SOJU GANG

Words by Zachary Sanderson

We talk to DJ and streetwear designer Soju Gang about Sorbaes: Sundae - her upcoming festival at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Renowned across the city and beyond for her energetic party mixes and equally vibrant style and personality, Soju Gang is bringing her all-ages mini-festival Sorbaes back to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on February 26. Currently in its third iteration, Sorbaes is looking to be more delicious than ever.

Since beginning in 2021, Sorbaes has attracted many across Naarm/Melbourne for its genre-hopping program that spotlights the best in local talent. Originally started by Soju Gang in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne, the festival has come to be known for shining the spotlight on up-and-coming powerhouses through its lineup that encompasses specifically local acts.

Spotlighting both established and up-and-coming acts, Sorbaes promotes nothing but the best in homegrown talent. For Soju Gang, her third year organising the festival is a landmark of progress and passion; in attracting patrons from all walks of life to the mini-fest annually, the young event looks to have an ever-promising future.

Sorbaes: Sundae already has a killer lineup, featuring performances from some of the finest talents in the city that span the genres of RnB, hip hop, soul, house and Afro Dancehall. Joining the bill are the new voice in contemporary soul-pop AKOSIA, OJ Kush, and the South African-born rapper and singer Voldy. Recently announced, Kaylah Truth, Stev Zar, Brown Suga Princess, Nay Nay are also set to join the fresh summer lineup.

“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 Gang busy is an understatement. As a streetwear designer with her own label Sawft Wear, a radio host for CADA radio, a DJ, and a show organiser, she has a finger in nearly every pie. As if that’s not enough - as the conversation progresses, it’s revealed that she’s also babysitting and looking after a puppy dog.

The Melbourne local and proud 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: each year she curates a wildly varied yet extremely delicious lineup of talented artists from Australia’s diverse, ever-evolving music scene.

“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.”

Having expanded significantly since its inception three years ago, this year’s venture features a poster designed by Dja Dja Wurrung/Yorta Yorta artist enoki. The layout of the day will feature a new and intimate setup inside Gate 1, with a specially designed viewing deck for those who opt in for a VIP experience.

Joining Sorbaes: Sundae this year is Cypher Culture’s City Sessions, marking the first time that the collective have 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. 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.”

Hoping to raise awareness on a local level about the disparity that BIPOC communities face here, $2 dollars from every general admission ticket and $5 from every VIP ticket will be contributed towards The Dhadjowa Foundation.

Founded by Soju Gang’s cousin, Apryl Day - daughter of the late Aunty Tanya Day - The Dhadjowa Foundation is an organisation that supports and amplifies the voices of First Nations families that have suffered the loss of loved ones in custody, as well as providing them with financial assistance.

“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, heading over to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a taste of Sorbaes: Sundae truly is a no brainer. With a cast of diverse acts for you to discover all throughout this unmissable live show, the summer Sunday session is an essential event for anyone. Furthermore, if you identify as First Nations, Soju has exclusively made a limited number of free tickets for Indigenous people interested in coming.

Take a bite out of Sorbaes: Sundae - it’s happening as part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Live at the Bowl program at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on February 26. Beat is an official media partner of Live at the Bowl.