We inspect NGV’s genre-spanning Friday Nights lineup.
Throughout February, March and April, National Gallery of Victoria’s Friday Nights series is paying homage to the ’80s and New York’s downtown in alignment with Keith Haring | Jean-Michael Basquiat: Crossing Lines. Not only will this instalment of the series showcase standout pieces from both artists, but the music offering is spotlighting the era through an exciting and diverse lineup. With such an incredible range of female artists on the bill, we thought it was worth highlighting some of the must-sees from this season’s program.
Simona Castricum
Australian musician, DJ and architecture lecturer at the University of Melbourne, Simona Castricum has been at the forefront of Melbourne’s music scene since the 1990s. Her work explores a multitude of styles, unpacking themes of gender and sexual non-conformity through synth-pop and techno.
Her Friday Nights appearance will feature a set dedicated to the development of pop through the ’80s. Continuing to evolve as one of Melbourne’s most unique electronic acts, she has been an exceptional and active advocate for the transgender community which has seen her DJ at Strawberry Fields and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Simona Castricum will perform as part of Friday Nights’ dedicated New Wave & Boogie night at NGV on Friday February 14.
Ruby Savage
All the way from the UK, Ruby Savage is another exciting addition to NGV’s slate of talented female acts. Drawing from her past experience within London’s underground club scene, Savage guides listeners through a unique stream of dance music, heavily influenced by the reggae scene of UK punk and dub. Born in Amsterdam to English and Surinamese parents, Savage’s personal journey in music began when she found soul and reggae, each of which serve as major influences on her distinctive sound. Since moving to London in 2007, she is continuously on the search for new scenes and musical freedom.
At NGV, Savage will play everything from warm grooves to straight-up pumping beats. Harmony lays an important foundation to good vibes for all and Savage will be serving it in spades when she brings gallery-goers to the dancefloor.
Ruby Savage will perform at the Pop, Rock & Post-Punk Funk night at NGV on Friday February 26.
DJ JNETT
Melbourne-based Janette Pitruzzello, aka DJ JNETT, has been a significant figure within the Australian dance music scene since the early ’90s. Her memorable live performances are a product of her magnetic energy and, of course, her DJing skills. With a career spanning over two decades, she is continuously enhancing her craft.
As a former frequent presenter on ABC’s Recovery, as well as leading her own program Are You Ready? on PBS 106.7FM, her diverse repertoire of deep house, techno, funk, soul, disco and hip hop has also seen her play an important role in inspiring her community while winning over infinite Melbourne fans.
With her heavyweight musical knowledge, DJ JNETT’s Friday Nights appearance will revive the glory days of the legendary NYC discotheque Paradise Garage, with a tribute set for the finale of the Crossing Lines season.
DJ JNETT will perform as part of the Minimal Wave / Garage night at NGV on Saturday April 11.
Merve
Also a Melbourne-based DJ and curator, Merve – born and raised amongst the dynamic punk scene of Collingwood – has quickly become a rising musician amongst the Melbourne electronic music community. As a young artist, Merve’s drive is to create a connection with her crowd and give back to her community. She also hosts a monthly radio show on Hope ST Radio, Noctilucent, where she discusses her love for ambient and experimental music.
Behind the decks, Merve explores house, acid, tribal, techno and everything in between, sprinkled evenly throughout her set. Her sounds aspire for a rhythmic exchange between herself and her crowd, connecting dancers to a wider vibration and, ultimately, a higher groove.
At the NGV, following the movements of music after disco, Merve hopes to deliver a set that exceeds expectations and further branches out into her passion for the Australian dance music scene. As a programmer, agent and DJ, she is a growing young artist climbing towards success.
Merve will be performing at the Beyond Golden night at NGV on Friday March 6.
Memphis LK
Memphis LK is a Melbourne-based artist, producer, vocalist and DJ. Through the independent production of powerful singles such as ‘Speak Honestly’, her purposeful lyrics share her journey to self-empowerment against a unique and vibrant style of music. Now a welcome addition to Dot Dash Recordings (Methyl Ethel, Sui Zhen), she continues to bloom with a promising album on the horizon.
Growing up, Memphis was heavily influenced by ’90s R&B and soul legends, ultimately finding her passion for electronic music approximately six years ago. Now a versatile artist, her singles deliver a strong message to her audience, whether on the dance floor or through streaming.
Memphis LK will perform as part of the Only Disco night at NGV on Friday March 27.
This season of NGV Friday Nights runs until Saturday April 11. For the full program, tickets and more information, head to the gallery website.
