer club, “Hugs and Kisses”. Fueled by youthful angst, he named his night “Garbage” because he felt the club’s heavy rotation of disco, Italo, and Balearic tracks was exactly that: garbage.
“Maybe this is the first time I’m coming clean,” Kiel laughs. “But I didn’t think everything is garbage. I was just more of a little shit then… I also collect Italo, Balearic, and disco records and I play them when I want to hear it.” He eventually tacked “tv” onto the name simply because the domain garbagetv.tv was available—and the name stuck.
Today, with Layton Webber joining as co-director three years ago, Garbagetv has evolved from an angsty Naarm club night into a cornerstone of the Boorloo (Perth) underground.
We sat down with the Garbagetv directors to discuss the danger of bidding wars, why analog purism is a privilege, and the 960-person warehouse party that changed their entire operation.
🏭 The 960-Person Turning Point
When Garbagetv first returned to Boorloo, the events were strictly confined to warehouses and illegal spaces. But the turning point came when a staggering 960 people showed up to a single warehouse event.
“Nothing happened, but it was a lot of work, just the safety aspect of it all, which is the most important part,” Kiel explains.
That massive turnout prompted a strategic return to established clubs. “The club leaves it open for everyone to come, and we have help safety-wise,” he notes.
🏳️🌈 Protecting the Space
At its core, Garbagetv operates on a simple, uncompromising philosophy: it is for the minorities, not the majorities.
“It started with the queer community and I believe it’s still there for the youth and minorities coming up,” Kiel says. “It’s our space, and it’s up to everyone to educate each generation.”
When it comes to curation, the duo is unapologetic. “Selfishly, I just wanted to play and listen to what I like, and I still feel that’s what we are doing,” he admits. “The bookings are just selfishly who we want to see play, from locals to internationals.” That exact mindset is what led them to tick off massive bucket-list bookings, like being the first to bring DJ Stingray and Herrensauna (Nicky and Cem) to the city.
🛑 The Industry Friction
While the Perth scene remains strong—with the duo shouting out local crews like Alt, Boring Divine, Midnight Elevator, PTMC, Vetigo, Nest FM, and Circuit Central—the wider industry is testing their patience.
“I feel agencies and where it’s all headed is the hardest part of it all,” Kiel observes. “Money, also. It’s become a lot about money where it never used to be. Everyone should be paid, but they also should play where they fit the best, not just bidding wars.”
They are equally straightforward about dancefloor etiquette. The fastest way to kill a Garbagetv vibe? “Ket and phones,” Kiel says bluntly. “Also, wanting to be there for a photo with the artist instead of dancing. Keep dancing.”
💿 The Privilege of Analog
In a scene often divided by the “vinyl vs. digital” debate, Garbagetv cuts straight through the elitism. Kiel originally learned to mix on records simply because CDJs weren’t available at the time.
“I love both, but it’s quite privileged to be able to afford any equipment at the moment, especially turntables and then records,” he points out. “People should be able to play any way they want… as long as they play for the music and not the clout.”
📅 What’s Next?
Garbagetv is showing no signs of slowing down. This weekend features GARBAGE XXL with Sam Alfred, marking a massive new step for the brand. Saturdays belong to the BOOM ROOM at The Rechabite basement, with huge mid-year bookings including Wolters and Surusinghe on the horizon.
⚡ Garbagetv Quickfire
| Category | Answer |
| The Directors | Kiel Rogers (13 Years) & Layton Webber (3 Years) |
| Brand Origin | Named out of angst during a residency at Naarm’s “Hugs and Kisses” |
| Vibe Killers | Ketamine, phones, and taking photos with the DJ instead of dancing |
| Favourite Local Crews | Nest FM, Alt, Boring Divine, Midnight Elevator, PTMC, Vetigo, Circuit Central |
| Most Memorable Crowd | Optimum Trans (Moopie and Gez) at Boney |
| Ideal Event in One Word | Dance |
| Advice to Past Self | “RUN ahahahhahah” |
🔌 Pass the Aux
We ask every feature guest to answer a question left by the previous interviewee.
Incoming Question:
Outgoing Question for the Next Promoter:
“Is it for you or is it for them?”
Follow Garbagetv: [Instagram Link]
