The 2019 Vivid Music bill includes heavy-hitters The Cure, FKA twigs, Maggie Rodgers and Underworld; Australian music icons, Paul Kelly and RÜFÜS DU SOL; along with local artists Dirty Three and Briggs amongst a line-up of close to 100 local music acts covering every imaginable genre.
Curator of Music for Vivid Sydney, Stephen Ferris said, "We've upped the ante this year with an eclectic line-up of acts. There's something for everyone, from die-hard fans to the simply curious and those who love a good time."
"2019 also marks the third year of Vivid XlCelerate, a partnership between Destination NSW and City of Sydney, to support ongoing growth of the city's music scene," said Stephen.
Curator of Vivid LIVE, Ben Marshall added: "This year's Vivid LIVE has been a genuine pleasure to program - from The Cure and Underworld to Teyana Taylor and Briggs to Keaton Henson and the late Jóhann Jóhannsson, it's a selection of ambitious artists who've spectacularly succeeded on their own terms by blurring genres, subcultures and artistic practices to create something truly distinct."
As well as taking over every stage at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE, this year's artists will also perform across more than 23 inner city venues including the Art Gallery of NSW, Ziggy's Barber Shop, Staves Brewery and St Stephen's Uniting Church to name a few.
Prepare to stay up late, mark your diary and secure your tickets soon so you don't miss out.
Oregon-based experimental artist Grouper is set to transport Vivid Sydney audiences into her altered state of sound, playing two distinct, never-to-be-repeated shows across two nights. Grouper's sets are always unique in that the music is never performed live in the same way twice.
When: 24 & 25 May
Where: Sydney Opera House
THE CURE DISINTEGRATION 30TH ANNIVERSARY – GLOBAL LIVE STREAM
After selling out their five Australian exclusive shows held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the magisterial masterpiece Disintegration, alt-rock legends The Cure will broadcast their fifth and final Vivid LIVE performance live via the Opera House's Facebook and YouTube from 8pm AEST on Thursday 30 May. The broadcast will be available around the world for a period of time following the show.
When: 24, 25, 27, 28 & 30 May
Where: Sydney Opera House
KONZERTPROJEKT PRESENTS: LIGHT QUALITIES
Light Qualities is an exciting series of four concerts presented by emerging Sydney-based composer-performer collective Konzertprojekt, in collaboration with St Stephen's Uniting Church. The mini-festival will showcase a diverse range of Australian music, with a particular focus on emerging musicians, as the series will present some of the up-and-coming musical voices of Sydney.
When: 25 May, 31 May, 6 June & 14 June.
Where: St Stephen's Uniting Church
BRIGGS' BAD APPLES HOUSE PARTY
One of Australia's true multi-hyphenate stars, rapper, producer and media entrepreneur Briggs is joined by members of his indigenous collective for the Bad Apples House Party, a night of no-holds barred hip-hop attitude at the Sydney Opera House. Special guests joining Briggs on stage will include: Electric Fields, David Dallas, The Kid Laroi, Birdz, Jesswar, Nooky, Kobie Dee, Philly, Rebecca Hatch, and jayteehazard.
When: 30 May
Where: Sydney Opera House
Reborn from the ashes of a lost musician, Florian is a femme-machine with an Australian accent, pink hair and dance moves for days. This disco diva dives into the Golden Oldies for a night of long-lost favourites, original tunes and 80's throw backs. Florian's touch is unapologetically pop with soaring vocals and evocative melodies infused with vibe. Enchanted by the human experience, she electrifies you sonically, visually and physically. The only place to escape is the dance floor.
When: 30 May
Where: The Soda Factory
Sydney art pop darlings I Know Leopard are heading out for their first headline national tour since 2015 to celebrate the release of their long-awaited debut album, Love is a Landmine. Whittled from over three years' worth of demos, the album is written against a back drop of emotional turmoil that culminates with new love blossoming. Don't miss their debut Vivid Music appearance.
When: 31 May
Where: Oxford Art Factory
Ziggy's Barber Shop is hosting a series of pop-up live music nights featuring established and emerging female artists including Abby Dobson (Leonardo's Bride), Jade MacRae, Jessica O'Donoghue, Lupa and SAYAH & XIRA. Held in the eclectic surrounds of this beloved hair salon just moments from Oxford Street, you can recline in a traditional barber chair or get up on the dance floor and cut moves to the sounds of these wonderful women.
When: 30 May – 1 June
Where: Ziggy's Barber Shop Darlinghurst
Returning to the Sydney Opera House with four Australian exclusive performances, legendary British techno duo Underworld are set to transform the cavernous Concert Hall into equal parts exhilarating dance party and ecstatic spiritual communion, unleashing their signature mix of body-rattling beats, spectacular lighting, and cutting-edge electronic sounds.
When: 31 May - 3 June
Bringing a dose of New York jazz, rock, gospel and pop to Vivid Sydney is legendary Grammy-winning singer Lisa Fischer and her band, Grand Baton. Re-inventing, evolving and creating, Lisa is the true essence of Vivid Music with her futuristic twist on melodies, drawing turmoil and joy to the surface in just one breath. Re-interpreting the greats by Led Zeppelin, Amy Grant, Little Willie John, and The Rolling Stones as well as her own originals, Lisa brings the evolution and passion of music to Sydney's north shore.
When: 4 June
Where: The Concourse Concert Hall, Chatswood
OKENYO has been described as 'equal parts Frank Ocean, Grace Jones and M.I.A'. Her voice is bewitching and she pushes the boundaries of electronic soul and pop. She is best known for the song "Woman's World" from her debut album The Wave and has just released the new single "Hang Your Hat." Catch this star on the rise for a free show as part of Vivid Sydney.
When: 5 June
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales
Internationally acclaimed songwriter, director and dancer, FKA twigs will perform for one night only at Carriageworks for Vivid Sydney. Drawing on electronic music, punk and R&B, her avant-garde debut studio album LPI was released to critical acclaim. Experience 'the most adventurous popstar working today'.
When: 9 June
Where: Carriageworks
The ARIA winning Australian three-piece have won the world over with two platinum-certified albums, ATLAS and Bloom, and their third album, Solace, cementing them as one of the world's pre-eminent live electronic acts. Their sold-out Vivid Sydney performances follow on from a sold-out national tour - these Aussie legends are in high demand.
When: 13 - 15 June
Where: Carriageworks
Vivid Sydney 2019 program video content and images are available at: www.vividsydney.com/mediacentre
