Sydney's Chinese Laundry Welcomes New Programming Manager

Chinese Laundry has welcomed Bryony Calleia as its new Programming Manager, who will take over from Nergal Youkhana.

Youkhana, who helped guide Chinese Laundry through a defining chapter of its recent history, is stepping away to take on new projects and transition into a creative consultant role within the team. 

In a significant moment of evolution for the influential underground music venue, Calleia steps into the role with a clear mandate: to build on Chinese Laundry’s 30-year legacy while shaping a tightly curated weekly program that reflects the energy and diversity of underground electronic music communities locally and internationally. A 2025 graduate of Ableton Liveschool’s Produce Music course, Calleia’s experience spans music production, performance, event programming, and creative strategy.

“Chinese Laundry has always been more than a club - it’s where scenes are built” she said. “I grew up on those dancefloors, first as a guest, then a performer and resident, so stepping into this role feels deeply personal. My focus is to honour the club’s history while building a discovery-led program that reflects where underground music is heading.

"We’re backing emerging artists early, championing local collectives, and creating nights that feel culturally significant and built to last. The goal is longevity - a space where people feel represented and where the next generation can say it started for them at Chinese Laundry.”

Having spent years as a resident DJ at the venue, Calleia brings first-hand understanding of Chinese Laundry’s dance floors and community into her programming. She continues to perform at the club while leading initiatives that actively support artist development, including her 'C’est La Vie ' event series and the 'First In, Best Dressed DJ Competition', which has helped emerging artists secure bookings on some of Sydney’s most respected stages.

2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Chinese Laundry, with headline shows from DJ ADHD, Spray, and more. It has also got a stacked Mardi Gras lineup, spotlight Naarm/Melbourne artists Prophecy Girl, previously a support act for Charli XCX, and dynamic DJ/Producer Crÿbaby, Japanese selector DJ Nobu, and Cesco, among others.

Chinese Laundry has long been recognised as a launchpad for emerging Australian talent, with artists including Dom Dolla, Bella Claxton, Caleb Jackson, and Aido Jazz experiencing pivotal moments on its stages. Calleia’s appointment reinforces that role, deepening pathways for grassroots artists while continuing to host globally respected tastemakers.