Panda set to rock the sunset at festival

Local electronic music-lovers can look forward to the sweet beats of WA's premier regional DJ when Panda takes to the stage for Gossip Festival in May.

Panda, also known as Brenton Cartledge, moved to Karratha with his family more than 15 years ago.

He draws inspiration from a range of genres and established artists such as Stanton Warriors, Mafia Kiss, Sharem Jey, Krafty Kuts and Vanilla Ace.

Since first being introduced to electronic music when he was 18, Panda has firmly established himself in the Pilbara DJ scene.

Panda received the Best Regional DJ nod at the Perth Dance Music Awards night in 2013 and has since toured rural WA supporting the Ministry of Sound.

He has many fond memories of touring the North West.

"It is here I learnt to DJ from Dekhedz and I played my first national support here for Kid Kenobi at the Mermaid," he said.

"I also played my first international support here for Krafty Kuts, who was and still is an idol of mine."

Panda said after a killer opening set last year, he was stoked to return for this year's Gossip line-up.

"Gossip Festival last year was amazing. People were up for anything I threw at them," he said.

"Rocking the sunset over the Dampier foreshore - does it get any better?"

Gossip Festival 2015 will be held on Saturday, May 16, on Hampton Oval, Dampier.

Tickets can be bought at http://www.gossipfestival.com.au/.