See the full program

Free Concerts

featuring DJs + Bands

1pm Sat April 13th, 2024

Charles Darwin University Red Building 2

1pm Sun April 14th, 2024

Bagot Community Basketball Courts

Free Workshops

for musicians, bands + DJs

10am-5pm Mon-Fri 8-12th April 2024

Charles Darwin University Music School

Events

Build Your Own PA Speaker Workshop

Craft Your Sound: PA Speaker Building Workshop for Musicians!

Thur 10th April 10am-5pm CDU Theatre
Friday 12th April 10am-5pm CDU Theatre

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Attention all musicians! Elevate your live performances with custom-built PA speakers tailored to your sound. Join sound system experts Ward Hancock and Colin Simpson for an exclusive workshop where you'll learn the intricacies of speaker theory, design, and construction, specifically focused on the bass speaker—a vital element for that perfect low-frequency response.

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Workshop Features

  • Speaker Theory Mastery:
    Start with an introduction to speaker theory, diving into driver types, frequency response, and the secrets of enclosure design.
  • Hands-On Construction:
    Roll up your sleeves and build your own bass speaker with step-by-step guidance from our experts, utilizing design software and precision tools.
  • Component Selection:
    Understand the synergy between speaker drivers and crossover components to produce impeccable sound quality.
  • Live PA System Integration:
    Experience your bass speaker in action as part of a full PA system, learning how to connect and test all components for a flawless performance.
  • Safety First:
    Engage in a safe workshop environment with a strong emphasis on safety protocols when handling woodworking and electrical tools.

What You'll Get:

  • Expert Instruction:
    Learn from seasoned professionals who will take you from theory to practice.
  • All Equipment Provided:
    We supply all the necessary tools and materials, so you can focus on building and learning.
  • Real-World Application:
    Leave the workshop with a bass speaker you've built and the knowledge to enhance your musical performances.

Musicians, don't miss this chance to add a personal touch to your live sound. Join our PA Speaker Building Workshop and craft a sound that's uniquely yours!

VR Music Masterclass

Experience the Future of Music: Join Our VR Music Masterclass!

Wed 9th - Thurs 10th April 10am-5pm CDU Music Dept

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Dive into the immersive world of virtual reality and discover how it's revolutionizing the music industry. We're thrilled to invite staff, students, and the public to our hands-on VR Music Masterclass, where you'll learn the art of capturing acoustic performances in a whole new dimension.

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What You'll Do:

Under the expert guidance of Andrew Belletty and Robert Dongas, you'll explore the innovative techniques of Ambisonic and 360 video to craft a virtual reality experience alongside recording artists James Mangohig and Caiti Baker. This workshop is your chance to experience firsthand how VR can amplify the musical experience from both the performer's and creator's perspectives.

Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of music technology. Join us and see how VR is not just a tool, but a game-changer for musical expression and enjoyment

DJ Tools and Techniques Workshop

Unleash Your Inner DJ: Knock em Down Sound System DJ Tools and Techniques Workshop!

Sat 13th April 11am-2pm at CDU Red 1 Level 3 Student Lounge.

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Sun 14th April 11am-2pm at Bagot Community Centre.

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Get ready to spin the decks and master the art of DJing with Charly Templar’s exclusive DJ Tools and Techniques Workshop. Whether you're a budding DJ or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is your ticket to the world of beats and mixes.

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Workshop Highlights:

  • Delve into the rich history of DJing and turntablism with our engaging introduction.
  • Get up close with the latest CDJs equipment and sound mixers in our comprehensive overview.
  • Navigate the digital landscape with our sessions on DJ software.
  • Learn the secrets of beat mixing, tempo manipulation, and crafting the perfect music set.
  • Hands-On Experience:
  • Participate in interactive beat-matching exercises, using innovative methods like ping-pong balls to master mixing opposing beats.
  • Benefit from the guidance of expert instructors who will support you at every step.

Showcase Your Talent:

  • Step into the spotlight with a final performance where you'll create and present your own mix.
  • Receive personalized feedback to elevate your DJing prowess.
  • Exclusive Resources:
  • Enjoy the convenience of provided equipment, ensuring you have everything you need.
  • Learn in a safe environment with a focus on safety protocols for using electrical equipment.

Join us at the Charles Darwin University for this transformative workshop and turn the tables on your DJing journey

Stage-Ready Band Workshop

Rock the Stage: Full-Day Band Performance Workshop for Musicians!

Mon 8th and Tuesday 9th April 10am-5pm CDU Music Dept

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Musicians, are you ready to captivate your audience and deliver a show-stopping performance? Join James Mangohig and his team for a Stage-Ready Band Workshop, a two-day intensive designed to transform your live act into a polished, dynamic experience.

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What You'll Learn:

  • Expert Guidance: Our team of industry professionals will share their secrets to a successful set.
  • Endurance Training: Practice playing through your entire set without breaks, ensuring a seamless show.
  • Preparation Techniques: Create a comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything you need for the big day.
  • Cohesion and Memorization: Learn to stay in sync with your bandmates and have your material down pat.
  • Stage Presence: Master the art of using the entire stage, engaging with your fellow musicians and the audience.
  • Image Crafting: Decide on outfits and develop a style that reflects your personality and suits the venue.

Workshop Benefits:

  • Live Performance Opportunity: Apply your new skills in a live public performance.
  • All Equipment Provided: From backline to PA system, we've got you covered.
  • Safety First: We prioritize safety protocols, especially when using electrical equipment.

Musicians, this is your chance to elevate your stage presence and ensure your band is unforgettable. Secure your spot in our Stage-Ready Band Workshop and get ready to rock the stage like never before!

Bass Blast

Knock em Down Sound System Showcase

Sat 13th April 2pm to 6pm Charles Darwin University Red Building 2

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Sun 14th April 2pm to 6pm Bagot Community Basketball Courts

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An All-Star Cast Performance featuring bands and DJs mentored during the workshops promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and music mastery. With a lineup that includes both emerging artists and seasoned artists, this event is set to dazzle audiences with a diverse range of musical styles and performances. This event marks the beginning of the much-anticipated Dry Season with a bang!

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Event Highlights:

  • Star-Studded Line-Up: Experience an unforgettable day featuring the bands and DJs who have been honed to perfection during our workshops, alongside our renowned facilitators and local music legends.
  • Seasonal Celebration: Embrace the spirit of Darwin's Knock em Down Season with music that resonates with the energy and vibrancy of the Dry Season's arrival.
  • Versatile Venue: Hosted at the Charles Darwin University's basketball arena, our event is prepared for any weather with both indoor and outdoor areas.
  • Community and Diversity: Aimed at attracting a wide audience, our line-up includes a mix of genres and styles, ensuring there's something for everyone.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: With food and beverage vendors catering to an open-access, all-ages event, bring your family and friends along for a night to remember.

Join us for an day filled with rhythm, melodies, and the magic of live music!.

About

Kakadu’s Aboriginal owners recognise a season in April after the wet and before the dry called Banggerreng or Knock em Down Storm Season. Plants are fruiting and animals are caring for their young when the knock em down winds arrive and flatten the spear grass. As the knock em downs retreat, the dragonflies appear, signalling the beginning of the dry season.

Knock-em-down Sound System explores how Darwin’s unique climate and culture and has shaped community music through a series of public workshops teaching DIY Speaker Building and DJ Tools and Techniques, live performances, interviews, and a VR experience with an innovative vibrotactile floor to enhance immersion and create a shared virtual environment.

This project is a part of the Sonic Street Technologies (SST) network, funded by the European Research Council through Goldsmiths University, London, and the University of Sydney. Performances and interviews with contemporary, emerging, and elder musicians, technicians, DJ’s and sound system operators will be filmed to produce a documentary hosted on the SST website.

View the SST sonic map

Contact

For any questions or inquiries, please contact andrew.belletty@sydney.edu.au.