Words: Lara Pacillo and Coleman Kain // Photos: Soak
Soak is more than a live music gig; it’s an immersive experience. The music and art event paves a journey through genres, between stages, and across walls with its next event on Friday June 2 at Lion Arts Factory.
“We wanted to create a rounded version where you can see some really great indie or punk or funky jazz bands, as well as electronic music with house and techno,” says 24-year-old co-founder Coleman Kain.
“We’ll have projections that all play into it and have the sounds transition throughout the night. You can just appreciate the whole journey.”
Soak’s first event was held in September last year at Jack & Jill’s Basement, where Coleman joined forces with Miles Dunne, Jack Stewart, and Jesse Neill to pull the curated night together.
The upcoming event which Coleman is organising as a solo project is a scaled-up version of the last, both in size and production, while bringing artists into a larger music venue where they might not normally get the chance to play.
Coleman hopes to spotlight local talent through Soak in a diverse, integrated experience.
“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel in terms of live music, but we just want to provide a more interesting experience, combining art and furthering the immersive nature around going to see a live act.”
Here’s Coleman’s rundown of the artists you’ll see on the night >>>
Modern Relics
Modern Relics are an emerging band who played their first show back in March for Pirate Life’s Birthday event in the Port. Their spin on the alternative rock genre is a group effort, with each member bringing their own ideas and unique flair to the table at every step of the writing process. With their debut EP awaiting its release, the only way to get a glimpse of the band currently is to catch them live and see what they’re about!
Sour Sob
Much like the flower they are named after, Sour Sob is a kind of sweet, kind of sour, alternative indie-rock band. The four-piece is known to fill the room with an abundance of energy with their blend of ethereal melodies and crushing guitars. Influenced by the likes of Pavement and Big Thief, Sour Sob pushes a fresh, endearing agenda, capturing the hearts of their scene.
Tonix
In two short years, Tonix has emerged from the depths of the Adelaide music scene, developing a reputation for live energy, tight shows, and regular public appearances. This reputation, ever-growing, has been cemented by shows such as Space Jams Festival, alongside ABC RAGE music video features. The force and direction of the synth appeals to audience members looking to both hear and feel the music. The saxophone is used to accelerate the passion, blasting uniquely UK-inspired melodies. Finally, Sammi’s powerful vocals take the music to a higher, more emotional place. The combination of each, aided by constant stage presence, audience interaction, and sing-alongs, now defines Tonix.
Kmomo b2b Jackie Stewart
Next up are two relative newcomers fresh on the scene. These two can often be found DJing around town, including on the rooftop at Merrymaker, and have been involved with Soak since its inception. Keen to get behind the decks and on the dance floor, Jackie Stew and Kmomo are just as likely to play a crowd pleaser as they are a left-field womper. Informed by a friendship forged through music, their chemistry is unmatched. This B2B will take you in all sorts of directions as they hype you up for more to come. Expect the unexpected.
Svnset Rendezvous
Saturating the dance floor with bangers accompanied by soulful sax lines, here we have a brand new duo evolving their craft into an exhilaratingly fresh creative endeavor. Allow the infectious rhythms of Svnset Rendezvous to guide your feet to the realm where only music reigns supreme.
Hello Moto
Playing sounds you don’t often hear around town, Hello Moto serves up a fat bass. Her sets are a celebration of global dance music, featuring sounds like afro house, gqom, uk funky, drum, and baile. She never says no to a dance battle and challenges the crowd to sweat it out from behind the decks.
Miles Dunne (VFX)
Miles is a multi-disciplinary artist working in creative technology, design, and installation. His work centers around creating immersive experiences that break boundaries and engage audiences. Inspired by his own experiences of discarding social barriers through interaction with art, Dunne incorporates LED screens, projectors, lighting, and various inputs such as sensors, cameras, and controllers. He creates dynamic animations that evolve in real-time through programming and interaction.
Soak: Friday June 2 // Lion Arts Factory, 68 North Terrace, Adelaide 5000
