International

Interview with Atom (DJ Atomix)

Atom J. is a Year 10 student currently enrolled in our International Program and has taken a keen interest in DJing. Our International team sat down with Atom to discuss his journey with music and how he's developing his own personal sound.

When did you come to Melbourne?

I came to Melbourne in January 2025. I had a few weeks to prepare and get used to everything before coming to this school.

How does this school compare to your school in Thailand?

The school I was at in Thailand-Verso International School in Bangkok - is very different to Cheltenham. The curriculum focuses on student projects. Students can choose what project they want to do. For example, a student might want to build a robot to help a person in a wheelchair to get their food delivered without having to move their chair.

I did a project with two friends where we tried to change the steering on a bicycle to work in the opposite direction. It was fun to customise the bike. We also made a mini golf course out of wood. I like that style of learning. 

When did you first start DJing?

I started learning with a friend in an older year level at school in 2022. He had a DJ desk and one day I asked him if I could try it. He taught me some of his techniques. From that day, I wanted to be a DJ. Later my music teacher said that he wanted me to be an assistant teacher to help students to learn DJ skills because he didn’t know anything about it. So I started teaching a class of 15 or so students in Year 7 and 8. That was a lot of fun. I taught them for about three months. 

How did you get your DJ name?

My music teacher Graham helped me choose the name. He also taught me how to use a loop station and touch pad for percussion.

Describe your DJing style. 

I play EDM and Future House. I use a program called rekordbox, and I import files from YouTube then mix them. 

Have you done any live performances?

The first event that I performed at was in December 2022. The event was called Verso Touchdown - a school event. The second event was called ‘Hackathon’ in February 2024, also at school. The last event I played at was for the Songkran Festival in April 2024.

Are you currently learning music at Cheltenham?

I am learning sound production with Mr Coad. 

Do you want to continue to DJ in Melbourne?

I haven’t played since 2024, but I want to continue to DJ. My mum is very supportive about me being a DJ and is trying to get me a desk so I can play at Chelt’s Got Talent.

What are your future plans?

I want to go to TAFE and learn more about sound production so I can be a professional DJ.

Meet the Team!

                                  Maggie Williams                                             Frank Xue

                              Director of EAL/ELC 

                           & Whole School Literacy                   International Student Support