We’re only two weeks away from one of Sydney’s best cultural events, Vivid Sydney. A combination of incredible light shows, music, theatre, ideas and more, it’s an amazing Sydney experience, certainly its most exciting during the winter months, and we can’t wait until it all kicks off between May 27 – June 18. The music curation only gets better every year, and 2016 is no exception. To help you wade through your options, here’s our personal picks for the most unmissable music at Vivid Sydney 2016 (in alphabetical order).
Bon Iver Presents: Cercle
I doubt we need to work too hard explaining why Bon Iver is a must-see event. A musician’s musician through and through, Justin Vernon and co have long been considered an incredibly important part of the contemporary music world. In Vernon’s first visit to Vivid since 2012, Bon Iver will be premiering a new retrospective live show, Cercle, at the Sydney Opera House across three nights this May.
When: May 27 – 30, 8pm – 10pm
Where: Sydney Opera House
How much: From $89
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWcyIpul8OE
Bjork Digital
An utterly inimitable pioneer and musical innovator, Bjork is premiering a new virtual reality experience at Vivid this year, made up of seven 360 degree videos created around her stunning, heartbreaking 2015 album Vulnicura. Bjork herself will be DJing at the event’s two opening nights, while the exhibition, including a chance to experience the virtual reality productions, will be free throughout the entire festival.
When: June 3 & 4, 6pm – late (opening parties) June 4 – 18, 10am – 6pm (exhibition)
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
How much: Opening nights – $110, exhibition – free
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWHpoJT3qK4
Come Together Festival
It’s no secret that we’re currently living in the Golden Age of Australian hip-hop, and this year, Come Together Festival returns to Luna Park as part of the Vivid celebrations. The night is set to showcase the best in local hip-hop, including Drapht, Illy, Spit Syndicate, newcomer Manu Crook$ and a tonne more. And if you get in early, the Luna Park rides are free from 1 pm!
When: June 11, 5pm – 11pm
Where: Big Top, Luna Park
How much: From $55
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_xZt5rt4u0
Curve Ball
Curve Ball is a really exciting new event that focuses on innovative, boundary-pushing electronic producers from Australia and beyond. Headlined by the mysterious and incredibly talented LA producer Zhu, you can also look forward to sets from Yuma X, Basenji, Cosmo’s Midnight, Elk Road, Nicole Millar and more.
When: June 11, 3pm – 10pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
How much: From $79
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_ARibfCMhw
Deafheaven
San Francisco five-piece Deafheaven are set to storm the Opera House with their explosive, intricate and all-round stunning sounds this June. While a mixture described as “black metal, post-rock and shoegaze” may not sound appealing to everyone, trust me on this one: their incredibly unique, showstopping live performance, at which they’ll be showing off their recent album New Bermuda, is worth checking out even if metal isn’t your usual thing.
When: June 2, 7:30pm – 9pm
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Opera House
How much: From $39
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLoGU6l88QA
Goodgod Super Club
Goodgod Small Club may have sadly shut its doors last year, but the Super Club lives on once more in a very special Vivid Sydney showcase. Across four magical nights, the Opera House will revive the revered parties in a mega way. Featuring Joey Labeija, Junglepussy, Mike Who, Simon Caldwell and many more, any Sydneysider who spent their weekends sweating it up in that boxy backroom should make these shows a Vivid must-see.
When: May 27, 28, June 3, 4, 9pm – late
Where: Sydney Opera House
How much: From $39
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FyU0OwRrOM
Halfway Crooks vs Dutty Dancing
I’m a long time fan of hip-hop club night Halfway Crooks, which recently celebrated its seventh birthday. It’s joining forces with Caribbean night Dutty Dancing to come together for a special joint edition of the long-standing parties. Taking place at its long term home of Plan B, formerly Goodgod, get down to enjoy the best of both worlds: hiphop and dancehall, finally together at last.
When: June 4
Where: Plan B, Chinatown
How much: $16.90
Tickets and more info here
Halfway Crooks. Image: The Thousands
Heaps Gay: The Festival of Queer Delights
Heaps Gay is once again set to take over Marrickville across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, with wicked performances in store from Collarbones, The Blow Waves, Rainbow Chan with Moon Holiday and Corin, Yo! Mafia and the Heaps Gay Twerk Team and plenty more, including legendary organisation Heaps Decent, who work with young people from underprivileged and disadvantaged communities.
When: June 12, 4pm – midnight
Where: The Factory, Marrickville
How much: From $45
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i16nkBERgkA
Hiatus Kaiyote with Sampa the Great
Grammy-nominated Hiatus Kaiyote are easily one of the most unique, exciting Australian acts around right now, and Sydney rapper Sampa the Great is by far my personal favourite Australian hip-hop artist today. For them to come together on the Opera House stage is an absolute dream come true for any fan of fluid, stunning jazz, soul and hip-hop. Absolutely not to be missed.
When: May 31
Where: Sydney Opera House
How much: From $49
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwQrBW_JtgA
Max Richter: Sleep featuring Grace Davidson
Certainly the most unique musical performance of Vivid, this is a one-of-a-kind experience if ever there was one. Max Richter is set to perform his 31 track, eight-hour album Sleep alongside a six piece ensemble at the Opera House, in what might be the most experimental sleepover of all time. A combination of neuroscientific research and classical composition, this is an intimate performance with space for less than 200 people – and yes, individual beds are included.
When: June 3, from 11pm
Where: Sydney Opera House
How much: From $99
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwpWZVG5SsQ
MusicNSW: Women in Electronic Music
This is a really special showcase of the best in upcoming and established female artists within electronic music. Woohoo! The all-Aussie lineup features some of our favourite names, including Rainbow Chan, GL, BUOY, Habits and more. Sure, production and DJing may have once been considered a man’s game, but that’s a laughable concept these days – and these incredible women are about to show you exactly why that is.
When: June 18, 6pm – 11pm
Where: Rooftop, MCA
How much: FREE
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucbK0iyA3Vs
One Day Sundays
Since its inception a couple years ago, monthly hip-hop outing One Day Sundays has quickly become one of the most beloved events in any Sydney hip-hop head’s calendar. It’ll be holding a special event during Vivid at The Factory in Marrickville, with music from resident One Day DJs Nick Lupi and Adit, plus guests including Aslan, Levins, Klasik and Liz Bird.
When: June 5, 1pm – 10pm
Where: The Factory, Marrickville
How much: From $15
Tickets and more info here
One Day Sundays. Image: AU Review
Poliça
Poliça are an incredible band with stunning, renowned live performances, reportedly described by Justin Vernon as “the best band I’ve ever heard.” Off the back of their recently released album United Crushers, the band – which includes two drummers, by the way – are bringing their ethereal, richly atmospheric blend of electronic, indie rock, pop and more music to the Opera House this year. Read our interview here.
When: June 3, 7:30pm – 9pm
Where: Sydney Opera House
How much: From $39
Tickets and more info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICruF30bCEI
Purple Sneakers 10th birthday
I can personally guarantee that any Sydneysider over the age of about 24 spent many a late, debauchery-laden, unforgettable night at Purple Sneakers, most likely when it was held at the now defunct-Abercrombie hotel. For one night only, head on to the Gladstone to celebrate its tenth birthday in style, with music from World Champion, Indian Summer, Moonbase Commander, Purple Sneakers DJs and plenty more. Oh, and it’s free entry!
When: June 18, 7pm – 3am (no lockouts!)
Where: The Lord Gladstone, Chippendale
How much: FREE
More info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt10R2XpjIg
Visions
Visions is set to return for Vivid, set to take over both Fredas and the Lord Gladstone in Chippendale. The event – which is free entry, is set to showcase some of the best and brightest in Sydney’s greatest live artists, including Kirin J Callinan, Montaigne, Gideon Bensen (ex-Preatures) and stalwarts Deep Sea Arcade, who have curated the entire event.
When: June 4, 12 pm- late
Where: Fredas and The Lord Gladstone, Chippendale
How much: FREE
More info here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6c5daSKVRw
Check out the entire Vivid Music program, as well as Vivid Lights and Vivid Ideas.
Image: Destination NSW
Yesterday saw the announcement of the ridiculous Vivid Sydney lineup, which included musical guests like Bjork, Bon Iver, New Order, and Deafheaven. Many of these artists will be exclusively performing in Sydney for the event, but some, Deafheaven included, are delighting fans with news of a full national tour.
One of the most important, not to mention simply fucking excellent heavy acts to emerge from US across the past five years, the band have delivered three incredibly powerful, intricate albums, and are yet to make a single false step. Last year saw them release the phenomenal New Bermuda to critical acclaim, and now, fans will have the chance to catch it on stage – and trust me when I say, even if you aren’t typically a fan of heavier music, this will be phenomenal.
Deafheaven Tour Dates
Thursday June 2: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Friday June 3: Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Saturday June 4: Crowbar, Brisbane
Monday June 6: Rosemount Hotel, Perth
Tickets can be purchased right here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neM4H8AgVgw
You can check out the full Vivid Live lineup announcement here.
It’s that time of year again. Sydney is braced for a bevy of bright lights and brilliant live music, as the annual Vivid Sydney Festival draws ever closer. As snap happy photographers ready their cameras, music enthusiasts our now licking their lips at the talent attracted down under, with the lineup for the festival released today. Here are just a handful of the shows that are certified “must-sees”:
Bon Iver
Justin Vernon has reemerged from his musical slumber and is set to bring Bon Iver back to Australian shores as part of the CERCLE series of performances. With only three prior Sydney shows to his name, this is a must for any music fan that can appreciate lyricism and talent in it’s rawest form. Attendees at the Sydney Opera House will be the very first in the world to see his new show premiered, and considering it was only recently that we learnt Bon Iver wasn’t actually done and dusted, news of his return is among the greatest musical announcement we’ll see this year!
Where: Concert Hall (Opera House)
Date: 27-30 May
Tickets Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWcyIpul8OE
Bjork
The eccentric songstress is headed back down under to showcase her newly developed Bjork Digital experience, an exhibition set to showcase: “five unique spaces that will premiere a new virtual reality project from the musician, alongside other collaborations with some of the finest filmmakers and programmers in the world.”
Bjork has recently dabbled with VR technologies, and her work looks set to culminate in Sydney as she tantalises our senses from all angles, an experience that is set to add yet another layer to the mystique of her performance, which will no doubt see the Australian live debut of music from her powerful, emotionally intense 2015 album Vulnicura.
Where: Carriageworks
Date: June 3
Tickets: Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWHpoJT3qK4
Polica
When Justin Vernon labels you “the best band I’ve ever heard” you can be certain that you are in for an aural treat when Polica take to the stage to unleash their unique fusion of electronic sounds and indie pop. Returning to Australia after a three year hiatus, we can only imagine that Polica is ready to take Sydney by storm all over again, performing from their gorgeous new album United Crushers, which came out earlier this month and has garnered stellar reviews.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre (Opera House)
Date: June 3
Tickets: Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl03afAqeFQ
New Order
The presence of the synth-pop legends at Vivid is sure to set tongues-wagging, with the group set to celebrate 35 years with a “live retrospective” performance that will undoubtedly satisfy even the most hardcore fans. Rejoined by synth wizard Gillian Gilbert, New Order will introduce a brand new generation to the wonders of their discography.
Where: Concert Hall (Opera House)
Date: 1 June, 5 June
Tickets: Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftJZomwDhxQ
Oneohtrix Point Never
Described by organisers a “rock-inspired rampage set to stun audiences with cutting synthesizers and decimating bass,” we can breathe easy knowing that we probably won’t be able to hear properly for the rest of the night after catching Oneohtrix Point Never’s Vivid Live performance. Fans can of course expect to hear much of OPN’s stellar 2015 release, Garden of Delete (his seventh album to date), a Nine Inch Nails-inspired industrial, experimental, eclectic electronic album that featured on many end of year best-of lists.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre (Opera House)
Date: May 29
Tickets: Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td-e4i2BL_Q
Anohni
Performing an Australian exclusive premiere as part of Vivid, the astounding talents of Anohni, leader of Antony and the Johnsons, in the form of what is sure to be a stunning live staging of her fifth studio album Hopelessness. Anohni was the first performer announced for this year’s festival, and will no doubt provide a unique and soulful experience, as the self described ‘electronic record with sharp teeth’ takes its rightful place on centre stage.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre (Opera House)
Dates: 27 May, 28 May, 30 May, 31 May
Tickets: Here
These are of course just some of the headliners we can expect to see as part of the festivities, with a range of other masterful talents on display:
Deafheaven
And now for something a little different: off the back of their incredible 2015 release New Bermuda, and completely unlike anything else on this bill, heavy-hitting Deafheaven are set to bring their thunderous walls of pristinely complex noise to the Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre. While still a relatively new act in the scene, they have more than made their mark with their three studio records, and have quickly become one of the most important heavy bands in the world. This will be a simply breathtaking show – and for those who aren’t in Sydney, you can catch them on tour across the country.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre (Opera House)
Date: 2 Jun
Tickets: Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4tyCchDlhM
Hiatus Kaiyote with Sampa The Great
One of the absolute highlights of Australian music circulating today, two-time grammy nominees Hiatus Kaiyote will be bringing their immense talent and impeccably well composed jazz-infused tunes to the Opera House’s main stage. In tow will be Sampa The Great, who, in a nutshell, is Australia’s Lauryn Hill (except hopefully she’ll be a little more frequent with her music output and less so with her tax fraud.) Sampa has toured with Hiatus Kaiyote before, and even remixed a full series of their tracks last year. Arguably two of the best Australian acts around today, this is not to be missed.
Where: Concert Hall (Opera House)
Date: 31 May
Tickets: Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3tErZ5LUJY
This is only the beginning of the Vivid announcements, with a myriad venues including Oxford Art Factory, Newtown Social Club, Freda’s, The Lord Gladstone, The Basemen, The Argyle and plenty more set to hold events throughout the festival. Needless to say, we probably recommend taking a couple days to relax and get some sleep before it all kicks off, because there’s something happening every single night.
While the light show and musical performances attract much of the attention and allure of the festival, let’s not forget some of the brilliant minds that are heading our way to deliver “Game Changer” talks. Director extraordinaire Spike Jonze, the genius behind Being John Malkovich, Her, and Adapation will be joined by none other than Beau Willimon (of House of Cards fame) and Jenji Kohan (Orange is the New Black) to inspire and motivate attendees as they bestow their creative wisdom upon us, sharing their insightful gems and anecdotes as they recount their storied careers.
Indigenous Australia is also set to be highly recognised by organisers, with the Sydney Opera House set to be lit up with the works of six prominent Indigenous artists, in a work entitled Songlines.
With 2015 numbers soaring to heights of almost 2 million attendees, we can be sure that this stellar lineup will see 2016 break new ground and further establish Vivid as one of the world’s most stellar culminations of culture and art.
Head to Vivid’s official website for more
Image: Vivid