Hatch reporter Bill Robinson shares his top picks for the tenth anniversary of Vivid.
Sydney’s annual light, music, art and ideas festival, Vivid, has unveiled its mammoth 2018 lineup, boasting an insane catalogue of both home-grown and international talent.
With such a broad range of events taking place city-wide between May 25 and June 16, approaching a festival program the size of Vivid’s can be overwhelming. So Hatch has compiled a list of your must-see events.
St. Vincent, Carriageworks – June 17
Fresh off the release of her fifth studio album, Masseduction, American multi-instrumentalist St. Vincent will perform material from the recording, as well as tracks from her critically acclaimed discography.
With her unique blend of experimental rock, electro-pop and jazz, St. Vincent (real name Annie Clark) has built a reputation as one of modern music’s most enthralling live acts.
With a one-night-only performance at Carriageworks, St. Vincent’s return to Sydney is an affair not to be missed.
Total Control, Sydney Opera House – June 1
Total Control made their long-awaited return to Sydney at last year’s Vivid as part of Repressed Records’ 15th Anniversary Concert at The Opera House.
Unfortunately, the 10:30pm curfew and previous acts on the bill running over their allocated performance time, Total Control’s set lasted a mere 25 minutes. That’s not to say it wasn’t incredible.
A year to the day later, the Australian post-punk icons will be free of time constraints and have full creative control of their performance.
With support from Hobart’s Native Cats, Sydney’s Greta Now, and inner-west producer DJ Yoni (Holy Balm), Total Control will perform tracks off their recently released Laughing At The System alongside their very own brass section. Make a good decision. Don’t miss out.
Instrument: Screening & Q&A with Guy Picciotto, Sydney Opera House – May 25-26
Throughout the late 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s, DIY punk legends Fugazi revolutionised the music industry. They did this by rejecting it all together.
With an anti-consumerist ethic, Fugazi refused to play gigs with a ticket price over $10. They ensured their shows were all-ages; never produced a piece of merchandise; and never hired a manager, publicist, or agent.
For the first time since 1991, co-frontman and guitarist for the iconic group – Guy Picciotto – will present a special screening of Instrument, a documentary following the band’s career. He’ll then conduct a Q&A.
Experience the legendary career of one of punk’s most influential bands, straight from the horse’s mouth.
Happy Mag Issue 8 launch, The Lady Hampshire – June 16
Over the past number of years, Happy Mag has become a Sydney music institution – giving attention to a range of local bands who’d otherwise fly under the radar.
So who better to throw an epic Vivid party?
The night will mark the launch of Happy’s inaugural photo issue and is set to feature dream-pop wizards Shining Bird and the chaotic punk of Zeahorse.
A lighting fit-out by local Sydney collective Yeah Nah Yeah, will give a psychedelic edge to the night.
Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Metro Theatre – June 9
Vivid’s music curator, Stephen Ferris, described Brian Jonestown Massacre as a “wildly original and thrilling live band who have built a career out of prioritising art over commercial compromise.”
Band-leader Anton Newcombe has built a cult following over a near 30-year career, with 17 studio albums full of highly unique, influential and hypnotic psychedelia.
Through the 90’s and 2000’s, Newcombe rose to infamy through his erratic behaviour and tumultuous working relationship with fellow band members.
“BJM fans know that each time they strap in for another journey with the band, whether on record, or in mortal flesh they are in for one hell of a fucking trip,” Ferris said.