The inaugural SXSW Sydney burst onto the scene a week ago, and it never once hit the brakes.
With a cornucopia of offerings, there was a sonic feast for every fan, spanning every genre at SXSW Sydney 2023.
For the music devotees, the supply was endless. Our crew collectively soaked in no less than 50 gigs over the week, and still, a wish list of uncaught performances lingered.
Chance The Rapper electrified The Lord Gladstone with an unexpected twist, introducing 11-year-old rap sensation, Inkabee – a dose of unscripted coolness that left the crowd in awe.
At The Lord Gladstone, Blak Collective 3% unveiled their premiere single with pride. Nooky, Dallas Woods, and Angus Field led an exceptional lineup, including Moss, Barkaa, Dobby, Yung Brother, and the revered Bars Of Steel – culminating in a headline performance by 3%.
The original Big Red Car journeyed to Amazon’s Primeville, followed by the ICC Sydney’s grand screening of Baz Luhrmann’s reimagined epic adventure, “Faraway Downs,” now told in six captivating chapters. Electric Fields and Budjerah added their own magic to the spectacle.
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International interviews were aplenty, featuring Gareth T, SLCHLD, hotel mira, and Californian cruisers Almost Mondays – setting the mood for a diverse musical journey.
Battlesnake delivered a knockout performance at the Tumbalong stage, while the Touchdown takeover unfolded over two days, leaving audiences breathless. Owen, Marv, and Isyana Sarasvati ignited the stage with their incendiary presence.
The Rolling Stone Courtyard offered a haven for music enthusiasts, serving up live performances, insightful discussions, and a chance to seize major prizes. From Adam Newling’s high-octane rock to the indie sounds of The Terrys, Barkaa, and Shady Nasty, it was an experience to savour.
Young Henrys Rock n Roll Circus brought the unmistakable Aussie rock vibes to Tumbalong Park, featuring a lineup that included Dan Sultan, Wallice (US), Ben Marwe (Bad Dreems), Hayley Mary, Tyne-James Organ, Jamie Timony (These New South Whales), Zeppelin Hamilton (Velvet Trip), and Dante Knows.
The DH Theatre was packed to the brim for Chance the Rapper’s conversation with Poppy Reid, Editor of Rolling Stone Magazine. Together, they delved into Chance’s illustrious career, lyrical mastery, and the personal experiences that have shaped his work and his incredible charity, SocialWorks, all in celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop.
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Aotearoa House emerged as a musical melting pot, showcasing some of the biggest names in Kiwi music outside of New Zealand. With Park Road, Daily J, Foley, Will Swinton, JessB, WHO SHOT SCOTT, and Daffodils in the mix, it was a sonic journey worth embarking on.
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TikTok’s House of Music Discovery Fiesta brought the house down with performances by Ben Lee, YNG Martyr, and Aston, highlighting TikTok’s skill in propelling emerging talent into the limelight. It was a party that left no room for doubt – music’s future is in good hands.
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Thats a wrap. Seeya next year SXSW Sydney!
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Photos by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney
