A student-run festival from the University of Adelaide brings Genesis Owusu, Elsy Wameyo and more to town in November.
AdeLOUD is a new music festival offering from the University of Adelaide, set to take over their UniBar and Cloisters with two stages on Saturday, November 16.
Headlining is ARIA-award-winning Genesis Owusu, joined by Nairobi-born, Adelaide-based singer, rapper and producer Elsy Wameyo and international DJ Nooriyah, a mainstay in underground club Boiler Room.
UK-based indie rock band YARD ACT will also appear, fresh from a set at Glastonbury, along with mysterious techno artist JamesJamesJames.
Tonix have been making a name for themselves with their unique performances. Photo: Samuel Graves.
DJ sets by Potentially Hugo along with performances from electronic artist Theodore Kittens and electronic pop-rock band Tonix make up the locals on the lineup.
80s synthwave student band Gryff will also play after winning the university’s ‘Opening Act’ student competition.
Lineup curator, Iraqi-Australian award-winning music producer Motez says having students on the lineup is a crucial part of the festival being “student-led”.
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“I’m stoked to have Gryff join us on stage,” Motez said.
“It’s a fantastic platform for them to gain exposure and take their music to the next level.”
Motez has remixed for Sam Smith, Flume and Ellie Goulding and has toured internationally, including playing festivals like Splendour in the Grass and WOMADelaide.
The lineup also features Melbourne underground artist CaucasianOpportunities, Melbourne’s Dance/electronic duo In2stellar and Aussie techno heavyweight Willaris. K.
Motez is a University of Adelaide alumnus with nine SA Music Awards, an ARIA Platinum single, and over 20 million streams.
He says curating the AdeLOUD lineup is “a chance to celebrate my alma mater, recognising its rich history and influence not only in South Australia but also across the nation and the globe”.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to feature so many artists that I love, people who I think are playing and making some of the most exciting music out there,” said Motez.
“I wanted a program that not only looks locally or national but goes beyond our borders and brings artists from many corners of the world from the UK to the Middle East.
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“I wanted the lineup to not only have music variety but also reflect the cultural diversity the university has always championed.”
The festival will feature student exhibitions and installations as well as food trucks, with UniBar keeping the drinks flowing.
The festival is part of the University of Adelaide’s 150th anniversary celebrations and has been organised by third-year contemporary music students from the University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music in partnership with the university’s special events team.
The festival has found opportunities to bring in students at every chance, with the name determined by popular vote and the festival stage being designed by 10 architectural master’s students with expertise in experiential design.
Student organiser Kaitlyn Greatrex says this was a unique opportunity and they’ve created an event that will resonate with their friends.
“We’ve poured our hearts and souls into planning this celebration, and we’re excited to share our vision with the community,” she says.
“Not only are we contributing to a unique cultural experience, but we’re also gaining invaluable experience of the intricacies of planning a music festival of this calibre.”
Director of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Professor Anna Goldsworthy says AdeLOUD is “more than just a festival”.
“Student-run festivals like AdeLOUD are a wonderful way to nurture the next generation of music talent,” she says.
“The University’s decision to empower students to plan this event reflects our commitment to fostering student leadership and creativity. It’s also a testament to the incredible talent and passion of our students.
“Student life is at the heart of our institution, and this festival is the perfect balance of hard work and play.”
Tickets start at $25 for University of Adelaide students and $50 for non-students. Proceeds from tickets go to the university’s student emergency fund, to help students experiencing unexpected financial hardship. General tickets go on sale on September 13 and are available via Humantix.