SEQ’s FRQNC
On a property in South East Queensland, two brothers have joined forces to not only create music but also help others to develop their artistry. Shawn and Stewart Moir are FRQNC, an electronic music duo forging their path in a genre that is booming both here and internationally. We caught up with the pair to learn about FRQNC’s origins, the challenges of being both artist and producer, and where they would like to take their FRQNC brand in the future.
Shawn, you and your brother Stewart make up FRQNC, so for those who haven’t heard your music before, what genre box do you place yourself in?
Electronic music in the genres of Techno, minimal and Psytrance.
Is it challenging working so closely with family, or do you find it makes the process easier?
We both have our own unique strengths and weaknesses so we find it makes the process a lot easier in that we can both manage the workload equally and help each other along the way.
“As we travelled along the east coast of Australia, chasing festivals and music venues, we were inspired by the artists we encountered in the scene”
How did you and your brother get your start making music?
We got our start in music at a young age, around 15 and 18 years old, when we were first introduced to deejaying and music production. As we travelled along the east coast of Australia, chasing festivals and music venues, we were inspired by the artists we encountered in the scene. This sparked a real passion within us for learning, playing, and creating our own music.
So, tell us about your latest release.
Our latest release is an original techno track titled "Focus – FRQNC," which is being launched on the international music label Vision Serpent Records, based in Vienna, Austria. The track draws inspiration from artists Maksim Dark and Lampe, featuring deep, driving basslines, rhythmic percussion, and melodic textures that capture the essence of dark melodic techno.
FRQNC both creates and produces; which process do you prefer? Which comes more naturally to you?
We naturally gravitate toward music production and creating original tracks, as it flows more easily for us. We also enjoy deejaying and performing, especially when we get to hear our creations come to life and experience the fans' reactions.
Do you find that producing your own work takes longer as you are more attached to the material?
Some songs can take longer to produce than others depending on the creative flow and work schedule, but the feeling of knowing that our music will be shared with fans and the larger community makes it much easier to be less attached to the material.
“The academy has helped us develop our Brand and take our music career to the next level ”
FRQNC is part of a music academy. Tell us about that and what it entails.
We joined the OSO Academy, run by the artist J-Dub (Jake Wiemers) based in Miami, Queensland, Australia. The academy has helped us develop our Brand and take our music career to the next level in terms of self-representation, professionalism, advancing our knowledge on content creation, social media marketing, touring, booking management, music production/ mixing and mastering.
You are in the process of building your second studio. How is that going? Any hurdles, or has it all come together seamlessly?
The new studio is complete, but we're already upgrading to keep up with evolving tech, social platforms, and content trends. The biggest challenge is the ongoing cost of subscriptions for the space, software, and tech needed to stay current and keep content fresh.
“The music industry thrives when we support each other, especially in challenging times”
Is FRQNC only working with local talent or are you helping international artists as well?
The music industry thrives when we support each other, especially in challenging times. We’re dedicated to helping artists at every stage of their journey, whether they are local or internationally based. We share knowledge, we aim to provide rhythms and sounds that DJs worldwide crave, and we inspire creativity while keeping the good frequencies flowing.
During COVID, FRQNC would do regular streaming events to help get your music out to the masses. Is that something you will be returning to at all in the future?
The new studio upgrade will provide a space for streaming and content creation in the near future. We plan to release music consistently while documenting the entire process, with videos being uploaded to our YouTube channel and other social platforms.
“We’d love to perform at festivals...”
Will FRQNC be joining any festival lineups soon? Are there any festivals you would particularly like to be on the roster of?
We’re working on a full set of our own original music to showcase and are excited about the opportunity to tour both in Australia and internationally. We’d love to perform at festivals like Ultra Music, Dark Festival, Strawberry Fields, Esoteric, Wild Horses, Beyond the Valley, Rabbits Eat Lettuce, NYX Festival, Earth Frequency, Dragon Dreaming, Ozora, Universal Parallello, Boom, Electric Forest, Tomorrowland, and any event where fans can enjoy our music.
What's the best part about being an artist/producer?
The best part is the opportunity to express our creativity and spread joy and positive energy to people on the dance floor. Hearing positive feedback results. Creating something new and inspiring others.
What's the worst part about being an artist/producer?
Experiencing creative blocks and overcoming mental challenges, Managing the workload and schedules
“Our ultimate collaboration partner would be Boris Brejcha.”
Wearing your artist hat, who would be your ultimate Collab Partner and why?
Our ultimate collaboration partner would be Boris Brejcha. He was one of our early inspirations growing up and still is to this day. His phenomenal techno music would make working with him a dream come true.
Which artist would you, as the producer, most like to work with and why?
We’d love to collaborate with Lampe, as his incredible techno music truly inspires our sound. His production skills would be a great learning experience for us.
What’s the one word you would use to describe the life of a DJ?
Transformative
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
A big shoutout to our lighting VJs—thank you all for the incredible visuals and light shows that keep the vibes alive. Your work amplifies the experience, making the music feel even more powerful and immersive. Record Label Directors, event managers and booking agents for keeping the show going.
What's next for FRQNC? What can fans be looking forward to?
Fans can look forward to a lot! We’ve got a brand-new three-track techno EP dropping soon on Recovery Collective Records in Victoria, Australia, along with another EP coming to Vision Serpent Records in Vienna, Austria. We’re also working on a new Psytrance EP to be signed and will be released soon. Plus, we’ll be adding some exclusive remixes to our live performances.
Follow FRQNC
Facebook Www.facebook.com/frqncee
Instagram Www.instagram.com/frqnc.official @frqnc.official
Soundcloud Www.soundcloud.com/frqnc
Beatport https://www.beatport.com/artist/frqnc/902307
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Wo58QTeWsZvibqNr3lmrI?si=i_n3aa4yQpqlFcEuZI9U8Q
Youtube www.youtube.com/@Frqnc.official
TikTok Www.tiktok.com/@frqnc.official
Artwork www.instagram.com/S_M_artwork
Interview by Michelle Symes
April 2025