The next Express Yourself – Queer Discovery showcase will feature performances from multi-award-winning electronic duo Electric Fields and folktronica singer-songwriter Gordi.
Originally slated to run across three nights, Mardi Gras and APRA AMCOS have consolidated the January shows due to the easing of COVID-restrictions in NSW. Following the first event, supporters of the initiative called for more artists and more music at each showcase, so music-lovers can now take delight in performances from two established artists and four emerging LGBTQI+ artists on the night.
Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said, “Our first Express Yourself showcase was a resounding success, with our audience on the night empowered by such moving and high energy performances. We received feedback that they couldn’t get enough and would love to see extended programming in future. We’ve listened and are slightly changing our format for January by adding double the performances – there is a wealth of incredible queer artists out there and we’re so thrilled to provide recognition and support through this series.”
APRA AMCOS Chief Executive Dean Ormston said, “It was my absolute privilege and honour to be part of the judging panel for our first showcase and I can’t wait to do it all over again when we welcome four emerging queer artists to play ahead of incredible talents Electric Fields and Gordi. Express Yourself is an important new artist platform, and together with Mardi Gras, we are very excited that more music fans can come along to the gig.”
Mesmerising duo Electric Fields create a striking and haunting merging of living traditional culture with electronic music, bringing moments of breathtaking beauty and power to the stage. Featuring the rare and beautiful voice of Zaachariaha Fielding – who often sings in his traditional languages of the Anangu people – and the brilliance of producer Michael Ross – Electric Fields’ music ranges from soulful pop, to epic-scale electronic works, through to intensely intimate story-songs.
Nationally revered, Gordi has cemented herself as a formidable creative force so early in her career, having worked with Alex Somers (Sigur Ros), Bon Iver, Troye Sivan, Julien Baker and The Tallest Man On Earth to name a few. Hailing from the tiny agricultural town of Canowindra, Gordi’s musical output continues to be steeped in progressive production, yet anchored to classic, stadium-ready songwriting, and has seen her awarded industry and peer accolades from triple j, FBi Radio, APRA, PPCA, and the Australia Council for the Arts.
The first Express Yourself – Queer Discovery took place this November and saw emerging artists JamarzOnMarz and Aya Yves take to the stage with ARIA award winning chanteuse Montaigne, to compete for their chance to perform at Mardi Gras 2021.