The Key Events Not To Miss At SXSW Sydney 2023
The inaugural festival is a matter of days away from kicking off – here are all the biggest music events to keep an eye on!
SXSW Sydney (Supplied)
The first-ever SXSW Sydney is kicking off in just over one week – officially starting on Sunday October 15 – and the program is shaping up to be pretty gosh-dang enormous.
The whole festival will run over two weeks, wrapping up on Sunday October 22, with the music program specifically kicking off on Wednesday October 18. There will be stacks of conference events, including talks with some of the biggest names in the modern music industry (like Chance The Rapper and Coachella CEO Paul Tollett), plus huge music documentary premiered from the likes of ONEFOUR and The Wiggles – two names we truly never thought we’d pair together – but of course for us, our number one drawcard is the sprawling roster of live music showcases.
From stacks of stellar locals to some of the biggest names on the global stage (like K-pop sensation XG), the lineup is really something to marvel at. So as we hustle to organise our own itineraries, we’ve flipped through the whole festival program and picked out some of the biggest and best live music events. If you’re heading to SXSW Sydney, these are the ones you certainly shouldn’t miss!
Read on for our full breakdown below, then head here for more info on how to secure your access to SXSW Sydney.
MUSIC FESTIVAL OPENING PARTY
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What’s the selling point?
“Join us for an evening of fresh new music talent at the SXSW Sydney Music Festival launch event, proudly presented by Accenture! Throw yourself into the music and join music industry leaders, creatives and marketers to meet those behind the ideas, trends and innovations that will shape the business in years to come!
Who’s performing?
Flyanna Boss • EKKSTACY
When and where’s it happening?
Tuesday October 17, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
The Starship (entry outside the International Convention Centre)
DR MARTENS PRESENTS SXSW SYDNEY
What’s the selling point?
“Dr Martens are thrilled to kick off SXSW Sydney at The Chippo Hotel this year after such a strong presence globally. Throughout Dr Martens’ history, the brand has been adopted and subverted by diverse individuals, musicians, subcultures and tribes. They pride themselves by inspiring free thinking individuals who stand out from the crowd in their own unique way. Continuing to push the boundaries with a rich culture and DNA of rebellious self-expression and authenticity, especially in the art and music space, they are excited to be a part of such a significant music event.”
Who’s performing?
Velvet Trip • Babitha • Radio Free Alice • DICE • Straight Arrows • dust • Girl And Girl • Cool Sounds • Sorry
When and where’s it happening?
Wednesday October 18, 2:00pm to 12:00am
The Chippo Hotel
TIKTOK’S HOUSE OF MUSIC DISCOVERY
What’s the selling point?
“TikTok's House of Music Discovery brings the magic of music discovery to life, transcending the digital realm and making it a real-world experience. Immerse yourself in exceptional Australian music talent at our panel and live music showcase, or pop by for Happy Hour to catch up with our local TikTok music team.”
Who’s performing?
Derrick Gee • Go-Jo • Aston • Ashwarya • YNG Martyr • Ben Lee • DJ13
When and where’s it happening?
Wednesday October 18, 4:00pm to 11:30pm
Pleasures Playhouse
YOUNG HENRYS ROCK & ROLL CIRCUS
What’s the selling point?
“Your favourite rock classics covered by an all-star line-up of musical talent... In true SXSW spirit, Young Henrys will also be announcing a handful of surprise guests to join the line-up in the days leading up to the show, so be sure to keep an eye on Young Henrys’ Instagram for all the latest announcements. Capped off with this year’s host and all-round top bloke Fitzy, Rock & Roll Circus will be bigger and better than ever before!”
Who’s performing?
Dan Sultan • Wallice • Ben Marwe (Bad//Dreems) • Hayley Mary • Tyne-James Organ • Emmy Mack (RedHook) • Jamie Timony (These New South Whales) • Zoe Catterall (The Buoys) • Zeppelin Hamilton (Velvet Trip) • Annie Hamilton • Dante Knows • The YH House Band (featuring members of The Preatures, The Delta Riggs and True Vibenation) • special guests TBA
When and where’s it happening?
Wednesday October 18, 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Tumbalong Park Stage
LANEWAY FESTIVAL SXSW SYDNEY PARTY
What’s the selling point?
“From the promoters who booked Fred Again.., Billie EIlish, Haim and Steve Lacy’s debut Australian performances, this party will feature the best new Australian and international artists, including the hotly-tipped Fcukers (Beck’s new favourite band).”
Who’s performing?
RAAVE TAPES • Will Swinton • Gut Health • CODY JON • Miss Kaninna • Fcukers
When and where’s it happening?
Wednesday October 18, 5:20pm to 12:00am
Mulan Music Restaurant & Bar
WARNER MUSIC PRESENTS BLARE LIVE
What’s the selling point?
“With music discovery, artist authenticity and fan engagement in mind, Warner Music Presents Blare Live (with thanks to Tripadvisor) officially launches Warner Music Australia’s new media platform Blare, a creative content engine for artist stories to be amplified by Australia’s best & emerging creators.”
Who’s performing?
Wednesday: Blusher • Stevan • Dear Jane • Riiki Reid • Boy Soda
Thursday: Oliver Cronin • PANIA • slchld • Carla Wehbe • Gareth.T
When and where’s it happening?
Wednesday October 18, 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Thursday October 19, 6:00pm to 11:00pm
KYIV Social
HOUSE OF VANS SHOWCASE
What’s the selling point?
“This year Vans Australia will be hosting a House Of Vans Pop Up with a large lineup of the best local and international acts as part of SXSW Sydney.”
Who’s performing?
Dylan Atlantis • Fazerdaze • redveil • EKKSTACY • Flyana Boss
When and where’s it happening?
Wednesday October 18, 6:00pm to 12:00am
UTS Underground
BLAK LABEL PRESENTS PLAY BLAK
What’s the selling point?
“A showcase of the vibrant and diverse emerging voices of the contemporary scene in so-called Australia. Leave your expectations at the door, and discover your new favourite act as we bounce from alt-rock/reggae, neo-soul/R&B, psych rock and modern country.”
Who’s performing?
Loren Ryan • Jada Weazel • Velvet Trip • Bumpy • South Summit
When and where’s it happening?
Wednesday October 18, 7:00pm to 12:00am
Hollywood Hotel
UNIVERSAL MUSIC HOUSE
What’s the selling point?
“Universal Music drops the line-up of great international and homegrown names who will take the stage at the inaugural SXSW Sydney Music Festival at the recently announced Amex x Universal Music House. The House’s theme of ‘Music Futures’ will come to life through a diverse line-up of powerhouse artists, many who will be showcasing new music for the first time from 18-20 October over three nights.”
Who’s performing?
Wednesday: Ben Swissa • Eliott • Cat & Calmell • Caity Baser
Thursday: Sophie Hutchings • Sarah Kinsley • Middle Kids
Friday: BARKAA • Kobie Dee • Telenova • Drax Project • Sgt Slick
When and where’s it happening?
Wednesday October 18, 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Thursday October 19, 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday October 20, 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Barney’s Church
TOUCHDOWN UNDER PRESENTED BY YEG
What’s the selling point?
“A diverse group of talent from Asia to the Middle East, from operatic metal to Indonesian folk to Korean R&B, each band a true star in their own country, now ready to take on the world and take over [the] Tumbalong Park Stage.”
Who’s performing?
Isayana Sarasvati • GAC • Hindia • Nadin Amizah • Owen • Marv • Yuji • Ardhito Pramono • Feby Putri • Pop Shuvit • Soegi Bornean • Hujan • Adhita Sofyan
When and where’s it happening?
Thursday October 19, 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Friday October 20, 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Tumbalong Park Stage (free, public event)
ADA PRESENTS
What’s the selling point?
“ADA, the independent distribution & label services arm of Warner Music Group, are excited to announce ADA PRESENTS at SXSW Sydney.”
Who’s performing?
JessB • Mwayz • Miko Mal • Matilda Pearl • PARK RD
When and where’s it happening?
Thursday October 19, 1:30pm to 5:30pm
The Lord Gladstone
SECRET SOUNDS SHOWCASE
What’s the selling point?
“Big news! Secret Sounds is hitting SXSW Sydney 2023 with some artist mates in tow. The trailblazing party-throwers are thrilled to announce their inaugural Secret Sounds SXSW Sydney Showcase, taking over The Barrie on Thursday 19 October, featuring a killer lineup of international and local acts, set to make the night a memorable one.”
Who’s performing?
Almost Monday • Daily J • Wallice • Mia Wray • Logan
When and where’s it happening?
Thursday October 19, 7:00pm onwards
The Barrie
BRITISH MUSIC EMBASSY
What’s the selling point?
“The British Music Embassy (BME) makes its inaugural Australian appearance at The Soda Factory at this year’s SXSW Sydney. Showcasing some of the best UK and UK managed talent the BME puts a spotlight on the UK’s Music Industry guaranteeing you an amazing first look at some the talent that will soon become household names.”
Who’s performing?
Sorry • Trophie • Besties • Chanel Loren • KiLLOWEN
When and where’s it happening?
Thursday October 19, 7:00pm to 11:30pm
The Soda Factory
FBI RADIO SXSW SYDNEY PARTY
What’s the selling point?
A showcase of up-and-coming artists presented by independent radio station FBi.
Who’s performing?
Lamira • Bract & BAYANG (tha Bushranger) • Miss Kaninna • Skeleten • Barkaa
When and where’s it happening?
Thursday October 19, 6:20pm to 12:00am
Pleasures Playhouse
ROLLING STONES LISTENING PARTY
What’s the selling point?
“Universal Music will be hosting an exclusive world-first listen of The Rolling Stones hotly anticipated new studio album, Hackney Diamonds. The venue will transform to offer fans the opportunity to hear the future classic songs for the very first time anywhere in the world.”
Who’s performing?
N/A (album listening session)
When and where’s it happening?
Thursday October 19, 9:05pm to 9:45pm
Barney’s Church
KOREA SPOTLIGHT PRESENTED BY KOCCA
What’s the selling point?
“The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) presents Korea Spotlight, a showcase of the next generation of Korean talent.”
Who’s performing?
Adoy • Meaningful Stone • Jacqui • Lil Cherry • GOLDBUUDA
When and where’s it happening?
Friday October 20, 7:00pm to 11:00pm
KVIV Social
BWS COOL ROOM
What’s the selling point?
Kick-starting their 2023 Cool Room series with a bang, BWS are bringing the party to Central Park Mall with special guests Lime Cordiale set to perform as the iconic Cool Room sets will this year get transported to the stage for punters to enjoy.
Who’s performing?
Lime Cordiale
When and where’s it happening?
Thursday October 19
Central Park Mall (free, public event via competition entry)
DEFENDER HOUSE MUSIC NIGHT
What’s the selling point?
“Embark on an elemental musical adventure with Defender. Be part of an epic musical performance for one memorable night at Defender House. ARIA award-winning Zimbabwean-Australian singer-songwriter and rapper Tkay Maidza is headlining this one-off event, supported by LEE – 2023 triple J’s Unearthed High Winner.”
Who’s performing?
Tkay Maidza • LEE
When and where’s it happening?
Friday October 20, 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Machine Hall Precinct
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