Until the 25th of November, Melbourne is throwing open its music venues and public spaces as part of a nine day celebration of the city’s internationally renowned music scene. The centre of Melbourne Music Week is Saint Paul’s Cathedral, which will host a fair chunk of the action inside the church as well as in the car park.
Throughout the week you’ll be able to enjoy gigs, film screenings and industry talks, and we’ve picked out our top events from this week’s program that you won’t want to miss.
Kirin J Callinan + Body Type + Press Club
Unless you’ve been under a rock you’ve heard the name Kirin J Callinan. Known for his tongue in cheek music and over the top personality, you can’t help but be captivated with Callinan’s crazy performances. From starting beef with Jimmy Fallon over Jimmy Barnes collaboration “Big Enough” to confusing Crowded House fans in his Opera House support slot, expect the unexpected with Mr Callinan. Joining him are Sydney indie-rockers Body Type and Melbourne new-comers Press Club.
Thursday 23 November | St Paul’s Cathedral Car Park
You can find more info on this gig here.
Live Music Safari
One of the biggest highlights of Melbourne Music Week is the Live Music Safari. For one night, 11 of the city’s best live music venues are opening their doors, hosting 12 free shows. The venues have each curated a lineup which pushes the boundaries of contemporary music, with a focus on punk inspired sounds. Across the city you’ll fine Saatsuma, Qwerty, Miss Blanks, Terrible Truths and tons more to dazzle the senses. All of these gigs are absolutely free, so if you’re in Melbourne you’ve got no excuse, get down and see some live music.
Thursday 23 November | Multiple venues
You can find all the Live Music Safari gigs and venues here.
Ariel Pink
From Los Angeles comes experimental song writer Ariel Pink, fresh off the release of his new album, Dedicated to Bobby Jameson. King of lo-fi pop, Pink is known as a divisive figure in the indie music scene, being dubbed the most hated man in indie rock yet churning out critically acclaimed records, you’ll either love him or hate him. But the new record feels like a departure from previous works, more intimate and fans and novices alike see something unexpected at this show.
Tuesday 21 November | Melbourne Recital Centre, Meblourne
You can find more info on this gig here.
Visionary Sounds: Women Make Music Videos
Finally a departure from live music, this event is for the music connoisseur or film buff. Music videos are a crucial part of the music industry, and Melbourne Music Week has brought together a program of the best music videos made by women. The night will showcase clips from Gemma Lee (Stonefield/Children Collide), Michelle Grace Hunder (Briggs), Claudia Sangiorgi-Dalimore (Kaiit/Diafrix and 360), Lucy Dyson (Les Hommes/Sarah Blasko), Natasha Pincus (Missy Higgens), Katie Macqueen (Bloods), Naina Sen (Rise/East Journey), Emma Haarburger (Vance Joy) and Soda_Jerk (The Avalanches). After the screening join some of the creators in a talk about music video production at this free event.
Thursday 23 November | Rooftop Cinema
You can find more info about Visionary Sounds here.
You can view the entire Melbourne Music Week program here.
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Photo of Saatsuma by Belinda Dipalo.
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