After making an intriguing debut in 2023, the Art Gallery of NSW is bringing back its pioneering new music series, Volume, this winter to push the limits of sound and live performance with four visionary headline artists. First up, mama, I’m a millionaire – because Mr Ice Cool himself André 3000 is heading to the Gallery with New Blue Sun Live (Sat, Jul 20 + Sun, Jul 21), an Australian-exclusive performance of the hip-hop titan’s new experimental instrumental jazz project.
You can also catch sets from American art rock trailblazer and founding member of Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon (Thu, Jul 18 + Fri, Jul 19); multiple ARIA Award-winning Ghanaian-Australian artist Genesis Owusu (Fri, Jul 5 + Sat, Jul 6) will channel post-punk, post-rap and R’n’B with his notoriously buzzy live performance style; and LA-based, ARIA-winning Zimbabwean-Australian singer-songwriter and rapper Tkay Maidza (Sat, Jul 13) will have you wrapped up in ‘Cashmere’ and asking ‘Where Is My Mind?’
The new edition of Volume is taking over the Art Gallery’s iconic underground Tank – a former WWII oil tank that is now a breathtaking art and performance space – from July 5 to 21, transforming the subterranean space with a series of boundary-pushing performances, melding art and music.
You might recall that the first Volume festival last year was headlined by Grammy-winning artist Solange (yes, as in Solange Knowles of the Beyoncé bloodline), who played three sold-out performances in the Tank. Solange’s performances in the low-lit, pillar-filled space leaned into a tranquil “sound bath” vibe, which was a bit confusing for the ticket holders who didn’t read the fine print and rocked up expecting a pop concert. We advise you not to make the same mistake and show up expecting a rap showdown from André 3000, who will be accompanied by a phenomenal group of American jazz and new-age musicians for his considerably chilled out new sound.
Volume will be presented from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 21 in both of the Art Gallery of NSW’s recently renamed buildings: Naala Badu (the north building) and Naala Nura (the south building).
In addition to the seven ticketed performances, a wider program of free events will be announced soon. Tickets for the above events range from $80–$150, and will be on sale from Tuesday, May 21, at 11am AEST (presale) and Wednesday, May 22, at 11am AEST (general sale) at volume.sydney.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.
