Is there a more iconic location in Melbourne’s CBD than Fed Square? Uniquely straddling the best in Melbourne’s arts precinct, this summer it’ll host a truly memorable series of live gigs, aptly titled Fed Live. The best part? They’re all completely free. Read on for our picks of the bunch.
Fed Square is the heart and soul of Melbourne this summer with a huge array of free events going down as part of the Summer at Fed Square program, which runs from January 14 until March 31.
To get a glimpse of the full arts and interactive exhibits program, head here, but for a comprehensive run-down of the free gigs happening all the way into April, read on.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Hiatus Kaiyote, Ella Sweeney, BUMPY and WILSN
Friday January 14
Kicking off Fed Live are legendary neo-soul four-piece Hiatus Kaiyote. They’re hitting the Fed Square stage this Friday, January 14.
Since their first EP back in 2012, Tawk Tomahawk, Hiatus have garnered huge international attention, with praise from the likes of Questlove, Erykah Badu and even Prince. Their music has received plenty of critical and fan acclaim as well, with a number of their releases receiving Grammy Award nominations.
To top off the show, Hiatus will be supported by three stellar performers: Ella Sweeney (with band), a singer songwriter who has worked with artists like Didirri and Gretta Ray; BUMPY, a proud Noongar woman whose music mixes jazz and soul, and WILSN, who namechecks artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin, and offers enchanting, soulful vocals. Hiatus Kaiyote are set to hit the stage around 7:15pm. You better check this out, it’s probably the only time you’ll get to see a Grammy nominated group for free.
Daft Punk Discovery and Andy Murphy
Saturday January 15
Since the originals put down their helmets in 2021, Daft Punk cover groups have come out in droves, and one of the best is hitting the Fed Square stage this weekend. Discovery are Australia’s premier Daft Punk Tribute act, complete with costumes and that signature Daft Punk style, and they’ll be on the Fed Square stage this Saturday, January 15.
Discovery will be playing all the hits you know and love from the duo, from the massive tracks off Random Access Memories to those futuristic pieces from the TRON soundtrack.
They’ll be supported by one of the biggest performers in the Aussie electronic world, Andy Murphy, who brings influences from areas as diverse as innovative fashion and eclectic art to his music. Daft Punk Discovery hit the stage around 8pm, with Andy Murphy at 6:30pm.
Hunnydew Recordings Showcase
Friday February 25
Hunnydew Recordings are one of Melbourne’s coolest up-and-coming independent record labels, with their artists bringing something unique to the world of live music across our musically rich state. Their artist showcase will be something you can’t miss.
It’ll feature music from duo Grazer, an amalgamation of 80s britpop and 90s shoegaze; Elliot, a songstress with a knack for lyricism and emotional music, and the night will be headlined by Chris Lanzon, a bonafide star who has blown up on Tiktok, hitting over one million views.
This showcase is happening on Friday Feb 25, and will kick off around 5pm, and finish around 8:45 pm, making for a fantastic night of high-quality music.
Dylan J, Akosia, Seb Szabo and Tyra Lewis
Friday March 18
Dylan J (also known as Dylan Joel) is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most prolific performers, supporting artists such as Illy, Ruel, and even international powerhouse Jess Glynne. It’s clear he’s an experienced performer from his rave-reviewed live experiences, and his music mixes hip hop with old school vibes, getting a lot of attention from radio and playlists across the world. Most recently, his album Authentic Lemonade receiving the coveted feature album spot on Triple J. He’ll be hitting the Fed Square stage on Friday, March 18.
He’ll be supported by some amazing live performers: Akosia, a Ghanaian-Australian artist mixing R&B stylings with pop vibes, Seb Szabo, an amazing acoustic rocker who will blow you away with his energetic tracks, and Tyra Lewis, an artist who first starred on Instagram and brings her Tongan roots to her captivating music.
Tyra Lewis kicks off proceedings around 5pm, and Dylan J hits the stage around 8pm.
The Grogans, Rachel Lia, D’Arcy Spiller and Bones & Jones
Thursday April 14
The Grogans have been on the up and up in recent years, appearing across many festival lineups, and getting a lot of attention on radio and Spotify playlists. The group’s music mixes the best of surf rock with cool, laid-back vibes. Their recent album Day / To / Day has been lauded for its unique approach to indie rock, and fans across Australia have been waiting to see it on the live stage, which they’ll soon be able to do through Fed Live.
They’ll also have some pretty iconic support, Rachel Lia, a powerful First Nations singer; D’Arcy Spiller, an original performer who will move you with her heartfelt songs, and Bones and Jones, a group that mix the wonder of 60’s rock with modern indie vibes.
This mammoth rock show is hitting the Fed Square stage on Thursday April 14 and The Grogans will hit the stage around 8pm.
For all the latest info and to check out other Fed Square events, head to their website here.
