In Partnership with Vivid LIVE
When the sun starts setting earlier and beach days are swapped for puffer jackets, Sydney doesn’t slow down, it comes alive. And there’s no better reason to lean into cool-weather energy than late night gigs during Vivid LIVE, the Sydney Opera House’s annual music takeover.
Running from 23 May to 14 June, the 2025 program is stacked with local and international talent spanning genres and generations. From intimate performances and epic vocalists to experimental rave scenes, these are the eight trailblazing performances you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
ANOHNI and the Johnsons
One of the most anticipated performances of the entire festival, ANOHNI returns to the stage for two Australian exclusive shows with the Johnsons, marking the band’s final Australian shows.
Known for her arresting voice and transcendent presence, ANOHNI will perform tracks from her recent album alongside classics from her extensive catalogue. It’s a rare chance to experience one of the most powerful live voices of our time alongside the Johnsons in Sydney’s iconic Concert Hall.
Pale Jay
This year, the mysteriously masked Pale Jay brings his signature falsetto and new album ‘Low End Love Songs’ to the Sydney Opera House for the first time. Known for his blend of soul, jazz and dreamy storytelling, the LA–based artist will perform in the vaulted Joan Sutherland Theatre alongside a full string quartet. It’s an intimate, one-off show that’s sure to be equal parts cinematic and emotional.
SAHXL
A name on the rise and already making waves across the country, SAHXL is part of Australia’s next-gen rap vanguard. At just 21, he’s built a reputation for emotional vulnerability and razor-sharp delivery after two viral EPs and a sold out tour in 2024. His Vivid LIVE set in the Utzon Room is tipped to be as introspective as it is explosive.
3%
Fiery, honest and growing fast, 3% bring raw intensity to every stage they step on. Through their hit tracks like ‘OUR PEOPLE’ and ‘Sleezy Steezy Cool’, this ARIA Award-winning First Nations hip-hop collective channels frustration and freedom in equal measure. If you want to see the cutting-edge of what local Australian music sounds like right now, this is the show to be at.
WavyLand
Sydney-based collective WavyLand has built its name on a sharp instinct for what’s next in youth culture. For Vivid LIVE, they’re curating two special late-night parties to celebrate their seventh anniversary. Night one includes some of the coolest rappers and hip-hop artists BKTHERULA, Slauson Malone 1, Wiki and Posseshot, and night two features performances by Thaiboy Digital and Oli XL.
The Sabres of Paradise
Originally formed in the early ‘90s by the late musician, DJ and record producer Andrew Weatherall, The Sabres of Paradise were early pioneers of UK electronic dance music, influencing the next generation of artists like Massive Attack, Portishead, and The Chemical Brothers. Now, for the first time in 30 years, the group is reuniting at the Sydney Opera House, bringing a nostalgic tribute to old-school techno alongside a futuristic visual show by Innerstrings.
Miss Kaninna
An ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter Miss Kaninna is another exciting rising star in Australian music right now. A Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman, her sound is hip-hop, R&B and soul all rolled into one. Playing in the Drama Theatre, her live set is equal parts empowerment and energy, and one of the most anticipated shows on the line-up.
DUNJ
If you’re looking for a fun night out, DUNJ has you covered. The Sydney-based collective will take over the Sydney Opera House’s underground Studio space for a genre-bending party featuring Tunisian electronic producer Azu Tiwaline and progressive English techno artist Shackleton. The DUNJ Studio Party promises hard beats, a packed dance floor and moments of pure chaos. Get ready for one of the wildest nights on the program.
While these are our top picks, this year’s Vivid LIVE program boasts over 50 incredible artists to see across two weeks. If there’s one place to fall in love with live music again, it’s here.
See the full program and get your tickets now.