There’s no other event that’s quite like Melbourne Music Week. Returning in 2015 for its sixth iteration, this year’s program is hotter than ever. MMW is known not just for their stellar lineups of local and international bands, but also for their fantastic flagship venues. Each year they have popped up in unusual and interesting locations across Melbourne. This year the former Royal Women’s Hospital basement provides an exciting new stage to celebrate Melbourne’s thriving music scene.
As we descended into the festival hub basement of the abandoned former women’s hospital, we could sense the energy in the air – this was going to be a great night. The huge underground space was already pumping thanks to local party makers I OH YOU DJs, Gold Fields, and DJ Tranter all throwing down excellent tracks. We helped ourselves to a delicious espresso martini (because what would Melbourne be without its coffee) and settled in for the show.
The energy filled line-up on the night consisted of DZ Deathrays, New War and Darts. Dubbed one of Australia’s most exciting upcoming acts, New War had the crowd jumping and thrashing their heads. Brisbane’s own DZ Deathrays have come a long way from the first house party gig that they formed for. In the past few years, the ARIA award winning, indie/punk/thrash two-piece have toured overseas relentlessly, winning loyal fans the world over with their roof-lifting live shows. There was defiantly no holding back in the mosh pit for DZ Deathrays as the crowd went berserk. As this was their last gig for 2015, DZ Deathrays threw everything they had at the show and the audience loved them for it.
Over eight days, more than 100 events – half of which are free – will take place during the day and night in our city’s live music venues, on the streets, in laneways and in Melbourne’s unique spaces. MMW is definitely worth getting into.
– Tomas
Tomas Zagoda is a filmmaker, writer, coffee addict and tall person who does not play basketball. You can follow him @TomasZagoda
Check out our guide to the top 10 events at Melbourne Music Week (13-20 November).
