It’s that time of year again, where Melbourne hosts a nine-day celebration in honour of the city’s world-renowned music scene.
Melbourne Music Week 2018 is held from the 16th to the 24th of November and features intimate, interactive experiences in non-traditional venues to headline performances at the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Music Week has performances for all! We’ve compiled a list of the must-see performances of the week – keep reading to find exclusive details on each event below.
ARA KOUFAX & co. Live at Fed Square
Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Officially opening Melbourne Music Week is an all ages, free night party, featuring an all Victorian line-up led by Melbourne party starters Ara Koufax. The long-standing electronic duo are set to deliver some infectious, body-moving sound. See Kira Puru, Various Asses, Maribelle perform mind-altering performances amongst a completely transformed ACMI space. Come shake off your week, dance and celebrate the commencement of this awesome week at Federation Square, free of charge.
ARTISTS: Ara Koufax, Sui Zhen, ALTA, DRMNGNOW, Kira Puru, Various Asses, Maribelle
WHEN: 6pm – 9pm, Friday 16th November
WHERE: Federation Square
PRICE: FREE
More info here!
BLUE BLACK BEATS with Remi & friends
Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
The second day provides a showcase of fresh music that pays respect to African sounds within the Melbourne independent music scene. Afro Hub, in collaboration with the Immigration Museum, presents a journey set to take your ears to places they’ve never been before. Blue Black Beats will feature Remi as the main act and an abundance of other talented artists that’ll play tunes guaranteed to make your hips shake and your heart vibrate.
ARTISTS: REMI, Sophie Grophy, Consciously Kyah, Soli Tesema, Idil Ali, Maï, Alárìíyá, Sonik Waves, Band of Brothaz, P-Unique
WHEN: 2pm start, Saturday 17th of November
WHERE: Immigration Museum
PRICE: $15 – $20
Buy tickets here!
MSO at NGV
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
MSO Ensemble at the National Gallery of Victoria brings together the talents of three of Melbourne’s most vibrant and versatile musicians, Monica Curro, Philip Arkinstall, and Stefan Cassomenos and since its launch in 2014, has commissioned over 100 composers, and given over 80 world premieres. Best of all, it’s completely free!
ARTISTS: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
WHEN: 2pm start, Sunday 18th of November
WHERE: National Gallery of Victoria
PRICE: FREE
More info here!
CIVIC SOUNDS Laneway Party
AC/DC La, Melbourne VIC 3000
Civic Sounds bring together a range of eclectic artist and sounds into the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. This all-day laneway party sprawls across multiple venues with the main stage in the iconic AC/DC Lane that will play host to bands and DJs playing from midday until late.
ARTISTS: Regurgitator, Nai Palm, RVG, The Bennies, Bec Sandridge, IV League, Ro, Batz, Destrends, DPRS
WHEN: 1pm start, Sunday 18th of November
WHERE: AC/DC Laneway
PRICE: $60 – $70
Buy tickets here!
Ainslie Wills & co. at ACMI
Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
All three of these outstanding independent artists will be performing their new releases for this exclusive MMW event. Expect music that is distinctly delivered from Ainslie Wills, bold vocals and beautiful guitar tones from Angie McMahon and strong lyrics paired with spectacular vocal ability from Gretta Ray.
ARTISTS: Ainslie Wills, Gretta Ray, Angie McMahon
WHEN: 7:30pm start, Monday 19th of November
WHERE: The Hub at ACMI
PRICE: $43
Buy tickets here!
NOW SOUND
252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Presented at the iconic Rooftop Cinema, ‘NOW SOUND’ is a feature length documentary exploring Melbourne’s love for music. The documentary tells stories of the trials and tribulations that constantly threaten to demolish Melbourne’s iconic music culture and the unending passion that sustains it. If you’re a die hard music fan, this is one you won’t want to miss.
ARTISTS: Tobias Willis and Marcus Rimondini
WHEN: 9pm start, Wednesday 21st of November
WHERE: Rooftop Cinema on Swanston
PRICE: FREE
More info here!
Soul in the Basement
AC/DC La, Melbourne VIC 3000
Soul in the Basement is a showcase of the best soul acts and DJs from around Melbourne. Local group The Cactus Channel, who have worked with Chet Faker and Ball Park Music, will be bringing their classic soul and funk influences to the Cherry stage. Soul music enthusiast, record collector, radio presenter, Vince Peach will be spinning the best of soul and funk music from all decades. To top it off, Logan from Gold Class will be mixing all-time-favourite soul anthems. This is a groovy night you most definitely won’t want to miss!
ARTISTS: The Cactus Channel, Vince Peach, Logan, Soul Movers
WHEN: 9pm start, Thursday 22nd of November
WHERE: The Cherry Bar
PRICE: FREE
More info here!
Rock Out in the State Library
328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
In this exclusive performance, Australian post-punk, electronica legend Ollie Olsen meets guitarist Penny Ikinger in the State Library’s stunning Redmond Barry Reading Room. Jngbert Christian “Ian ‘Ollie’” Olsen is a Norwegian-born Australian multi-instrumentalist, composer and sound designer who has performed, recorded and produced rock, electronic and experimental music since the mid-1970s and rock master Penny Ikinger has wowed audiences at home and abroad. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the pair sharing the stage in a truly spectacular setting!
ARTISTS: Penny Ikinger and Ollie Olsen
WHEN: 8pm – 9:30pm, Friday 23rd of November
WHERE: Redmond Barry Reading Room in the State Library of Victoria
PRICE: FREE
More info here!
Make sure to hit up one, two or all of these concerts and plan the best week imagined!
By Penelope Amanatidis
