Beat talks to streetwear designer and DJ Soju Gang about her upcoming event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Since beginning in 2021, Sorbaes: Sundae has attracted many across Melbourne for its genre-hopping program. The club concept started by Soju Gang and in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne has encompassed specifically local acts, shining the spotlight on future powerhouses. For Soju Gang, her third year organising the festival is a landmark of progress and passion. The young event looks to have an ever-promising future.
Going ahead on the 26 of February this year, the festival has an already killer lineup. Featuring the new voice in contemporary soul-pop AKOSIA, OJ Kush, and the South African-born rapper and singer Voldy, plus more to be announced.
Sorbaes: Sundae
- Soju Gang, AKOSIA, OJ Kush, Voldy and more
- Part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Live at the Bowl
- 26 February 2023 | Sidney Myer Music Bowl | $20 – $30
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
“What I’ve always wanted to do when I put on events is just showcase what we’ve got here,” she says.
“You know, everybody’s so concentrated on all the international acts all the time, but we’ve got so much diversity in sound and representation here. Why not want to put on a big event for what we’ve got here?”
To call Soju busy is an understatement. As a streetwear designer with her own label called Sawft Wear, a radio host for CADA radio, a DJ, and a show organiser, she has a finger in nearly every pie. As the conversation progresses, she’s also babysitting and looking after a puppy dog.
View this post on Instagram
The Melbourne local, Gunai/Kurnai, Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri artist retains that locality is an integral part of this event. For Soju, the most important part of this event isn’t just diversity, but also community. “We’ve got so many amazing artists who do so many different things it’s endless. I feel like a lot of the events are so curated to have a specific sound and a specific vibe, where I just want it to be a one-stop shop where you might come for one person, but you’re there to experience all of it in its fullness.”
Joining Sorbaes: Sundae this year is Cypher Culture’s City Sessions, the first time it’s collaborated with the event. The freestyle dance collective / project will be strutting their stuff along with some of the best acts Melbourne has to offer. Given that the day is club inspired, this collaboration only seems fitting into an event of this theme. “I think the dance culture in Melbourne is a really pinnacle part (and) I’ve personally seen (it) as a part of Melbourne’s music culture,” Soju continues, “you know, whether it’s the dancers or the music or the DJs or the artists that get involved, there’s always this crossover.”
Given the club-styled vibe and approach towards the show, the venue itself is an interesting juxtaposition. Because it’s held at the open-aired Sidney Myer Music Bowl, it breathes fresh air into what defines a conventional rave or party. As a family-friendly event that’s highly accessible, it prides itself on giving that nightclub experience to some who might not have the opportunity.
“Not everybody can go into a club, whether that’s your accessibility or your kids,” she adds. “You’ve got other things going on. Being able to go to those sorts of things during the day is good. I think it’s just mainly that sort of accessibility that you get to have, that energy and being able to participate.”
Considering the grassroots support that this show features, it’s not surprising that a sum of all ticket sales is going towards an even more important movement towards Melbourne and the Indigenous community. $2 dollars from every general admission ticket and $5 from every VIP ticket will be contributed towards The Dhadjowa Foundation. Started by Apryl Day, its mission is to amplify the voices and coordinate action against Indigenous deaths in custody. It also supports assistance to First Peoples that have suffered throughout the loss of loved ones and provides financial assistance.
View this post on Instagram
“It’s a good reminder to be like ‘these issues still exist’, and they still continue on, and that fight is still happening,” she says. “So, think it’s a really big thing about visibility, and having people be aware that things are still going on. There are still ways that you can contribute to aid in the implementation of a great foundation that’s continuing to do the hard work that needs to be done for our community,”
If you find yourself with an open palate during late February, Sorbaes: Sundae truly is a no brainer. With a cast of diverse acts and an unmissable live show, the summer Sunday session will be in full swing. Also, if you identify as First Nations, Soju has exclusively made a limited number of free tickets for Indigenous people interested in coming.
For good music and a good cause on February 26, Sorbaes: Sundae really takes the cake. For tickets, head to the Arts Centre Melbourne website here.
