The spectacular Vivid Sydney is returning for its 15th year, bringing more than just dazzling lights and luminous art. It's a full-on sensory celebration, and if live music is your thing, then Carriageworks is where you'll want to be.
This year, Vivid Sydney is serving up a seriously stacked lineup of genre-defying artists from across the globe at Carriageworks. Whether you're into soul-shaking jazz, gritty punk, dreamy indie, or dancefloor-ready beats, there’s a sound waiting to pull you in.
Here are six unmissable gigs at Carriageworks during Vivid Sydney.
Mall Grab
Image credit: Carriageworks | Provided
Riding the high of an international tour, Newcastle-born producer Mall Grab is making his long-awaited return to Sydney during Vivid. Known for blurring the lines between house, techno, and breakbeat, his sets are gritty, euphoric, and built for dancing. Expect warehouse-level energy inside Carriageworks’ industrial halls. His first Vivid show sold out almost as quickly as it was announced, so grab your tickets sooner rather than later.
THE DETAILS
When: Friday 13 June – Saturday 14 June
Tickets: Here
Black Star
Image credit: Carriageworks | Provided
Yes, you read that right. Black Star—the legendary hip-hop duo of Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) and Talib Kweli—are performing live in Sydney. Their 1998 debut, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, is still regarded as one of the best rap albums of the past 30 years and continues to influence the genre. Expect a night of deft lyricism and beats with tracks like 'Definition' and 'Respiration'.
THE DETAILS
When: Tuesday, 10 June
Tickets: Here
Kamasi Washington
Image credit: Carriageworks | Provided
If there's one name redefining modern jazz, it's Kamasi Washington. From scoring films to collaborating with Kendrick Lamar, Washington's work blends an array of influences to create a cosmic and spiritual sound. You can catch him live at Carriageworks, where every note promises to be larger than life.
THE DETAILS
When: Sunday, 8 June
Tickets: Here
Ngaiire: PAIA
Image credit: Carriageworks | Provided
Ngaiire’s genre-blending vocals hit like a wave of soul, electronic, and R&B. Her live shows are layered with emotion, texture, and incredible visuals, with PAIA being described as "an eruption of rage, sex, ecstasy, ceremony, ancestry, and cleansing". With roots in Papua New Guinea and a sound that stretches far beyond, Ngaiire's performance at Vivid Sydney will be nothing short of electric.
THE DETAILS
When: Friday, 6 June
Tickets: Here
DIIV
Image credit: Carriageworks | Provided
Dream-pop and shoegaze collide in DIIV’s hazy, hypnotic live sets. The Brooklyn-based band brings a heavy dose of atmosphere, with shimmering guitars and haunting vocals that hit deep. If you’re looking for something moody and immersive, DIIV is your ticket.
THE DETAILS
When: Friday, 13 June
Tickets: Here
Skegss
Image credit: Carriageworks | Provided
Aussie surf-punk duo Skegss are back with their signature chaotic energy and charm. Expect sing-alongs, guitar fuzz, and mosh-friendly vibes in a performance that'll leave your ears ringing in the best way. Don’t miss their Vivid Sydney set because it's sure to be a loose one.
THE DETAILS
When: Saturday, 7 June
Tickets: Here
Vivid Sydney, which will run from Friday, 23 May to Saturday, 14 June, is your chance to catch some of the most exciting names in music. Explore the full Carriageworks lineup here.
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Image credit: Carriageworks | Supplied
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