Big Bao and SXSEA presents ‘South by South East Asian’ Vol.2. SXSEA is the sexy way to shine a spotlight on South Asian and South East Asian musical artists from Naarm and beyond.

Sleepless Festival welcomes the second edition of SXSEA (pronounced 'sexy') on May 18th 2024. The re-purposed corridors of Footscray's Metro West Mall brings together Naarm emerging dynamic collective The Clever References and seasoned live performer and multi-instrumentalist Yeo.

The Clever References are a dynamic bubblegrunge band born from a serendipitous union of nerds with a passion for punk. Ash, Sam, Minh, and Vidusha, each from diverse social backgrounds, bring their unique energies to create an upbeat sound that’s deeply rooted in the spirit of '90s alternative music and fueled by the zest of modern times. Having rocked stages like Moomba Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, and touring in Adelaide, their viral TikTok hit ‘Tell Ben Kate’ encapsulates their ethos – music that's inclusive, joyous, and irresistibly catchy! The Clever References are here to prove that music is a universal language that transcends all barriers.

Malaysian-Australian musician and producer Yeo has solidified his presence in the alternative R&B and pop genres with his dark, dynamic experimentations and wry storytelling. No stranger to the stages of international cultural art festivals, notably OzAsia, Parramatta Lanes, Southside Festival Frankston, ASEAN Music Festival Singapore and Iceland Airwaves, SXSEA will see his latest album TIRED performed live for the first time, delivering intimate renditions of his songs as a multi-instrumentalist switching between keyboard, keytar and bass.

Big Bao is a collective that throws parties and produces events with careful curation to give a platform to Asian-Australian artists and artists of colour. SXSEA promises an evening of eclectic sounds and soul-stirring performances, spotlighting the extraordinary talents of artists resonating with the heartbeats of their heritage and the rhythm of contemporary tunes.

Tickets:
Pre-sale full price $15.00
Door sales full price $18.00
U14* $0.00

*U18 must be accompanied by 18+