The Curtain Falls on the inaugural SXSW Sydney
The Curtain has fallen on the inaugural SXSW Sydney. An exhilarating week of discovery and creativity. We sent reviewer Chloe Davis-Powell and photographer Adam Davis-Powell along to capture the magic. Here are their words and pictures:
As the very first city outside of Austin, Texas, to ever host SXSW – Sydney has begun to re-emerge itself as a centre point for creativity in the Asia Pacific region, and has seen a profound impact on the city’s cultural realm and nightlife once more. Essentially – It’s been the kick up the butt the city has needed, and the week felt truly alive and brimming with music coming from each corner of the CBD – and people exploring the city’s iconic and secret venues to hunt down the thousand activities on offer, with hundreds of speaker sessions discussing topics including artificial intelligence, environmentalism, a wildly diverse music showcase, packed out feature films as well as cutting-edge game and innovation launches. As seasoned Austin goers will tell you, embracing the absurdity of SXSW is key — there’s an unparalleled excitement in surrendering plans to the whims of the moment and embracing the spontaneous shifts in atmosphere to simply – discover.
The Music
Throughout the week, the music venues we adore underwent some fun transformations, with The Landsdowne Hotel transforming into Spotify House, The Chippo Hotel and Hollywood Hotel radiating a shiner feel, and intimate venues like Knox Street Bar and Sneaky Possum enjoying some new talent. Rolling Stone Magazine also left its mark, commandeering the Powerhouse Museum’s courtyard for an all day experience. Here’s our top five favourites to watch out for….
Alter Boy – the Perth-based ensemble, creates an otherworldly experience on stage. Their live performances, complete with Auslan interpretation, bring an unprecedented theatricality to the Australian music scene. Comprising three deaf or hard-of-hearing members, Alter Boy infuses their indie dance-pop sound with elements reminiscent of Die Antwoord’s energy mashed up with London Grammar. Modern R&B and dark electronic-pop, their world-class production quality and poignant lyrics transcend their relative youth, paving the way for a promising and luminous journey ahead.
Paige Tapara – from South Auckland, and with a love for music fostered by her family and the community, Paige’s unbelievable silky voice glides over you like a buttery warm hug you’ve known for years. With her candid sense of humour and gentle nature, as an audience member Paige has an innate ability to make you feel like she’s singing just for you, and just for herself, all at once. Committed to connecting with her Māoritanga, ever-present in her beautiful lyrics, it was a true privilege to catch her at the festival and we can’t wait to see where her songs take her.
Otoboke Beaver – The sensational Japanese thrash metal band known for their unconventional style and electrifying performances, brought a unique energy to the festival. Their mastery of their instruments and dynamic showmanship earned them place as the very first recipients of the Justin Cosby Music Prize, named in honour of the late Justin Cosby, an esteemed figure in the Australian music industry, and added an extra layer of significance to their standout performance. Cosby, renowned for his unwavering support of independent music and emerging artists, left a lasting legacy within the music community and his influence was deeply felt throughout the festival.
Shady Nasty – Wild hometown plays for this Sydney-based trio, who defy musical boundaries with their distinct fusion of post-punk and hip-hop elements, delivering an eclectic sound that challenges conventional genres. We were met with a compelling blend of dark tones and vibrant psychedelic guitar riffs, playing their notable track “Get Buff” which delves into the experiences of a young Chinese-Australian navigating Sydney’s diverse landscape, Shady Nasty continues to push the boundaries of their craft, reflecting their lens on life in Sydney.
South Summit – Electrifying the stage and vibe with their infectious fusion of alt-reggae rock, the band’s energy and unity resonated throughout their performance. From West Coast Australia, and hailing Kamilaroi/Yuin, Torres Straits, and Maori heritage, the bands performance truly embodies the relaxed and chill vibe so cherished across Australia, and we’re buzzing to hear their music grow and become the soundtrack to our long drives camping up the coast.
Of all the other music madness we sought out our other top 20 from the festival, and shot them live for your viewing pleasure – check out the gallery for: Adrian / Aodhan / Ashy / Babitha / Bad Dreems / Barkaa / Blake O’Connor / Grrrl Gang / Han-bee / Jada Weazel / Los Bitchos / Mali Jose / Max jackson / Moss / Radio free Alice / Soaked oats / Taylah Ctarrol / The Terrys / These New South Whales
Conference Picks
One of the most anticipated conference moments was the lively conversation between the ingenious Charlie Brooker and the spirited Julia Zemiro, delving into Brooker’s creative process for crafting compelling Black Mirror episodes. Brooker revealed how the show’s ideas often germinate years in advance, drawing inspiration from the simple yet profound nuances of everyday life and from his many years working in the world of video games. Expressing his deep-seated apprehensions, Brooker humorously confessed that if worrying were a superpower, he would be unmatched. Amidst his musings, Brooker emphasised the enchanting allure of technology, asserting that while he doesn’t inherently despise it like some may think, its current capabilities fall short in capturing the intricacies of human imagination and the nuances of storytelling.
Elsewhere in the conference, Nicole Kidman and Per Saari reminisced on their enduring friendship and shared insights into their collaborative work at Blossom Films, offering a glimpse into their upcoming projects and the future of the industry. At the celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary, Chance the Grammy award winning Rapper, shared personal anecdotes shaping his remarkable career, along with insights into his philanthropic endeavours through SocialWorks, his non-profit which focuses on education, mental health, homelessness, and performing arts. Meanwhile, the panel on ‘Menopause and Midlife’ at the UTS Great Hall delved into the complexities and experiences of life pre and post-menopause, led by Mia Freedman, Naomi Watts, Dr. Ginni Mansberg, and Alison Brahe Daddo. Additionally, the sessions touched upon ambitious endeavours, such as the efforts to revive extinct species and the evolution of music genres, led by industry visionaries Paul Tollett and Michael “Harry” Harrison.
Stand Outs on Screen
Monolith and Black Barbie: A Documentary – although inherently different in their narrative and genre, both offered a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into the complexities of contemporary culture. Monolith – a psychological thriller, skillfully navigates the isolating experience of a disgraced journalist and the eerie mystery surrounding a peculiar black brick, effectively capturing the nuanced psychological impact of modern media and the ethics of storytelling. Director Matt Vesely’s deft storytelling and Lily Sullivan’s captivating performance create an atmospheric slow-burn horror that keeps audiences engaged until the chilling climax. In contrast, Black Barbie: A Documentary, sheds light on representation and identity through the history of the iconic doll. Director Lagueria Davis weaves a compelling film, drawing from the personal experiences of Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby, all once employees of Mattel, maker of Barbie, and who help to illustrate the lasting impact of dolls on children’s self-perception, and underscore the ongoing importance of diversity in toys. Both films, while delving into different aspects of cultural significance, offer compelling narratives that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
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Get ready to mark your calendars for the next thrilling instalment of SXSW in Austin, Texas, set to take place from March 11-16 2024.
Or for those eagerly anticipating the return of the electrifying SXSW Sydney in October 2024, promising to be even grander than before, be sure to check out the details and get involved by visiting this link.
For all of our SXSW Sydney coverage, go here.
Words by Chloe Davis-Powell. Photos by Adam Davis-Powell.
