Christelle Ridon and Gregory Hunter first made waves as the duo Radieux, mixing saxophone with electronic beats to create their signature sound. Thpugh they’re now pursuing solo paths – Ridon on the decks and dancefloor, Hunter on the sax – the energy that brought them together hasn’t changed. Their collaboration started with intimate get-togethers and local gigs, and over time they’ve built a style that blends live music, DJ sets, and movement in a way that’s spontaneous and fun. From house parties to festival stages, the pair have taken their sound everywhere in between.
In conversation with Christelle Ridon & Gregory Hunter
Let’s get up to speed. Tell us a bit about you and your career to date.
Our relationship began, and then truly blossomed through hosting events together. Drawn to each other almost magnetically, we realised our individual passions could be nurtured through a shared love of music. When Christelle moved back after living in Sydney, her brother gifted her a small DJ controller. We asked a friend of ours, Jimmy, to teach us the basics of mixing. That very weekend, the three of us played at a house party. From that moment on, we knew this was what we wanted to do. Christelle quickly picked up mixing, which allowed Gregory to layer live saxophone over the top. Together, we created a unique DJ duo dynamic we call Radieux – meaning radiant in French.
How would you describe your personal style, on and off stage, and what influences it most?
Christelle: My personal style, both on and off stage, is constantly evolving. I’m drawn to beachy, neutral tones paired with elegant silhouettes and gold jewellery. It’s influenced by a love for understated luxury that feel timeless, elevated, and relaxed while still making a statement.
Gregory: Honestly, my style has levelled up thanks to my personal stylist Christelle. But before then, I had a lot of exposure to up-and-coming styles/trends through modelling and getting to shoot with top brands prior to the launch of their latest collections. I used to love op-shopping and getting creative and finding random unique pieces that I could alter, repurpose or paint on.
Your sets fuse jazz, house and afrobeat with live sax and dance. How do you find the sweet spot between structure and performance?
Christelle: At the heart of everything is having fun. Being able to turn our shared passions into a career is a privilege we don’t take for granted. Truly understanding our clients and their vision for every event or occasion is so important to us. Sitting down for a coffee in the lead up allows us to connect, align, and ensure our performance is thoughtfully tailored to each client. That way, on the day, we’re confident, excited, and able to do what we love most.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as artists, and how has it shaped the way you work?
Christelle: The best advice I have received as an artist is not to chase what’s working for everyone else. Instead, focus on what you genuinely love and trust that it will unfold in your own way. That mindset has shaped how we work by keeping us authentic, intentional, and aligned with our creative vision rather than following trends for the sake of it.
Gregory: Art is never finished, only abandoned. This reminds me that perfectionism isn’t always productive and that there is no wrong or right when it comes to creating. Just create. Respect the art. Perfect the craft.
Are there any New Zealand musicians, designers or creatives you’re inspired by – or think more people should be paying attention to?
Christelle: I absolutely adore watching Rain & China (the Katayanagi Twins) DJ. These ladies have an incredible ear for music and know how to move a dance floor without fail. I also really enjoy watching Brotherhoodjz, KeKe, and other talented Afro and House DJ’s who bring such a electric energy to their sets.
Gregory: I was heavily inspired by Josh [Heares] and Holly [Sarah Burgess] from Porter James, as I was lucky enough to shoot with them. I both admired their art (fashion & photography) and loved how they used their individual creative talent to execute a combined creative vision together. I’ve also been inspired by many musicians and various genres of music over the years – a few Jazz Saxophonists like Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk, or Nathan Haines in NZ. I loved watching Rain Katayanagi develop alongside her sister, they really brought a new international house scene to NZ. Otherwise regarding my personal music, Six60 as a kid, Drax Project introduced the sax to pop, Muroki has the sauce and I’ve always adored Mako Road.
Quick-fire questions
The next item on our wardrobe wishlist is…
Christelle – Tricky question! I’d have to say red bottoms have always been a dream of mine as a heels dancer.
Gregory – Dior suit head to toe. Anything from SGC.
The song (or album) currently on repeat is…
Christelle – I’ve curated my own little playlist of international house songs I truly love listening to. It makes me so happy and excited to perform again.
Gregory – I listen to playlists. Currently I’ve been listening to AfroRave, a playlist I made of all these dope afro sounding house tracks featuring a lot of saucy Sax. Very Radieux vibe.
Our go-to spot for food or drinks after a set is… The Nightcar, Churchil Bar or WaterBoy for oysters.
Our next dream destination to play is… SYDNEY!
Early birds or night owls… Definitely night owls, but in saying that they were often the first to go home.
Three everyday essentials we can’t live without… Coffee. Music. Good company.
