Steven ‘Espa’ Petridis is a veteran in the world of music, his passion igniting from an early age when he first stepped behind a DJ booth at local house parties in Sydney. As his skills grew, so did his ambition, leading him to become a fixture in the city’s vibrant club scene.

However, it was behind the mixing desk where Espa truly found his calling. His journey as an audio engineer took flight at Electric Avenue Studios, where he honed his craft as an in-house engineer. This pivotal role marked the beginning of a career that would span over two decades and take him across continents, soaking in knowledge and experience from some of the industry’s most iconic locations and personalities.

Espa’s international sojourns included immersion in Atlanta’s dynamic hip-hop scene and a mentorship by Grammy Award-winning engineer Young Guru in France, experiences that shaped his approach and elevated his expertise to new heights. Over the years, he has collaborated with a stellar roster of global talents such as Pharrell Williams, INXS, Future, Swedish House Mafia, Smif N Wessun, Kool G Rap, Tha Dogg Pound, Mad Skillz, Keith Murray, Canibus, Necro, Ruste Juxx, Celph Titled, Young Buck, DJ Total Eclipse and more, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Back in Australia, Espa has played a pivotal role in the local music landscape, partnering with icons of Australian hip-hop including Kerser, Chillinit, Triple One, Spanian, Hau, Mitchos Da Menace, Rates, NTER, DJ Bonez, Thundamentals, Tornts, Hyjak, MC Trey, and more. His contributions extend beyond the studio, where he has shared his wealth of knowledge with aspiring audio engineers through teaching engagements at SAE and community workshops nationwide.

Currently, as part owner and lead engineer of Safe House Studios in Arndale Park, NSW, Espa continues to push boundaries in recording, sound design, and Dolby Atmos technology. Here, he collaborates with a diverse array of artists, from emerging talents to established names, empowering them to realize their musical visions with precision and clarity.

With over a billion streams credited to his work and a legacy of mentorship and innovation, Espa stands as a cornerstone of Australia’s music industry, dedicated to shaping its future one beat at a time.