Inspired by the sounds of Ibiza, London, and Tulum, directors Ivana K and Lucia M are on a mission to bring quality, immersive house-led experiences to a city currently obsessed with high BPMs.

For Ivana K and Lucia M, the journey to becoming event promoters started where all great music ventures do: on the dancefloor. A wild night at a Habitat gig years ago solidified their friendship as rave buddies, cementing a shared love for partying to good music that ultimately became the foundation of their brand, RITUAL.

Now operating as promoters for the past two years, they chose the name RITUAL to reflect two core ideas: viewing the dancefloor as a temple or rite of passage, and creating an experience that you return to again and again.

We sat down with the RITUAL directors to discuss the risky magic of a perfect New Year’s Eve countdown, the battle between algorithms and brand trust, and why Perth’s current obsession with high BPMs is creating a bubble.

🛑 Bursting the Perth Bubble

Bringing a blend of genres inspired by iconic clubs in Ibiza, London, Tulum, and major European festivals, the duo knew there had to be other people in Perth craving their specific sound. However, navigating the local landscape comes with a frustrating reality check.

“Perth is a bubble,” they note. “At the moment what seems to be popular here is the higher BPM territory. Once you travel and experience what’s available overseas, you realise how much more there is beyond the bubble”.

They point out a real shortage of venues in Perth that genuinely cater to house music, adding that it never ceases to amaze them how artists who headline major clubs and sell out shows internationally can struggle to draw a crowd in Perth. Despite this, they remain optimistic about the future, predicting a stronger appreciation for house-led sounds and more crossover between genres over the next 12 months.

🏛️ Quality Over Hype

When it comes to building their lineups, RITUAL strictly books DJs based on how well their sound fits the brand and their ability to make people dance.

They heavily support emerging DJs whose style aligns with what they are building, ensuring sets are curated so artists can play to their strengths. “We believe that quality outlasts short-term hype, so we stay selective to protect the standard of the music and the overall experience,” they explain. And what instantly kills that experience? “Flat lifeless music”.

That commitment to longevity extends to their digital strategy. While they acknowledge the influence of the Instagram algorithm, they refuse to let it dictate their marketing. “You’ve got to strike a balance between performing for the algorithm and building your brand,” they advise. “Performance might get you the engagement, but a strong brand will earn you the trust and reputation”.

✨ The NYE Miracle

Taking risks is part of the job, and budgeting for the unpredictable elements of venue hire, lighting, and decor makes every show a gamble. But when a risk pays off, it creates pure magic.

Their ultimate “click” moment happened during their New Year’s Eve 2025 countdown. Having never run a NYE event before, the reality of being responsible for hundreds of people’s countdown hit them hard just two weeks out.

“We hit play on the countdown and it perfectly lined up with midnight and the drop,” they recall. “We couldn’t believe it, no adjustments, no scrambling. The midnight track also perfectly captured our vision for the RITUAL sound. The crowd was locked in, the sparklers went off on time. It couldn’t have gone any better”.

Industry Insiiide: RITUAL… Breaking the Perth Bubble and the Temple of House Music

⚡ Ivana K & Lucia M Quickfire

Category	Answer
Origin of the Name	The dancefloor as a temple/rite of passage, and something you return to.
Favourite Venue/Event (Perth)	Solouk & Blossom Festival.
Favourite Artist to Book	“We love our talented locals”.
Dream Collab / Concept	Franky Wah / Shen.
Ideal Event in One Word	“Immersive”.
Vibe Killer	“Flat lifeless music.”
Most Memorable Crowd	RITUAL’s 1st birthday at Geisha. “You could FEEL the energy in the room”.

🔌 Pass the Aux

We ask every feature guest to answer a question left by the previous interviewee.

Incoming Question from The Industry Link Event:

“Why did you get into running events?”

RITUAL:

“We both spent a lot of time overseas, we knew there had to be other people in Perth craving something like this… we love to party to good music and that is the foundation of RITUAL.”

Outgoing Question for the Next Promoter:

“What’s a moment on a dancefloor you’ll never forget?”

Follow RITUAL: [Instagram Link]