A first-of-its-kind event celebrating the best of music and technology is coming to Parramatta in March 2022.
SOUND WEST, a five-day festival at the newly named CommBank Stadium will feature music performances and a technology conference, including sessions, workshops and mentoring from some of Australia’s biggest tech brands and music industry leaders.
The inaugural technology and music festival has been created through a partnership between the NSW Government via Destination NSW, City of Parramatta Council, Western Sydney Business Connection and Western Sydney Business Chamber.
Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, Parramatta MP Geoff Lee and ARIA nominated Australian Hip Hop artist, L-FRESH The LION were among those in attendance at the official announcement on Wednesday.
Mr Ayres said the landmark event will be a pivotal moment after a difficult economic period.
“One area of the economy that’s been impacted more than most is live music and performing arts,” he said.
“We also know our tourism and visitor economy has been smashed to smithereens; but now we are turning a corner.
“SOUND WEST is the first of its kind in Australia and will bring together brilliant minds, industry leaders and music enthusiasts to share ideas, network and enjoy the creativity of home-grown artists.”
Dr Lee said he was excited for Parramatta to host the landmark event.
“Projects like this, that are actually able to showcase the best talent in western Sydney, are so important,” he said.
“This will allow us to help young people to gain valuable knowledge and contribute to the fantastic economy of creative arts.”
Celebrated Australian Paralympian and speaker Dylan Alcott, together with L-Fresh The LION, will speak at the Australian-first festival.
Joining the partner and collaborator line up are NEC Australia, The Edge (ARN), SAE Creative Media Institute, APRA AMCOS, Tik Tok, Universal, Warner Music, Shopify and Live Nation, in addition to host of media outlets.
The Festival will take place in Parramatta from Wednesday, March 30 to Sunday, April 3.
Expressions of interest are now open for producers and promoters to hold live music events during the festival.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.