Situated in a unique location two hours from Melbourne, Inner Varnika provides an opportunity for three days over the Easter weekend to strip away the stress and social pressure of the city, nurturing a unique environment of compassion, catharsis and freedom of expression.
An entirely independent festival, Inner Varnika has proudly curated an impressive selection of the culturally vital and artistically talented. The festival has gathered a reputation for high-quality vibes and is a sought-after affair for the dedicated music enthusiast, with a difference. Inner Varnika’s festival directors describes it as “The closest thing to a temporary autonomous zone.”
Acclaimed musician, intellectual and cultural commentator DJ Sprinkles is headlining the international lineup in her only Victorian show. You’ll hear the rarely-heard live hybrid set debut from techno luminary Peter Van Hoesen and lo-fi masterpieces from British Columbian DJ, producer and label owner D.Tiffany.
There’s the purveyor of bounce & beat James Pants, Freakout Cult label co-owner and disco/house alchemist Jayda G, and undisputable electronic pioneer In Aerternam Vale. Finally, brothers DJ Fett Burger & DJ Sotofett – Sex Tags – will close the show out for a third year running, in the invitingly provocative manner that they know how. Expect the unexpected.
The local lineup proves equally eclectic and inspiring, with a cornucopia of the prestigious and wickedly talented. Western Australian producer Phil Stroud boasts a four-piece band that will ensnare listeners with shimmering Middle Eastern rhythms and mystic elements. Melbourne funk duo Silver Linings will play slices from their recently released debut album, So Good To You. Analogue synth duos Sleep D and Albrecht La’Brooy will return for their second year as crowd favourites, as well as well as a list of local underground figures such as RRR and NTS presenter/label owner Noise In My Head. Sydney techno/house stalwarts Simon Caldwell and Ben Fester are set to make some magic, while a host of DJs plan to whisk you away on a journey of sound that transcends genre, featuring the powers of soul/afro wizard DJ Manchild, reggae/dub weavers Alley Tunes, Pjenné, Toni Yotzi and Colette.
In keeping with the festival’s respect of location, Inner Varnika holds an increasingly strong focus on sustainability. The surrounds offer one-of-a-kind opportunities for the adventurous – go hill climbing amongst the serene landscape and grasp a chance to gaze at the sparkling-clear starlit skies – so it’s integral that everyone can get to soak it in, for years to come.
Last year, festival directors swapped the entirety of their production generators from diesel to 100 per cent renewable bio-diesel. “Inner Varnika is in a constant state of flux,” explain the festival directors, “The idea of the festival continues to grow alongside the attitudes and aspirations held by our community.” They’ve consistently upgraded their recycling capabilities and introduced a carbon offsetting program. They also place an enormous amount of importance on encouraging attendees to consider the effects of their actions on their environment. A lot of hard work goes into ensuring that Inner Varnika is in a position to constantly refine and maintain its reputation as an ecologically conscious festival.
When asked what makes Inner Varnika different to other festivals, the directors say, “Inner Varnika is a celebration of communality, commonality and diversity, through the medium of sound and movement. We believe that feelings of connectivity come about through the power of simplicity and sufficiency, not exuberance. We offer a platform of catharsis for the music enthusiast and a place that fosters freedom of expression whilst being free from persecution. Difference is in the eye of the beholder”
By Jacob Colliver
