“It’s totally unconventional, and nothing like we’ve thrown a gig in before.”
New WA pop-up venue The Compound is, as Origin director Daniel Arrigoni says, “a nod to the fond (if not fuzzy) memories of the early ‘90s rave scene which took massive sound systems to concrete and steel arenas.”
The Osborne Park venue was first teased in January when the promoters behind the acclaimed Origin NYE festival announced headline shows from Diplo, Marshmello and more at a secret location that would host a “series of warehouse events”.
“Foremost, we set out to create a pop-up venue to rejuvenate the offering of dance music events in Perth – the chance to experience something different and new,” Arrigoni told The Music.
Although opening night two weeks ago was moved to Metro City last minute as the venue wasn't ready yet, everything's locked down for tonight's Diplo gig.
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“We started planning The Compound space and shopping plots for the venue about nine months ago,” he tells. “It was a deliberate process to select firstly a region that would be conveniently accessible to the sprawled Perth market, close to public transport and strategically removed from high-density residential spaces.”
Thankfully, the City of Stirling has been “great every step of the way” - a nice relief after City of Perth forced Origin NYE to relocated back in 2014.
The festival welcomed 2017 in style with the likes of Die Antwoord, Pendulum and more, and fans of the annual party will feel right at home at The Compound.
“What’s really getting us hot under the collar is taking the experiences of the Terminal stage at Origin and creating it in the dedicated warehouse space,” Arrigoni said. “Acoustically, the venue is ideal to handle the robust demands of the kind of electronic and bass music The Compound will be hosting."
The Compound features two large rooms, and as you enter you’ll see a bar and handful of foodtrucks before hitting the mainspace that features massive screens, epic visuals, all highlighted by festival-level production.
“It’s totally unconventional, and nothing like we’ve thrown a gig in before.”
Although there have only been thee shows announced at the space so far, Origin is working on more events at The Compound for 2017. “Expect the venue to stay throughout the Perth winter as we work on the programming for the season,” Arrigoni revealed.
“It’s a brand new space for us, and as each show runs there’ll be updates and improvements to craft the experience a little easier for us and those coming to party. Not only that, we’re working to make each show uniquely it’s own and keep things exciting for attendees that come once or who come to every party we’ll be throwing at The Compound.
“The Compound has made its first move with a high-velocity EDM show, yet the space will be welcoming broader genres that’ll get the bass heads, house-lovers and DnB disciples happy in 2017.”
Check out theGuide for all the info.