Sydney’s live music scene has been clouded in bad news of late, with the recent news of The Annandale Hotel handing its keys back into the hands of the bank as it enters receivership.
However, amongst all the doom and gloom has been the news of other venues filling the void, including the reopening of Enmore venue Notes. Now there’s yet another reason for Sydney music-goers to turn their frowns upside down, with the exciting announcement of a brand new venue in Surry Hills opening its doors to the public tomorrow night.
Envision this: it’s a warm Friday night and you’re craving some music. Walking the streets of Surry Hills, you hear the distant sound of a familiar song playing in the distance. You spot a secret entrance to a strange building via a 50s-styled Coke machine and as you push past, the music gets louder. You find you’re in a beautiful old building filled with a sea of people. There’s a dancefloor, an expansive cocktail menu selling root beer floats, and most importantly there’s a DJ from New York blasting on stage.
Where are you? You’re at The Soda Factory, Surry Hill’s newest music and entertainment venue.
“Just like Surry Hills, there’s going to be a little bit of something for everyone when we open our doors.” – Graham CorderyBar owner and Experience Entertainment Direct, Graham Cordery, said The Soda Factory will satisfy Surry Hills’ craving for a new late-night sweet spot. “Surry Hills is one of the most diverse and trendy suburbs in the world, but when it comes to late night offerings, there’s been something missing,” says Cordery.
Armed with the essential late-night trading license, The Soda Factory will offer a regular lineup of international bands and DJs ensuring you’ll be leaving some time in the early am hours, wobbly-footed and unable to pass up on hotdogs on the way out. (Yes – The Soda Factory is concealed by a fast food joint, Bobby’s Boss Dogs.)
Aside from big international names, the venue is also keen to hand the stage over to exciting outfits in the bustling local music scene.
“The live music component will also try to support some of the best up-and-coming and indie talents out there,” explains Cordery’s Soda Factory business partner, Michael Chase. “Earlier in the night or mid-week nights we’d love to get some great acoustic sets on.”
For the VIP grand opening tonight, DJ Spinna from NYC will provide the sounds. He’ll also be playing at the public launch party tomorrow night.
The bill for next month already includes Greg Wilson (UK) on March 2nd, Electric Empire on the 15th, Sweeden’s Drop Out Orchestra on the 16th, and American turntable master Grandmaster Flash on the 22nd.
Backed by Graham Cordery’s experience and expansive resumé, including taking out AHA’s Best Entertainment Venue two years in a row at the helm of fellow Sydney venue the Ivy, it’s fair to get your hopes up for this shiny new venue.
Adding that, “just like Surry Hills, there’s going to be a little bit of something for everyone when we open our doors.”
The Soda Factory Gig Lists
16 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills
http://www.sodafactory.com.au/
Thurs Feb 21st (VIP launch) DJ SPINNA (NYC)
Sat Feb 22nd – Public Launch Party feat DJ SPINNA
Sat March 2nd – GREG WILSON (UK)
Thursday March 15th – ELECTRIC EMPIRE (Live)
Sat March 16th – DROP OUT ORCHESTRA (Sweden)
Friday March 22nd – GRANDMASTER FLASH (USA)
