News September 21, 2018

Melbourne Music Week: new hub, first round of programming

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City of Melbourne revealed the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) as the official Hub for Melbourne Music Week (MMW) 2018.

The space, on Federation Square, hosts a range of free and ticketed events from November 16 – 24.

ACMI’s Gallery One will be the event’s main hub and bar, along with the Lightwell, providing a music space that delivers high-quality audio and video production.

Councillor Rohan Leppert, chair of the City of Melbourne’s arts, culture and heritage portfolio said, “MMW has a history of transforming Melbourne landmarks into live music venues.

“The choice of ACMI as our 2018 hub aligns with our mission to create a unique event that supports and celebrates Melbourne’s thriving music industry.”

LGBTIQ+ party professionals Heaps Gay will curate MMW’s opening night party with Melbourne DJs and performers including The Cocoa Butter Club, The Huxleys and Dandrogeny.

The night features music, dancing, drag, installations and performances from LGBTIQ+ artists including Kira Puru and Maribelle across two stages until 4am.

Stand-out events include an exclusive set from Detroit techno legend Jeff Mills, a celebration of disco led by Renée Geyer, a mid-afternoon ‘family rave’, a night of dancefloor sorcery featuring Rival Consoles and LEON VYNEHALL and a Rice Is Nice label showcase.

ACMI Gallery One will welcome Gilles Peterson, DJ Seinfeld Ainslee Willis and Nadia Rose throughout the week and close with a bass-heavy program from The Operatives.

MMW will also host an evening of soul and RnB, with Blue Black Beatz at Immigration Museum.

Curated by Afro Hub’s Saba Alemayoh and headlined by REMI, the showcase will pay respect to African sonic lineage within the Melbourne independent music scene.

Tickets to experience the sounds of gwara awara, Afro Beats, sega saggae, jazz, African traditional, trap/rap/hip hop, soul and spoken word on Saturday November 17 are available now.

You Am I make their MMW debut, headlining Melbourne Town Hall for a set incorporating The Grand Organ.

A crowd favourite over the years, The Grand Organ can produce anything from the slightest whisper to a booming thunder, pushing 90,000 cubic feet of air a minute through its 10,000 pipes.

Support will come from post-punk cult rockers New War.

Brit DJ LEON VYNEHALL plays Melbourne Recital Centre. accompanied by a 10-piece string ensemble.

Tickets are on sale now via the Melbourne Music Week website.

Melbourne Music Week will reveal the complete 2018 program on Tuesday, October 2.

Friday 16 November

Hub Show – Heaps Gay Reverie: Opening Night

Saturday 17 November

Hub Show – Jeff Mills, Matt Radovich, ACM (co-presented with Stable Music)

Blue Black Beatz at Melbourne Immigration Museum

Sunday 18 November

Hub Show – Big Fish Little Fish: Family Rave

Hub Show – Rival Consoles, LEON VYNEHALL, Kate Miller (presented by MMW)