There was a time when discovering your favourite artist meant squeezing into a local pub, standing shoulder to shoulder with strangers and watching live music from just a few metres away.
Spotify wants to bring that feeling back.
This winter, the streaming giant is launching Turn Up Aus Live, a free gig series designed to connect Australian music fans with some of the country’s biggest artists in an intimate pub setting.
Taking over Redfern’s iconic Bat & Ball Hotel, the series will see a lineup of Australian artists perform exclusive gigs for their most dedicated fans, creating the kind of up-close experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s arena-sized concert landscape.
And the best part? It’s completely free.
Kicking things off on 24 June is Western Sydney powerhouse Hooligan Hefs, whose genre-blending mix of hip-hop and EDM has earned him a fiercely loyal fanbase and millions of streams globally.
Then on 29 July, award-winning artist Genesis Owusu takes the stage. Known for his fearless approach to music and electrifying live performances, Genesis has become one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, effortlessly blending rap, punk, soul and experimental sounds into something entirely his own.
Additional artists are set to be announced throughout the year, with the series running through to November.
What I love about this concept is that it taps into something we’ve lost a little along the way.
Music is at its best when it’s shared.
Not through a screen. Not through headphones. But standing in a room full of people singing every word back to an artist they love.
For younger audiences especially, these sorts of intimate pub gigs have become harder to come by, making this feel less like a concert series and more like a throwback to the golden era of live music discovery.
Fans who miss out on invitations can still enter for the chance to win one of four double passes, while Spotify is also giving away a major prize that will fly two lucky fans interstate for the gig of a lifetime.
Whether you’re a long-time Hooligan Hefs fan, a Genesis Owusu devotee or simply love discovering live music in a more intimate setting, this is one Sydney music series worth keeping on your radar.
The Details
🎵 Spotify Turn Up Aus Live
📍 The Bat & Ball Hotel, Redfern
📅 June – November 2026
🎤 Hooligan Hefs – 24 June – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VXE1xqGNlT9HG6TcjpQ9I?si=ADcSYqQQSpCepbdPyrIE-w
🎤 Genesis Owusu – 29 July – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HvH97rzvCH6lfnLlgyfke?si=d-cUC46jTl2eDmL87TW-zA
💸 Free for selected fans
More artists to be announced.
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