The Art Gallery of New South Wales is throwing a sonic shindig this July, and you're invited! Forget stuffy galleries and whispered conversations about brushstrokes. Volume, their pioneering music festival, is back with a free program that'll have your ears tingling and your toes tapping.
A Symphony of Sounds: From Country Legends to Electronic Dreams
The party kicks off with a celebration of Aboriginal Country music on July 10th. Hear iconic artists like Roger Knox and Kyla-Belle Roberts belt out anthems of connection, truth, and pure Aussie grit. This special event, Blak Country, even features a playlist curated by inmates participating in a songwriting program – a powerful testament to the healing power of music.
Feeling adventurous?
Then dive into Extasis on July 17th, an evening dedicated to the avant-garde. Experimental musicians from around the globe, like the legendary Jim O'Rourke, will push sonic boundaries and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about music.
Prefer your tunes with a dance beat?
Head to the Tank throughout the festival for Every dull moment (EDM). This mind-bending installation by Flume and Jonathan Zawada is a visual and auditory feast, a chaotic ballet of light, sound, and projections inspired by their EDM adventures.
Global Beats Meet Local Gems
But Volume isn't just about bringing in the big names. Asylum Seekers Centre musicians will showcase their talents with a series of intimate performances responding to the Gallery's collection. It's a beautiful meeting of music and art, fueled by the passion of those seeking a new home.
A Weekend Warm-Up and Daily Delights
The festival kicks off with Future Tilt on July 6th, an afternoon of cutting-edge electronic and experimental sounds. Plus,hidden gems like Threshold, a series of world-premiere compositions, will be sprinkled throughout the festival, offering a chance to discover new sonic landscapes.
Ticketed Treats: A Stellar Lineup Awaits
While the free program is awesome, there are also some ticketed events featuring heavy hitters. Catch the legendary André 3000 with his New Blue Sun project, or witness the raw power of Kim Gordon, co-founder of Sonic Youth. Aussie talents like Genesis Owusu and Tkay Maidza will also be gracing the stage.
The Art of Music: A Festival for All
Whether you're a country music diehard, an electronic music enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of art and sound, Volume has something for you. So, mark your calendars for July 5th to 21st, and get ready to experience the Art Gallery of New South Wales in a whole new light – or rather, sound!
Free program
Threshold | Saturday 6 July – Sunday 21 July 2024
Future tilt | Saturday 6 July 2024, 1–4pm
Every dull moment (EDM) | Daily Sunday 7 July – Sunday 21 July 2024. 10am–5pm on 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 July; 10am–10pm on Wednesday 10 July as part of Art After Hours; and 10am–1pm on 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 July.
Blak Country | Wednesday 10 July 2024, 5–10pm
Extasis | Wednesday 17 July 2024, 5–10pm
Play on, play again, play forever | Performance dates TBA
Ticketed program
Genesis Owusu with support from RONA. | Friday 5 July 2024 | $75–80
Genesis Owusu with support from dameeeela | Saturday 6 July 2024 | $75–80
Tkay Maidza | Saturday 13 July 2024 | $75–80
Kim Gordon | Thursday 18 July & Friday 19 July 2024 | $110–115
André 3000 New Blue Sun LIVE | Saturday 20 July & Sunday 21 July 2024 | $120–125
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of AGNSW.O